Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

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Buttery, flaky, and filled with a dreamy cream cheese filling, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are as charming as they are delicious. Each delicate heart-shaped pastry boasts golden puff pastry, a rich and tangy cream cheese center, and fresh strawberry slices that add a fruity burst and natural sweetness. They’re finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them a visual treat perfect for brunch, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to impress someone special.

Not only are these danishes irresistible in taste, but they also look like something straight out of a pastry shop window. Despite their bakery-worthy appearance, they’re surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or trying puff pastry for the first time, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

• Perfect for holidays, brunches, or romantic gestures
• Uses store-bought puff pastry for ease
• Creamy, sweet, and tart all in one bite
• Elegant yet simple to assemble
• A fun way to bake with seasonal strawberries

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare these heart danishes, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Heart-shaped cookie cutter: Crucial for achieving the adorable heart shape. A medium size works best to hold the filling without overflow.
• Baking sheet and parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
• Mixing bowl and whisk: For blending the cream cheese filling to smooth perfection.
• Pastry brush: Useful for applying the egg wash to get that golden finish.
• Knife or small cutter: To create a border in the puff pastry that helps the filling stay centered.

These tools make the preparation not only easier but also more precise, which is important when working with puff pastry.

Preparation Tips

Let the puff pastry thaw until pliable but still cold to the touch—this helps maintain the flaky layers during baking. Always work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. When cutting the hearts, press firmly and evenly to get clean edges. For the filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened; this ensures it mixes smoothly with sugar and vanilla without lumps. Finally, don’t overfill each danish to prevent leakage while baking. A small dollop in the center goes a long way, especially once topped with strawberries.

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Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• Fresh strawberries, sliced (about 4-5 medium strawberries)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Flour, for dusting your work surface

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Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth any creases and slightly thin the dough. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of hearts—two for each danish (a base and a frame). If you’d like a layered border, use a smaller heart cutter to remove the center of half the hearts, creating a frame.

Step 2: Assemble the Heart Base

Place the solid heart-shaped bases on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a smaller heart shape inside the base (without cutting all the way through). This inner line helps the pastry puff around the filling. Prick the center gently with a fork to prevent over-puffing.

Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk or beat with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and lump-free.

Step 4: Add the Pastry Frames

Brush the outer edge of each heart base with water and place the cut-out heart frames over them, pressing gently to secure. This step adds height and creates a little well for the filling. Chill the assembled pastry in the fridge for 10 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 5: Fill the Danishes

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, smoothing it gently without overfilling. Top with 2–3 strawberry slices, arranging them attractively.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make the egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the outer edges of the puff pastry (not the filling). This will help achieve a golden brown crust.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden, crisp, and puffed around the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbrowning.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Notes

These danishes are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re made, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the strawberries are vibrant. If you’re planning to make them ahead, consider assembling the pastry and storing it unbaked in the fridge, then baking fresh when needed. You can also experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peach slices depending on the season.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common mistake is using puff pastry that’s too warm—this can cause the layers to melt and bake unevenly. Always keep the dough cool until it’s ready for the oven. Overfilling is another issue; too much cream cheese or fruit can result in soggy centers or spillage. Also, skipping the egg wash will lead to dull, pale pastries rather than beautifully golden results. Finally, don’t skip pricking the base—it helps keep the center from puffing up and pushing the filling off.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to refresh the crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry chewy. If you’re storing them without fruit (just cream cheese filling), you can freeze the unbaked pastries and add fresh strawberries before baking.

Estimated Nutrition

Per 1 danish (based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~220 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 135mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best because frozen ones release too much liquid as they bake, which can make the pastry soggy.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone is a good alternative for a richer filling. Greek yogurt can also be used, though the texture will be looser.

Do I have to use a heart-shaped cutter?

No, any shape will work—circles or squares are great too. The heart shape adds charm, especially for special occasions.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and a non-dairy puff pastry (many store-bought ones are accidentally vegan).

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure not to overfill and chill the danishes before baking to help the pastry hold its shape.

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

You can, but it’s best to stick to plain or mildly flavored types so it doesn’t overpower the strawberries.

Should I bake on the top or middle rack?

Bake on the middle rack to ensure even heat distribution and avoid burning the bottoms.

Can I make these with kids?

Absolutely! Kids love cutting shapes and placing strawberries. Just supervise during oven steps and when handling egg wash.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful combination of elegance and ease. Whether you’re looking to make a charming treat for a special someone or a sweet addition to your brunch table, these pastries deliver both beauty and flavor. With a little puff pastry magic and a creamy, fruity center, they’re bound to impress—and disappear quickly!

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