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Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe

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4.5 from 189 reviews

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful and romantic breakfast treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Featuring flaky, buttery puff pastry cut into charming heart shapes, these danishes are filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh, thinly sliced strawberries. Ready in about 30 minutes using store-bought puff pastry, they combine impressive bakery-style presentation with simple preparation, making them an irresistible addition to any breakfast or brunch table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Danishes:

  • 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, separated (yolk for filling, white for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2–3 tablespoons strawberry jam
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Thaw Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions, either overnight in the refrigerator or for 30-40 minutes at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it will become too sticky and lose its puffiness.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (or follow your puff pastry package instructions, some recommend 350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon zest if using. Set aside.
  4. Roll and Cut Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Roll it out gently to smooth creases and slightly thin it. Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 4-5 hearts per sheet. Re-roll scraps to create additional hearts if needed.
  5. Score the Borders: Use a smaller heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife to gently score a 1/2 inch border from the edges of each heart without cutting through the dough. This border will puff separately to frame the filling.
  6. Prepare Egg Wash and Arrange Hearts: Whisk together the egg white and milk or water to make an egg wash. Place the cut hearts on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Brush the outer border of each heart with the egg wash to promote a golden, shiny finish.
  7. Fill Danishes: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling into the center of each heart, spreading gently within the scored border. Add a small dollop of strawberry jam beneath the fruit if desired. Top each with 3-4 thin slices of fresh strawberries. Sprinkle coarse sugar on edges if using.
  8. Freeze Before Baking (Optional): For best results, place the entire baking sheet in the freezer for 5-6 minutes to firm up the filling and prevent spreading during baking.
  9. Bake: Bake the danishes for 15-18 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crisp on the edges, and the cream cheese filling is set.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Properly thaw puff pastry by refrigerating overnight or resting at room temperature for 30-40 minutes; do not microwave.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Scoring the inner border of the pastry is essential to create a puffed frame around the filling.
  • Keep puff pastry cold while working with it; refrigerate for 10 minutes if it becomes too warm.
  • Monitor baking carefully; start checking at 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Use fresh strawberries sliced thinly to avoid excess moisture.
  • These danishes are best enjoyed the day of baking but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
  • You can freeze baked danishes up to 1 month; cool completely before freezing in a single layer.

Keywords: Strawberry danishes, cream cheese danishes, puff pastry dessert, Valentine's Day breakfast, heart-shaped pastries, easy danish recipe

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