Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes bring a touch of sweetness and love that’s perfect for special occasions, like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. I remember the first time I made these delightful pastries; the delicious aroma wafting through my kitchen as they baked felt like a warm hug. With the combination of flaky puff pastry, rich cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries, these heart-shaped treats are not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful indulgence that will melt hearts and make any gathering feel more special.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is a winner for a multitude of reasons! It marries simplicity with impressive results, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. First, the use of store-bought puff pastry saves time, allowing you to focus on the fun part—creating adorable heart shapes! Plus, who wouldn’t love a pastry filled with creamy goodness and fresh fruit?
“These danishes are the perfect blend of sweet and creamy, plus they look stunning on the plate!” — A satisfied home baker
Perfect for breakfast in bed or as a sweet snack during a cozy movie night, these danishes elevate any scenario. And let’s not forget how budget-friendly they are; just a few ingredients come together to create something truly special without breaking the bank.
Step-by-step overview
Making Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes is not only simple but also a delightful experience from start to finish. With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of heart-shaped pastries that will impress everyone. Here’s how this dish comes together:
- Preheat your oven while you prepare the pastry.
- Cut the puff pastry into heart shapes and prepare the filling.
- Assemble the danishes with cream cheese and strawberries.
- Brush on an egg wash for that golden finish, and bake to perfection.
This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process smoothly.
What you’ll need
To make these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite fruit or adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese if you prefer.
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Put a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each heart-shaped pastry. Top generously with chopped strawberries.
- Gently fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a sealed heart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush this egg wash over the pastries for a beautiful golden color.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are golden and puffed.
- Once done, let them cool slightly before dusting with additional powdered sugar. Enjoy your delightful Valentine’s Day dessert!
Best ways to enjoy it
These heart danishes can be served in various delightful ways. For a brunch gathering, arrange them on a platter alongside a bowl of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for dipping. Pairing them with a fresh fruit salad can also add a refreshing touch. Want to kick things up a notch? A drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the experience, making every bite more decadent.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftover danishes? No problem! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life of about a week. To reheat, pop them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes every time, here are a few tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Don’t overfill your pastries; a tablespoon of filling goes a long way.
- Always use a gently floured surface when rolling out your pastry to prevent sticking.
- If you want an extra touch, add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty twist.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can use different fruits like blueberries or raspberries to change things up. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture or experimenting with flavored extracts, like almond or lemon.
Common questions
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! While store-bought pastry saves time, homemade puff pastry will give a unique flavor and texture. Just ensure to chill it well before use.
What is the best way to serve these danishes?
They are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, but you can also serve them at room temperature. Pair them with coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
How long do they take to prepare?
The total time is about 30-40 minutes, including preparation and baking.
Can I freeze the danishes for later?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked danishes before egg washing. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is a good option.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
You can use gluten-free puff pastry instead of traditional pastry for a gluten-free option. Just be aware that baking times might vary.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes! Cream cheese can be replaced with ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness as necessary.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based milk for the egg wash, and ensure the puff pastry is dairy-free. Enjoy experimenting!
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are not just a delicious treat but also a sweet way to show your affection. With minimal effort and maximum impact, they’re sure to become a staple for any romantic occasion!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful heart-shaped pastries filled with cream cheese and fresh strawberries, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Put a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each heart-shaped pastry. Top generously with chopped strawberries.
- Gently fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a sealed heart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush this egg wash over the pastries for a beautiful golden color.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are golden and puffed.
- Once done, let them cool slightly before dusting with additional powdered sugar. Enjoy your delightful Valentine’s Day dessert!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for a week. Can be frozen unbaked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
