Introduction

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion. Flaky puff pastry envelops a sweet cream cheese filling topped with fresh strawberries, creating a lovely balance of flavors and textures.

The image shows six heart-shaped pastries arranged on a wooden board set on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a golden-brown puff pastry base with a thick layer of smooth pink cream spread on top. Fresh red strawberry pieces are scattered on the pink cream in each pastry, adding texture and color contrast. Around the board, whole fresh strawberries with green leaves are placed, enhancing the fresh and sweet look of the scene. In the background, there are two gray cups that are softly blurred, drawing focus to the pastries in the front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
Cream Cheese Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tbsp white sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Red food colouring, a few drops
1/2 cup diced strawberries

Egg Wash:

1 large egg
1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to the package instructions. You can leave it on the counter for about 2 hours or thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of red food colouring and mix to combine. Set aside.
Step 4: Unfold the thawed puff pastry. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 7 hearts and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. You may get up to 9 depending on your cutter and pastry size.
Step 5: With a sharp knife or a smaller heart cookie cutter, score a border about 1/4 inch inside the edge of each heart. Be sure not to cut all the way through—just create a shallow outline.
Step 6: Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart and spread within the scored border.
Step 7: Evenly distribute the diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese, keeping the fruit inside the border.
Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water to make an egg wash. Using your finger or a small brush, apply the egg wash along the outer border of each heart.
Step 9: Bake the danishes for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and puffed.
Step 10: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor; you can also substitute with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar slightly or try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
To make the edges extra shiny and golden, apply a second layer of egg wash halfway through baking.

Storage

Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore crispness. Danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen before baking if you want to prepare ahead.

How to Serve

The image shows several small heart-shaped pastries arranged on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has two visible layers: a golden-brown, flaky base topped with a thick layer of pink cream that looks smooth and creamy. Inside the pink topping, there are chopped pieces of red strawberries scattered unevenly, adding a fresh texture and bright color contrast. Around the pastries, there are whole fresh strawberries with green leaves adding a natural touch. In the background, there are two blurred stone-textured cups. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and adds a personal touch, though store-bought pastry is a great shortcut that saves time.

Can I prepare these danishes in advance?

You can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, but avoid letting the puff pastry get soggy by baking as soon as possible after assembling. Alternatively, freeze unbaked danishes and bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.