Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful and romantic pastry that combines flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and fresh strawberry jam. These heart-shaped treats are perfect for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or simply indulging in a delicious homemade pastry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Uses store-bought puff pastry for a quick and simple process.
- Beautiful and Festive – The heart shape makes these pastries perfect for special occasions.
- Delicious Combination – Creamy filling and fruity jam create a delightful taste.
- Customizable – Use different jams or add fresh fruit toppings.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert – Great with coffee or as a sweet treat after a meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolk
- Strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Egg wash (egg mixed with a bit of water)
Directions
- Preheat and Prep – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the Hearts – Roll out the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out heart shapes.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling – In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Assemble the Danishes – Place half of the hearts on the baking sheet. Add a small dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center and top with strawberry jam. Use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center of the remaining hearts and place them on top.
- Seal and Brush – Lightly press the edges to seal and brush with egg wash.
- Bake – Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve – Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
Variations
- Different Jams – Try raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for variety.
- Fresh Fruit – Add sliced strawberries or raspberries on top before baking.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked pastries for extra indulgence.
- Cinnamon Sugar – Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a spiced twist.
- Vegan Option – Use dairy-free cream cheese and an egg substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked danishes for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, but store-bought saves time and works just as well.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat gives the best creamy texture.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling with jam and let the pastries cool before storing.
Can I make these without a heart cutter?
Yes, simply cut the pastry into squares or circles.
Why did my pastries puff up too much?
Make sure to press the edges together well and chill the assembled pastries before baking.
Can I use a different type of pastry?
Yes, but puff pastry gives the best flakiness.
What’s the best way to serve these?
Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
Yes, but cook them down slightly with sugar for a thicker consistency.
How long do these stay fresh?
Best enjoyed the same day, but they can be stored for a few days in the fridge.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a simple yet elegant pastry perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat. With a flaky crust, creamy filling, and fruity topping, these danishes will impress your loved ones and satisfy your cravings. Try them today!
PrintStrawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable heart-shaped danishes are made with flaky puff pastry, a rich cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberry jam. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, breakfast, or a special treat! Quick to make with store-bought puff pastry, these danishes are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
For the Danishes:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly and cut out heart shapes using a large cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches wide).
- Place the hearts on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
Assemble the Danishes:
- Using a smaller heart-shaped cutter or a knife, lightly score a smaller heart inside each puff pastry heart (don’t cut all the way through).
- Gently press down the inner heart to create a shallow well for the filling.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart.
- Add a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese.
Bake the Danishes:
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Make the Glaze & Finish:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danishes. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any fruit jam or preserves like raspberry or blueberry for variety.
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use a knife to carefully cut out heart shapes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *