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
Scale
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.
