Introduction

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. With flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened filling, and fresh strawberries, these charming pastries are as pretty as they are delicious.

The image shows several heart-shaped pastries arranged closely on white parchment paper over a wooden board. Each pastry has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown flaky puff pastry with a textured, crispy look; the middle layer is a smooth, white creamy filling that fills the inner heart shape; and the top layer consists of chunky pieces of bright red strawberries that shine with a glossy glaze. The strawberries sit neatly inside the creamy layer, slightly overlapping and adding a fresh, juicy appearance. The photo is focused on the front pastry with a soft blur on the others in the background, all set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed (substitute: two sheets of crescent roll dough, texture will differ)
4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature (substitute: dairy-free cream cheese for vegan or dairy-free option)

2 tbsp white sugar (substitute: powdered sugar for smoother filling)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Red food coloring (optional, a drop or two to tint the filling)
1/2 cup diced strawberries (fresh preferred; if frozen, thaw and drain)

1 large egg
1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions, usually 30–60 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a drop of red food coloring if desired, mixing until the filling has a soft pink hue. Fold in half of the diced strawberries, reserving the rest for topping.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed pastry and gently roll to smooth out creases. Use a 3–4 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut hearts from the dough. You should get approximately 4 hearts from one sheet.
Step 4: To create a raised edge for the filling, either gently press a smaller heart cutter into the center without cutting through or score a 1/2-inch border around the edges with a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Step 5: Spoon or pipe 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart, staying inside the edge. Top with the remaining diced strawberries, being careful not to overfill so the pastry can puff properly.
Step 6: Whisk the egg with cold water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed edges of the pastry for a golden, shiny finish. Avoid getting egg wash on the filling.
Step 7: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the filling is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

Step 8: Allow danishes to cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons milk once slightly cooled.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid soggy pastry.
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure puff pastry is vegan.

Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy note.
Try different fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for variation.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Two heart-shaped pastries sit on a white plate over a white marbled texture. Each pastry has three visible layers: a golden brown flaky crust base, a creamy white layer of cheese filling in the middle, and a topping of bright red strawberry pieces glazed with a shiny syrup. The edges of the pastries are slightly puffed and crisp, with a slight sprinkling of sugar crystals on top, adding texture and sparkle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes up to the baking step and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Bring them to room temperature before placing them in the oven.

Can I freeze the danishes?

You can freeze unbaked assembled danishes on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.