The Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are quite simply everything you hope for in a homemade pastry—delicate, buttery pastry hearts, rich and creamy filling, and a vibrant swirl of strawberry jam that turns every bite into a little celebration. Whether you’re baking these for a loved one on Valentine’s Day, brunch with friends, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this treat manages to be both stunning and incredibly easy to prepare, making even beginner bakers feel like seasoned pros. It’s the kind of recipe that gathers everyone around the kitchen counter, each danish promising a burst of cheer in every sweet, flaky mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to create Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, but each one plays a starring role. Classic puff pastry provides flaky layers, while cream cheese brings that dreamy richness. Strawberry jam sings with natural sweetness and color, making every heart irresistible.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): This is your shortcut to those gorgeously airy, golden-brown layers—a true time saver that bakes up beautifully.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The creamy base for the filling, ensuring a luscious texture and a balanced tang to counter the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough sweetness to make the filling decadent, but not overpowering.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity that elevates the cream cheese mixture.
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A little goes a long way—this is optional, but adds a lovely floral note that makes the danishes unforgettable.
- Strawberry jam or preserves (1/3 cup): Brings color, fruity brightness, and that irresistible gooeyness on top.
- Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash): A golden finish starts here—brushing the edges gives you that bakery-worthy shine.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): For a final sprinkle of magic and a pretty, snowy look.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s nice and hot when your danishes go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the pastries from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry Hearts
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed sheet of puff pastry to smooth the seams and make it just a bit thinner. Slice it into six even rectangles. Fold each rectangle in half, then use a cookie cutter (or a steady hand and a sharp knife) to cut out heart shapes, keeping both layers together so each heart is picture-perfect. Carefully open each heart and transfer the shapes to your parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a whisper of almond extract. The texture should be smooth and creamy, with the almond adding an aromatic hint that pairs beautifully with berries.
Step 4: Fill and Top Your Danishes
Spoon about one teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each heart and spread gently, leaving a clear border (so those lovely edges rise and puff properly). Then, crown each with a heaping teaspoon of strawberry jam—don’t worry if it isn’t perfect; a bit of swirl just adds charm!
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with your beaten egg. This will help the hearts bake up with a glossy, golden-brown finish. Slide the tray into the oven, and let the danishes bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until they’re beautifully puffed and irresistibly golden.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, allow your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes to cool for a few minutes (that filling gets hot!). Dust with powdered sugar if you’d like—a gentle snowfall that makes these pastries truly magical. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Garnishes
A flutter of powdered sugar is classic, but don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or fresh strawberry pieces on top. The contrast of a little green or extra berry makes each heart look straight from a bakery window.
Side Dishes
Pair Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes with a fresh fruit salad or a parfait of Greek yogurt and granola for brunch, or just a mug of strong coffee if you’re indulging in a slow morning. The richness of the pastry and tangy filling play beautifully with both fruity and creamy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, place each danish on a small doily or a dainty plate, and serve with a tiny ramekin of extra jam for dipping. These also make adorable party favors wrapped in cellophane and ribbon—everyone loves an edible heart!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes (hard to believe!), they’ll keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or in the fridge for up to three days. The pastry will soften slightly but will remain delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze baked danishes once cooled: arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then store in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for a month, perfect for pulling out when you need a sweet surprise. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To restore their crispiness, pop danishes in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–8 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but a quick bake makes the puff pastry flaky and warm again.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of jam?
Absolutely! Strawberry jam is a classic pairing, but you can experiment with raspberry, apricot, blackberry, or even a dollop of lemon curd for a bright, tangy twist. The technique remains the same, so feel free to get creative!
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No problem at all—use a small knife to cut out a heart shape by hand, or simply make round or square danishes instead. They’ll taste every bit as good and look just as inviting.
Can I make these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the unbaked heart danishes, cover, and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just bake—fresh from the oven is always best for that crisp, flaky texture.
Is it possible to use low-fat cream cheese?
You can swap in low-fat cream cheese if you’d like a lighter version. The filling will be a bit less rich, but still creamy and satisfying. Just make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
For crisp pastry, make sure to leave a border for the edges, and don’t overload the centers with filling or jam. Baking on parchment and enjoying soon after baking also helps keep Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes delightfully crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about making Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes from scratch—the golden pastry, luscious filling, and bold strawberry topping combine to create a treat that feels both special and satisfyingly simple. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or just a reason to celebrate, I hope you’ll find endless joy sharing (and devouring) these sweet little hearts.
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes for a sweet and flaky treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. These pastries feature a buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and luscious strawberry jam, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Additional:
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into 6 rectangles. Fold each rectangle in half and cut a heart shape using a cookie cutter or knife, keeping the heart shapes intact. Transfer hearts to the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each heart and spread gently, leaving a border. Top with 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
- Bake: Brush the pastry edges lightly with the beaten egg. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute strawberry jam with fresh diced strawberries or another favorite jam.
- Make-ahead tip: prepare the hearts and filling ahead, and bake just before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
