If you have a soft spot for pastries that feel as delightful to make as they are to eat, then you are going to absolutely adore this Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe. These charming, flaky puff pastry hearts are filled with a luscious cream cheese blend and a sweet dollop of strawberry jam, creating a perfect harmony of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors. Whether it’s a special breakfast treat, a fun brunch centerpiece, or an anytime indulgence, these danishes are guaranteed to bring a warm smile and a little burst of happiness to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret behind the magic of this recipe. Each item plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance that makes these danishes so special.
- Puff pastry sheet: This flaky and buttery base puffs up beautifully to give the danishes their signature lightness and golden crust.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides a rich, creamy filling that complements the sweetness of the jam perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to mellow the cream cheese without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the cream cheese filling flavor.
- Strawberry jam: Offers a fruity burst and lovely bright color that contrasts delightfully with the creamy center.
- Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash to brush the pastry edges so they bake to a beautiful golden finish and shine.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to give your danishes that perfect bake. While it heats up, lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Then cut it into adorable heart shapes — these cutouts will be the foundation of your danishes’ delightful look and texture.
Step 2: Whip up the cream cheese filling
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and silky. This luscious filling brings that heavenly creaminess that balances the fruity strawberry topping. Make sure the cream cheese is nicely softened for a smooth blend without lumps.
Step 3: Assemble your danishes
Carefully spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart-shaped pastry. Over this, add about a teaspoon of strawberry jam, making sure it sits prettily without spilling over the edges. This layering of creamy and fruity ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Add the golden touch
Brush the edges of each heart with the beaten egg. This simple step is essential to achieving the irresistible golden color and slight crispiness on the edges that make these danishes so inviting.
Step 5: Bake until golden and puffed
Place your prepared danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they puff up beautifully and turn that irresistible golden brown color that signals they are perfectly done.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your danishes cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the filling set slightly, making them easier to enjoy without any mess. Then, dive right in and savor the delicious harmony of flaky, creamy, and fruity goodness.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra charm and flavor, consider dusting your danishes lightly with powdered sugar or adding small fresh strawberry slices on top. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint can also brighten the presentation and add subtle flavor layers.
Side Dishes
These heart danishes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bright herbal tea like chamomile or mint. For brunch, complement them with fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not arrange your danishes on a pretty platter lined with edible flowers or fresh berries for a festive look? You could serve them at a Valentine’s Day breakfast or a birthday surprise — they make any occasion feel a little more special just by showing up on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their freshness and texture for up to 2 days, making them a quick go-to for a next-day treat without the fuss.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the fully baked danishes. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can last up to 1 month frozen — simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the danish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive the flaky texture and warm the creamy filling without sogginess. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that crispness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give your danishes an extra special flaky texture, though store-bought puff pastry works perfectly well for a quicker option without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to substitute the strawberry jam with other flavors?
Definitely! Raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam all make delicious alternatives that work beautifully with the cream cheese filling, offering delightful variations on the classic recipe.
Can I make these danishes vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based puff pastry. Just make sure to use a vegan egg wash substitute like almond milk mixed with a bit of maple syrup for a golden finish.
How do I make sure the cream cheese filling doesn’t leak during baking?
Be careful not to overfill the pastries and ensure the jam stays centered. Brushing the edges with egg wash and gently sealing can help keep the filling in place as the danishes puff up.
Can these danishes be made smaller or larger?
Yes! You can cut the puff pastry into smaller or larger hearts depending on your needs. Just keep the filling proportions balanced to avoid overstuffing or underwhelming bites.
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe is a genuinely joyful experience from start to finish. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create beautiful, delicious pastries perfect for sharing or treating yourself. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a treasured favorite in your kitchen, bringing smiles and buttery sweetness to every occasion.
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, perfect for a sweet breakfast or an elegant brunch treat. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, topped with a dollop of strawberry jam and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping & Finish
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your danishes.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Danishes: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart-shaped pastry.
- Add Jam: Top each cream cheese-filled pastry with a teaspoon of strawberry jam for a burst of fruity sweetness.
- Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry heart with the beaten egg to help them brown beautifully in the oven.
- Bake: Arrange the danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the danishes to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry completely for easy handling and best results.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or apricot jam for different flavor variations.
- Use cold egg wash for a more controlled brushing to avoid drips on the baking sheet.
- Serve fresh for the best puff and texture, although leftovers can be gently reheated.
