Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful, flaky pastry filled with a sweet and creamy combination of cream cheese and strawberry jam, all shaped into heart forms for a festive touch. The danishes are made with puff pastry, which bakes up light and crispy, providing a perfect contrast to the smooth, rich filling. The cream cheese filling is often lightly sweetened and paired with a spoonful of strawberry jam or fresh strawberry slices, creating a delicious balance of flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar can finish off these heart-shaped treats for an extra touch of sweetness.

I first made Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes when I was looking for a fun and sweet treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and they turned out to be absolutely perfect. The combination of the flaky pastry and creamy filling is irresistible, and the heart shapes make them extra special. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make, using store-bought puff pastry, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d find in a bakery. Whether for a romantic breakfast, a sweet snack, or as part of a Valentine’s Day spread, these danishes are a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Perfect for:

Romantic breakfasts
Valentine’s Day surprises
Mother’s Day brunches
Sharing sweet moments with loved ones
Pastry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danish will win your heart:

Charming Presentation: Heart-shaped danishes add a touch of romance to any occasion.
Flaky Puff Pastry: Buttery and crisp, the perfect base for a luxurious filling.
Rich and Creamy Filling: A velvety cream cheese layer that’s mildly sweet and indulgent.
Sweet and Tangy Jam: Strawberry jam brings brightness and a fruity contrast to the creamy filling.
Quick and Easy to Make: Using store-bought puff pastry simplifies the process without sacrificing quality.
Customizable Flavors: Swap strawberry jam for your favorite fruit preserves.
Perfect for Celebrations: These pastries make any breakfast or brunch feel extra special.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Minimal Ingredients: Requires only a handful of pantry staples.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 danishes
Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 27g, Fat: 19g

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

The Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Center:

1/3 cup strawberry jam
Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Puff Pastry: Ensures a buttery, flaky texture.
Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy filling.
Strawberry Jam: Adds a vibrant, fruity sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 8 hearts.
Score a Border: On each heart, lightly score a smaller heart inside, creating a border to hold the filling.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add Filling to Pastry: Spoon a dollop of cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry, spreading it within the scored border.

Add the Strawberry Jam:

Top with Jam: Add a teaspoon of strawberry jam to the center of the cream cheese filling.

Bake the Danishes:

Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake: Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Serve:

Cool and Garnish: Allow the danishes to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh strawberries, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes:

For Breakfast in Bed: Pair with freshly brewed coffee or tea.
As a Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange on a tiered stand with other pastries.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
With Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a medley of fresh berries.
As a Dessert: Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
With Mimosas: Complement a celebratory brunch with sparkling mimosas.
For Afternoon Tea: Serve smaller portions for an elegant tea-time snack.
On a Romantic Picnic: Pack in a basket with other sweet and savory treats.
As a Holiday Treat: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or Christmas morning.
Paired with Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Additional Tips

Perfectly Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold to prevent it from sticking and to achieve optimal flakiness.
Chill Before Baking: After shaping the hearts, chill the danishes in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to help them maintain their shape while baking.
Even Thickness: Roll the puff pastry evenly to avoid one side rising higher than the other during baking.
Prevent Filling Spills: Use a spoon to press a slight indentation in the center of each heart to securely hold the cream cheese and strawberry filling.
Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the sugar in the cream cheese filling according to your sweetness preference.
Jam Alternatives: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, use high-quality strawberry jam or preserves for a similar flavor.
Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the edges of the pastry with an egg wash for a beautifully golden and glossy finish.
Dust with Love: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled danishes for an elegant and sweet touch.
Make It Zesty: Add a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a subtle tangy contrast.
Serve Fresh: These danishes taste best the same day they’re made, so bake them fresh for special occasions or a delightful breakfast treat.

Recipe Variations

Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes: Substitute strawberry jam with raspberry preserves.
Nutella-Filled Danishes: Replace cream cheese filling with a hazelnut spread.
Lemon Curd Danishes: Use lemon curd instead of jam for a zesty twist.
Savory Version: Skip the jam and add spinach and feta to the cream cheese filling.
Mini Danishes: Create bite-sized versions for a party platter.
Apple Cinnamon Danishes: Swap strawberry jam for spiced apple compote.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the baked pastries.
Vegan Option: Use vegan puff pastry and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Glazed Finish: Brush with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking.
Layered Pastry: Stack two heart cutouts for extra height and flakiness.

Special Equipment

Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter: For the signature heart design.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Electric Mixer: For a smooth cream cheese filling.
Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash evenly.
Offset Spatula: For spreading the cream cheese filling neatly.
Cooling Rack: Allows pastries to cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

FAQ Section

Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry adds a buttery, flaky texture, though it requires more time.
Can I freeze the danishes?
Yes, freeze unbaked danishes and bake them fresh as needed.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
Use a knife to carefully cut out heart shapes or try another cookie cutter shape.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be slightly less rich and creamy.
How long do the danishes stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary needs.
What other jams can I use?
Try apricot, blueberry, or blackberry jams for variety.
Why is my puff pastry not rising?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid overhandling the pastry.
Can I add a glaze to the danishes?
Yes, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk adds extra sweetness.
What’s the best way to reheat the danishes?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful, sweet treat that combines buttery, flaky pastry with a rich and creamy filling, all topped with a sweet burst of strawberry flavor. The heart-shaped pastries are filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture, and then a dollop of strawberry jam or fresh strawberries adds a fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy filling. These adorable danishes are the perfect way to celebrate love or brighten up any morning or afternoon tea.

This recipe is simple yet elegant, and you can use store-bought puff pastry to make it quick and easy, or even get creative with the filling by adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Whether enjoyed as a treat for a special occasion or as a cozy snack, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are sure to impress.

I can’t wait to see how your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!