STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE HEART DANISHES Recipe

Enjoy layers of rich cream cheese seasoned with vanilla nestled on flaky puff pastry hearts. Fresh strawberry slices provide a burst of flavor enhanced by subtle hints of strawberry jam. These gorgeous danishes radiate charm and elegance, making them the perfect choice for romantic celebrations or a delightful breakfast treat.

I was really excited to share my Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes recipe. I made these for a special breakfast and they turned out amazing even though they are not a light snack.

The recipe starts with 2 sheets of thawed puff pastry as the crunchy base and is layered with 8 oz softened cream cheese mixed with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and a splash of 1 tsp vanilla extract. I then arranged 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries neatly over the cream cheese filling.

The fruity flavor pairs perfectly with the rich cream cheese which kinda gives you a burst of vitamins and calcium in every bite. I sometimes add 2 tbsp strawberry jam if i want extra flavor and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch.

Even though this is a sweet treat with its own nutritional value from the cream and fruit, its perfect for a valentines like feel and makes your morning extra special.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a few reasons. First, I like how easy it is to make even if I’m not the best cook—cutting the puff pastry into heart shapes makes the whole process fun and a little creative. Second, the mix of sweet cream cheese and fresh strawberries is just amazing; it feels like every bite is a little burst of yummy flavors. Third, the cute heart design makes it feel extra special, like I’m treating myself (or someone else) on a day that deserves a bit of extra love. Lastly, I appreciate that little extra touch of dusted powdered sugar that just ties everything together in a perfect way.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry gives tasty, flaky layers with good carbs but not much fibre.
• Cream cheese adds rich creaminess, protein, and a tangy twist to the filling.
• Granulated sugar brings a sweet kick while supplying quick energy for your treat.
• The egg wash helps seal the layers and leaves a shiny, appetizing look.
• Fresh strawberries offer vitamins and natural fiber with a refreshing tart taste.
• Strawberry jam intensifies the flavour, adding extra sugary brightness to each bite.
• Vanilla extract gives a warm, mellow flavour that ties all the notes together.
• Powdered sugar dusting adds a delicate sweetness and a charming final touch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (thawed)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tbsp strawberry jam (optional for extra flavor)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Unfold both sheets of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or just freehand cut into heart shapes.

3. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the puff pastry hearts, leaving a small border all around.

5. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer. If you want extra flavor, add small dollops of strawberry jam among the strawberries.

6. Carefully transfer the prepared pastries onto the baking sheet.

7. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the lightly beaten egg to help them brown.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and starting to turn a light golden color.

9. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

10. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy your yummy strawberry cream cheese heart danishes while theyre still a bit warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – preheat to 400°F
2. Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
3. Clean, lightly floured work surface (counter or board)
4. Heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife for freehand cutting
5. Mixing bowl for cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract
6. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts
7. Spatula or spoon to mix and spread the cream cheese mixture
8. Knife for slicing fresh strawberries
9. Pastry brush to apply the egg wash
10. Optional sifter for dusting with powdered sugar

FAQ

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE HEART DANISHES Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have puff pastry, you could try using frozen croissants for a flakier texture when baked.
• In place of cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can be a nice swap though you might need a tad less liquid.
• You can exchange granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or agave for a different twist.
• For the egg wash, milk works pretty good if you cant find eggs, giving a light golden brown finish.
• If vanilla extract is missing in your pantry, a few drops of almond extract can lend a mildly nutty flavor instead.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the cream cheese is super soft before you mix it with sugar and vanilla so you dont end up with lumpy filling that ruins the smooth texture.

2. Chill your puff pastry until you’re ready to work with it, but then let it sit out just a teeny bit so it’s easier to cut into hearts without tearing too much.

3. When adding the strawberries and jam, be careful not to overload it because too much filling can make the pastry soggy and messy.

4. Brush that egg wash nicely along the very edge of your hearts to help it brown evenly in the oven – a little extra care there goes a long way.