Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed (substitute: two sheets crescent roll dough, texture will differ); 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature (substitute: dairy-free cream cheese for vegan/dairy-free); 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

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Introduction

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a charming and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. With flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, they’re as beautiful as they are tasty. Ready in just 40 minutes, they make any occasion special.

The image shows six heart-shaped pastries arranged on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a golden-brown puff pastry base with visible flaky layers, topped with a pink cream layer that looks smooth and glossy. On top of the pink cream, there are several slices of bright red strawberries, slightly juicy and fresh, arranged in a neat pattern following the heart shape. The lighting highlights the textures of the flaky pastry and the glossy cream, making the strawberries look fresh and vibrant. 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/dairy-free)
2 tbsp white sugar (substitute: powdered sugar for a 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 directions, usually 30–60 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. 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 the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a drop or two of red food coloring if you want a pink tint. Fold in half of the diced strawberries for texture, reserving the rest for topping.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, unfold and gently roll the thawed pastry to remove creases. Use a 3–4 inch heart-shaped cutter to cut out about 4 hearts from the sheet.
Step 4: Create a border on each heart by either pressing a smaller heart cutter lightly in the center without cutting through or scoring a 1/2-inch border with a knife to help the edges puff up and hold the filling.
Step 5: Spoon or pipe 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, staying inside the border. Top with remaining diced strawberries. Avoid overfilling to allow the pastry to puff properly.
Step 6: Whisk the egg with cold water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with the wash for a golden, shiny finish. Be careful not to get egg wash on the filling.
Step 7: Bake on the middle oven rack for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed and the filling is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
Step 8: Let the danishes cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once slightly cooled.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use dairy-free puff pastry if available.
Using freshly diced strawberries enhances flavor and texture, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain well to prevent soggy pastry.
A small drop of red food coloring gently tints the cream cheese for a festive touch without affecting taste.
Experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor twist.
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use any cookie cutter or cut squares and score borders instead.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy pastry.

How to Serve

The image shows five heart-shaped pastries arranged on a wooden board over a white marbled surface, each with a golden-brown flaky crust. The base layer is a light, crispy pastry, topped with a thin, creamy pink layer that looks smooth and soft. On top of this layer, there are bright red strawberry slices arranged neatly, giving a fresh and juicy look. The pastries have a shiny glaze that makes them look moist and appetizing. The lighting highlights the textures of the crust and fruit, making the colors pop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours. Bake just before serving for the freshest results. Alternatively, bake completely and reheat as explained in storage.

Can I freeze these danishes?

You can freeze assembled but unbaked danishes on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.