Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Why make this recipe
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a loved one on Valentine’s Day or just want to enjoy a delightful treat, these sweet pastries are sure to impress. They combine the rich flavors of cream cheese and strawberries, making each bite creamy and fruity. Plus, they look beautiful and are easy to make!
How to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed to package directions)
- 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- 1/2 C diced strawberries
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp cold water
Directions:
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet as per package directions. You can either leave it on the counter for about 2 hours or thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add a few drops of red food coloring to the cream cheese mixture until you reach your desired pink hue.
- Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or a sharp knife.
- Place the heart-shaped pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each heart.
- Top the cream cheese with the diced strawberries.
- Cut a small slit in the center of each heart to allow steam to escape. This will help keep your pastry flaky.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Brush the egg wash over the edges of each pastry heart for a lovely golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
How to serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Serve these delicious danishes warm from the oven. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea and are great for breakfast or as a dessert.
How to store Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.
Tips to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so it mixes smoothly.
- Don’t overload the cream cheese and strawberries; keep the filling in the center to avoid spills.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry to ensure clean, even edges.
Variation
You can change the fruit filling based on your taste. Try using blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different flavor profile!
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade puff pastry can be used for a fresher taste, but it requires more effort and time.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can skip the food coloring or use a bit of strawberry puree to naturally tint your cream cheese.
Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked danishes. Just assemble them and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Ingredients
Method
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package directions, either on the counter for about 2 hours or in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add red food coloring to the cream cheese mixture until you reach your desired pink hue.
- Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or a sharp knife.
- Place the heart-shaped pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each heart.
- Top the cream cheese with the diced strawberries.
- Cut a small slit in the center of each heart to allow steam to escape.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of cold water and brush it over the edges of each pastry heart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.