Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danish Recipe

Introduction

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. With flaky puff pastry, creamy sweet filling, and fresh strawberries, they make a charming and delicious pastry anyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (a few drops)
• 1/2 cup diced strawberries
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package directions, either on the counter for 2 hours or in the fridge overnight.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of red food coloring and stir to combine. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Unfold the thawed puff pastry and use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 7 hearts. Place them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Use a sharp knife or smaller heart cookie cutter to score a border about 1/4 inch from the edge of each heart. Be careful to cut only shallowly, not all the way through.
6. Step 6: Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart and spread it inside the scored border.
7. Step 7: Evenly sprinkle diced strawberries over the cream cheese filling, keeping within the border.
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water to make an egg wash. Using a finger or small brush, apply the egg wash to the outer border of each heart.
9. Step 9: Bake the danishes for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and puffed.
10. Step 10: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Use fresh raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
• If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, a round cutter works well too for a classic look.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth and fluffy filling.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry is usually sold frozen. Just be sure to thaw it completely according to the package instructions before using.

Can I prepare these danishes ahead of time?

You can assemble the danishes and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the best flaky texture.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danish Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

Delight in these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and fresh diced strawberries. These elegant pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, combining creamy, fruity flavors with a golden, crispy crust.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 7 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• red food coloring (a few drops)

Fruit Topping

• 1/2 cup diced strawberries

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

1. Thaw Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to the package directions, either by leaving it on the counter for about 2 hours or placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a pink hue, then set aside.
4. Cut Heart Shapes: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 7 heart shapes. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet; depending on your puff pastry and cutter size, you may get up to 9.
5. Score Borders: With a sharp knife or a smaller heart cookie cutter, gently score a border about 1/4 inch inside the edge of each heart. Be careful not to cut all the way through; just create a shallow indentation to outline the filling area.
6. Fill Danishes: Spoon approximately 1/2 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, spreading it evenly within the scored border.
7. Add Strawberries: Evenly distribute the diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling for a fresh fruity layer, taking care to stay inside the border.
8. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat together the egg and cold water to create an egg wash. Using your finger or a small pastry brush, carefully apply the egg wash to the outside border edge of each heart pastry to achieve a glossy, golden finish when baked.
9. Bake Pastries: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and puffed.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy these tasty pastries warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Thawing puff pastry thoroughly is crucial for achieving a flaky texture—avoid using partially thawed pastry.
• If you don’t have red food coloring, you can omit it; the filling will just be cream-colored instead of pink.
• You can substitute strawberries with other fresh berries or fruit if desired.
• Use a small brush to apply egg wash for more precision and to avoid filling contamination.
• These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: strawberry danish, cream cheese pastry, heart-shaped danish, puff pastry breakfast, easy danish recipe