Quick Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Introduction

Ever wondered if you could recreate that bakery window magic right in your own kitchen without spending hours kneading dough? It is a common belief that delicate laminated pastries are reserved for professional chefs with years of training but I am here to tell you that delicious and beautiful Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are completely achievable for any home cook. Whether you are a busy parent or someone looking to surprise a loved one these treats are the perfect way to show you care.

Hi there! I am Benjamin Sharif and if you have followed my journey at Mister Recipes you know that I believe food is the ultimate connector. I still remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen watching her work wonders with simple ingredients and that is the exact vibe we are going for today. These danishes are not just about the flaky crust and the sweet topping they are about the smile on your kids faces when they see a heart shaped breakfast or the quiet moment you share with your spouse over a cup of coffee. We are using a few clever shortcuts to make this recipe approachable while keeping that gourmet taste we all crave.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

• Perfect for Beginners: You do not need to be a pastry pro to master this recipe because we use high quality puff pastry as our secret weapon.
• Visually Stunning: The heart shape makes these incredibly photogenic and special for holidays like Valentines Day or anniversaries.
• Balanced Flavors: The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly offsets the sweetness of the strawberry jam and the buttery pastry.
• Customizable: While we love strawberries you can easily swap the fruit to suit your family’s preferences.
• Kid Friendly Activity: This is a great recipe to get the little ones involved in the kitchen especially when it comes to cutting out the heart shapes.

If you love the combination of fruit and creamy textures you might also want to check out my strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe which captures that same decadent spirit in a handheld bite.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

• Frozen Puff Pastry: Two sheets thawed according to package instructions but still cold to the touch.
• Cream Cheese: One block softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Use a high quality pure extract for the best flavor.
• Strawberry Jam or Preserves: Look for one with real fruit pieces for more texture.
• Fresh Strawberries: Thinly sliced to place on top of the danishes.
• Egg: Beaten with a splash of water to create an egg wash for that golden shine.
• Powdered Sugar: For an optional glaze or a simple dusting at the end.

For those who love making things from scratch I highly recommend using a strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe with homemade jam to take the fruit filling to the next level of freshness.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a small mixing bowl beat the softened cream cheese sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this aside.
3. Unroll your cold puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Using a heart shaped cookie cutter cut out as many hearts as possible from the sheets.
4. Place half of the hearts on the prepared baking sheets. For the other half use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers creating a heart shaped border.
5. Brush the solid hearts with a little bit of egg wash then place the heart borders on top of them. This creates a well for our filling.
6. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart.
7. Top the cream cheese with a small dollop of strawberry jam and a slice of fresh strawberry.
8. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the remaining egg wash to ensure a beautiful brown finish.
9. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pastry has puffed up significantly and turned a lovely golden color.
10. Let the danishes cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Pro Tips & Variations

To ensure your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes turn out perfectly every single time remember that temperature is key. Keep your puff pastry in the fridge until the very moment you are ready to cut it. If the butter inside the pastry melts before it hits the oven you will lose those beautiful flaky layers. If you find the pastry getting too soft simply pop the tray back in the fridge for ten minutes before baking.

For more inspiration on romantic treats you can explore this lovely variation or try making heart shaped sugar cookies recipe which are always a hit with my kids Adams and Jana. If you want to change the flavor profile try using raspberry jam or even a lemon curd for a bright zesty twist. You can even create a vegan strawberry cream danish recipe by using dairy free cream cheese and a vegan friendly puff pastry brand.

Serving Suggestions

These danishes are best enjoyed warm but they are also delicious at room temperature. For a full brunch spread I love serving these alongside savory options like baked ham and cheese croissants recipe to balance out the sweetness. You can also pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a steaming mug of cocoa for a cozy weekend morning. If you are hosting a party these look beautiful on a brunch board with various toppings and spreads.

Storage & Reheating for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

While these are best eaten the day they are made you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To regain that fresh from the oven crunch avoid the microwave. Instead reheat them in a toaster oven or a traditional oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. This will crisp up the pastry without making it rubbery.

FAQ about Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic blueberries raspberries or even thinly sliced peaches work beautifully with the cream cheese base.

Can I make these in advance?
You can prepare the heart shapes and the cream cheese filling ahead of time but I recommend assembling and baking them just before you plan to serve for the best texture.

Do I have to use a heart cutter?
Not at all. While the hearts are perfect for special occasions you can simply cut the pastry into squares or circles for an everyday treat. For more holiday ideas check out these danish hearts.

Final Thoughts on Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

I hope you enjoyed making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes as much as I do. There is something truly special about taking a few simple ingredients and turning them into a memory. If you tried this recipe please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you! Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it whenever the craving for something sweet and flaky hits. Subscribe to our newsletter at Mister Recipes for more family friendly classics and fun kitchen hacks. Grab your apron and let’s keep cooking!

C. Motter Cindy

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Delicious and visually stunning Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes that are perfect for beginners and special occasions. These treats feature a flaky pastry, tangy cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberry topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Servings: 12 danishes

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 sheets Frozen Puff Pastry thawed according to package instructions but still cold to the touch
• 1 block Cream Cheese softened at room temperature
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract high quality pure extract
• 2 tbsp Strawberry Jam or Preserves with real fruit pieces
• 1 cup Fresh Strawberries thinly sliced
• 1 Egg beaten with a splash of water
• 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar optional for dusting

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this aside.
3. Unroll your cold puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Using a heart shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible from the sheets.
4. Place half of the hearts on the prepared baking sheets. For the other half, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the centers creating a heart shaped border.
5. Brush the solid hearts with a little bit of egg wash then place the heart borders on top of them. This creates a well for our filling.
6. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart.
7. Top the cream cheese with a small dollop of strawberry jam and a slice of fresh strawberry.
8. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the remaining egg wash to ensure a beautiful brown finish.
9. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pastry has puffed up significantly and turned a lovely golden color.
10. Let the danishes cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 15g

Notes

To ensure your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes turn out perfectly every single time, remember that temperature is key. Keep your puff pastry in the fridge until the very moment you are ready to cut it. If the butter inside the pastry melts before it hits the oven, you will lose those beautiful flaky layers. If you find the pastry getting too soft, simply pop the tray back in the fridge for ten minutes before baking.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!