You’re in for a treat with these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes! Picture this: a cozy afternoon, sunshine streaming through the kitchen window, and the sweet aroma of strawberries and baked pastry filling the air. These little heart-shaped pastries are not just adorable; they’re also scrumptious. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack, they’re bound to put a smile on anyone’s face.
why make this recipe
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a warm, flaky pastry stuffed with sweet cream cheese and vibrant strawberries? This recipe is ridiculously easy, making it perfect for beginners. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate love—whether it’s for a partner, family, or just a little self-love. They also make a delightful addition to any gathering or special occasion. Everyone will be reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
how to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Let’s get cooking! To start off, gather your ingredients. You’ll need a package of store-bought puff pastry, some cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, fresh strawberries, an egg for washing, and a bit of flour. Trust me, it’s all worth it!
Ingredients:
- 1 package store-bought puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place the heart pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each pastry heart.
- Top with diced strawberries.
- Fold the edges of the pastry over slightly to create a lovely border.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the edges of the pastry for that golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
how to serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
These danishes are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a gorgeous centerpiece for a brunch table! A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes them feel extra special. If you want to elevate the experience, serve with some homemade pepper jam, and watch your guests rave about them.
how to store Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for a couple of days. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up before serving again. You might even want to try them cold—yum!
tips to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. That makes mixing super easy.
- Don’t skip the egg wash! It helps those edges achieve that gorgeous shine.
- Feel free to experiment with other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries. They’re delightful too! You could also check out my recipe for blueberry cream cheese pastries for more ideas.
- Keep an eye on them while baking. Ovens can vary, and you want them perfectly golden.
variation (if any)
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. It adds a refreshing zing! Another fun idea is to drizzle a little chocolate over the top once they’re cooled. You really can’t go wrong with more chocolate, right?
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it according to the package directions before using it.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the danishes up to the point of baking. Just cover them and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
What other fruits can I use?
You can try using apples, peaches, or even a mix of your favorite berries. The possibilities are endless!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful heart-shaped pastries filled with sweet cream cheese and fresh strawberries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package store-bought puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place the heart pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each pastry heart.
- Top with diced strawberries.
- Fold the edges of the pastry over slightly to create a lovely border.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the edges of the pastry for that golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Best served warm, you can pair them with coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: strawberry danishes, cream cheese pastries, heart-shaped pastries, dessert, brunch
