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Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are delightful puff pastry treats filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh diced strawberries. These charming, heart-shaped pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion dessert. With a flaky golden crust and a creamy, fruity filling, they’re easy to make using store-bought puff pastry and bake quickly to a beautiful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Danish 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/dairy-free option)
  • 2 tbsp white sugar (substitute: powdered sugar for a smoother filling)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring (optional, 1-2 drops to tint filling)
  • 1/2 cup diced strawberries (fresh preferred; if frozen, thaw and drain)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions, typically 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 for easy cleanup.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add a drop or two of red food coloring if you’d like a pink tint. Fold in half of the diced strawberries to incorporate some fruity texture into the filling, reserving the rest for topping.
  3. Shape the Pastries: Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to smooth creases. Using a 3–4 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out hearts from the pastry. You will get about 4 hearts depending on size.
  4. Create the Pastry Edge: Option A: Use a smaller heart cutter to press lightly in the center of each heart, without cutting through, creating a raised rim. Option B: Score a 1/2-inch border around each heart with a knife without cutting all the way through. This border will puff and contain the filling during baking.
  5. Assemble the Danishes: Spoon or pipe 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, keeping inside the border to prevent overflow. Top each with the remaining diced strawberries, ensuring not to overfill so the pastry can puff properly.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with cold water to make the egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Avoid getting egg wash on the filling to prevent curdling.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the filling is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking if your oven tends to have hot spots.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheet 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 mixed with 1–2 tablespoons of milk once they have cooled slightly for added sweetness and presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and texture; if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture to avoid soggy danishes.
  • For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and puff pastry accordingly.
  • Do not overfill the pastries, as the puff pastry needs room to expand and puff during baking.
  • Scoring the border or pressing a smaller cutter to create an edge helps keep the filling contained and gives the pastry a beautiful puffed rim.
  • Egg wash on the pastry edges enhances browning and adds shine but avoid the filling to prevent it from baking unevenly.
  • These danishes are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Keywords: Strawberry Danish, Cream Cheese Pastry, Puff Pastry Dessert, Heart-shaped Danish, Easy Breakfast Pastry, Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-heart-danishes-recipe/