Print

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

Delight in these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, perfect for a special breakfast or sweet snack. Made with flaky puff pastry, a smooth cream cheese filling tinted with a hint of vanilla and optional red food coloring, and fresh diced strawberries, these pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious. They bake up golden and puffed, offering the perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors wrapped in buttery layers.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed (substitute: two sheets crescent roll dough, texture will differ)

Filling

  • 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)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pastry and Oven: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions (typically 30–60 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge). Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If desired, add a drop or two of red food coloring and mix gently to create a soft pink hue. Fold in half of the diced strawberries if you want some incorporated inside the filling; reserve the remainder for topping later.
  3. Cut the Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll the dough just enough to remove any creases. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter about 3 to 4 inches in size, cut out approximately 4 hearts from one sheet depending on the size of your cutter.
  4. Form the Edges: Choose one of two methods: Option A – use a smaller heart cutter to press lightly in the center of each cutout without cutting all the way through to create a rim; or Option B – score a 1/2-inch border around each heart with a knife without cutting through, which will create a raised edge when baked that will hold the filling securely.
  5. Fill and Top: Spoon or pipe 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart, staying within the rim or scored edges to allow room for the pastry to puff. Top with the remaining diced strawberries, distributing evenly but do not overfill as the pastry needs room to rise.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash to help achieve a shiny, golden-brown finish. Take care not to let any egg wash drip onto the filling to avoid browning it unevenly.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and the filling appears set. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time if your oven tends to have hot spots for even cooking.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to allow the filling to set fully. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk once the pastries are slightly cooled for extra sweetness and an elegant finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute crescent roll dough for the puff pastry, but note the texture will be different and less flaky.
  • For a vegan or dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and ensure puff pastry is suitable for your diet.
  • Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw them fully and drain excess moisture to prevent soggy pastry.
  • Do not overfill the danishes, as puff pastry needs room to expand and puff during baking.
  • The simple glaze adds sweetness and shine if you prefer a sweeter danish, but it is optional.

Keywords: Strawberry Danish, Cream Cheese Pastry, Puff Pastry Recipe, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Pastry, Holiday Pastry, Valentine's Day Pastry

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