Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are like tiny pastries of love, bursting with sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese. Each bite is a delightful experience that will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Imagine walking into your kitchen, the aroma of fresh pastry wafting through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy café. These danishes are perfect for breakfast or brunch, or even as a special treat for date night. Plus, they look so cute that they’ll make your heart flutter!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are incredibly easy to prepare and ready in under an hour
- The flavor combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheese is simply irresistible
- Their charming heart shape makes them perfect for any romantic occasion
- Enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature; they stay delicious either way
The first time I made these danishes, my friend thought I had become a professional pastry chef. She was shocked when I told her how simple they were to whip up!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Store-bought Puff Pastry: This is the secret weapon for flaky and tender crusts; just thaw it before use for best results.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries; their sweetness enhances the filling beautifully.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer taste; let it soften to mix easily.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling, balancing out the tartness of the strawberries.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to your filling; pure vanilla extract works best.
Egg Wash: Beat an egg with a bit of water to create a golden glaze on your pastries before baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, slice those ripe strawberries and set them aside so they can shine later.
Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. It should smell heavenly!
Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife – don’t worry if they’re not perfect!
Add Filling and Assemble: Place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each heart shape, then add a few strawberry slices on top. Fold over one side of the heart and pinch edges to seal.
Create an Egg Wash Glaze: Beat an egg with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over each danish to give them that gorgeous golden color.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. The aroma will make you drool!
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes warm or let them cool slightly before serving. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here), they’re bound to steal hearts!
You Must Know
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are not just delicious; they add a touch of love to any brunch table
- The flaky pastry pairs perfectly with sweet cream cheese and strawberries, making it a treat that everyone will adore
- These danishes not only taste great but also look stunning!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prepare the filling while the dough rests for optimal flakiness. Bake until golden brown and the filling bubbles for the best texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist. Adding a pinch of lemon zest brightens the cream cheese filling beautifully, enhancing flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen can become mushy when baked
- Ensure dough is cold before rolling out to maintain flakiness
- Brush with an egg wash for a golden shine that impresses everyone at brunch!
Creating these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes reminds me of my first baking adventure with my grandmother. She always said, “If it doesn’t make a mess, you’re not having fun!”
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pastry dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and still yields delightful results.
What’s the best way to serve these danishes?
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of fresh fruit!
How can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Prepare the filling and assemble them, then freeze unbaked danishes; bake directly from frozen!
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful treat that combines flaky pastry with sweet strawberries and creamy filling. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy breakfast, these charming heart-shaped pastries are easy to make and bring a touch of love to any table. With their irresistible flavor and beautiful appearance, they’re sure to impress your family and friends.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick and cut out heart shapes.
- Place a spoonful of filling and some strawberry slices on each heart shape, fold over, and pinch edges to seal.
- Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake on parchment-lined sheet for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish (50g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
