Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness and charm to any occasion. These delightful pastries feature a flaky, buttery base filled with a velvety cream cheese filling and topped with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. The heart shape makes them not only a delicious treat but also a visually stunning addition to any table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these danishes are guaranteed to impress with their irresistible combination of creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness.

The first time I made these, I was surprised by how easy they were to prepare, yet the result felt so luxurious. Rolling out the dough and shaping it into hearts was a fun and creative project, and the sweet, aromatic scent of strawberries and fresh pastry filling the air was simply heavenly. Once they were out of the oven, it was hard to wait for them to cool before taking a bite!

What I love most about Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes is their versatility. They’re perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or as a charming addition to a brunch spread. Plus, they’re easily customizable—try swapping the strawberry topping for another fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or even a chocolate spread for a decadent twist. No matter how you serve them, these danishes make every occasion feel a little more special.

Perfect for:

  • Valentine’s Day
  • Breakfast or brunch
  • Special occasions
  • Dessert lovers
  • Gift-giving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes will quickly become a favorite:

  • Flaky, Buttery Pastry: The puff pastry dough bakes up golden and crispy, offering a perfect balance to the creamy filling.
  • Rich Cream Cheese Filling: The smooth cream cheese mixture is tangy and sweet, making each bite melt in your mouth.
  • Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Sweetened strawberry preserves or fresh strawberries add a burst of fruity flavor to each bite.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: The heart shape makes them ideal for holidays, celebrations, and gifting.
  • Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these danishes are surprisingly simple to prepare.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 danishes
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 34g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ¼ cup strawberry preserves or fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Puff Pastry: The light, flaky layers of puff pastry create the perfect base for these danishes.
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy filling adds richness and smoothness to balance the sweetness of the pastry.
  • Strawberry Preserves: Sweet strawberry preserves provide an easy and delicious filling option, but fresh strawberries can also be used for a fresher taste.
  • Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the pastry a golden, shiny finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, chop them into small pieces. If using preserves, just set it aside for later.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 12×9 inches. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the dough.
  3. Cut Slits for the Heart Shape: To create the heart shape, use a sharp knife to carefully cut small slits along the edges of the hearts to make them appear more detailed.

Assemble the Danishes:

  1. Fill the Pastry Hearts: Place the heart-shaped puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a spoon, place a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry heart.
  2. Top with Strawberries: Spoon a small amount of strawberry preserves or place a few pieces of chopped fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
  3. Fold the Edges (Optional): Gently fold the edges of the pastry around the filling, leaving the center exposed to create a rustic, open-face look.

Bake the Danishes:

  1. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
  2. Bake: Bake the danishes for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.

Finishing Touches:

  1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the danishes have cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.

How to Serve

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. Here’s how to enjoy them:

  • With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Pair them with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect breakfast or brunch.
  • As a Dessert: Serve as a light dessert after a romantic dinner or during a holiday meal.
  • For Breakfast: These make an excellent addition to a special breakfast or brunch spread.
  • Gift-Giving: Package them up in a cute box and gift them to friends or loved ones as a thoughtful treat.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Berries: If you prefer fresh fruit over preserves, try adding sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fresh twist.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store in the fridge. Assemble the danishes just before baking.
  • Freeze Leftovers: These danishes can be frozen after baking. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
  • Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like raspberry jam or even lemon curd, for a variety of flavors.

Recipe Variations

  1. Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes: Use raspberry preserves or fresh raspberries instead of strawberries for a slightly tart flavor.
  2. Blueberry Cream Cheese Danishes: Swap the strawberries for blueberries for a vibrant and juicy option.
  3. Apple Cinnamon Danishes: Add sautéed apples and cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a fall-inspired twist.
  4. Peach Cream Cheese Danishes: Use peach preserves or fresh peaches for a sweet and juicy variation.
  5. Lemon Cream Cheese Danishes: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy note.
  6. Nutella Cream Cheese Danishes: Add a layer of Nutella on top of the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey twist.
  7. Mixed Berry Danishes: Combine different berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a mixed berry filling.
  8. Almond Cream Cheese Danishes: Mix almond extract into the cream cheese filling for a nutty flavor.
  9. Coconut Cream Cheese Danishes: Stir in shredded coconut into the cream cheese mixture for a tropical flavor.
  10. Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Danishes: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a sweet and creamy dessert.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: These danishes can be frozen before baking. Place the assembled but unbaked danishes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
  • Storage: Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the pastry.

Special Equipment

  • Parchment Paper: Ideal for lining your baking sheet to prevent the pastries from sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the puff pastry evenly to the desired thickness for your danishes.
  • Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter: Use this to cut perfect heart shapes from the puff pastry for a festive touch.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for brushing egg wash or melted butter onto the edges of the pastries before baking, giving them a golden, shiny finish.
  • Pastry Bag or Ziploc Bag: Useful for piping the cream cheese filling neatly into the center of each danish.
  • Cooling Rack: After baking, use a cooling rack to let the danishes cool evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • Baking Mat: A reusable silicone baking mat is perfect for baking danishes and ensures they cook evenly without sticking.
  • Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helpful for blending the cream cheese and sugar smoothly, ensuring a creamy filling for the danishes.
  • Small Offset Spatula: Great for spreading the cream cheese mixture onto the pastry without tearing it.
  • Sifter: If you’re dusting the baked danishes with powdered sugar, a sifter ensures an even and delicate layer of sugar.

FAQ

  1. Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, store-bought puff pastry or crescent roll dough works great if you want to save time.
  2. Can I make these danishes without a heart shape? Absolutely! You can shape them into squares, rounds, or any shape you prefer.
  3. Can I use a different fruit filling? Yes, feel free to substitute the strawberry preserves with any fruit jam or fresh fruit of your choice.
  4. How can I make these more decadent? Add a drizzle of icing over the cooled danishes for an extra sweet touch.
  5. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling and pastry in advance, then assemble and bake them when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a sweet, flaky, and indulgent treat perfect for any special occasion. With their delicate pastry, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry topping, these danishes are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, enjoying a holiday, or simply treating yourself to a delicious breakfast, these danishes will add a touch of elegance and sweetness to the moment.

Easy to prepare yet beautifully impressive, these heart-shaped pastries are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The creamy cream cheese filling blends perfectly with the fresh, tangy strawberry topping, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors.

I can’t wait to see your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danish creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this delicious treat to life. Don’t forget to share any twists you put on the recipe in the comments. Happy baking!

Leave a Comment