Description
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet cream cheese and fresh strawberry filling, shaped into adorable hearts! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or a special treat for loved ones.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Danish Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and release juice.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the strawberry mixture.
- Cook for 1-2 more minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
Step 3: Shape the Puff Pastry Hearts
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place half of the hearts on the baking sheet.
- Use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the centers of the remaining hearts, creating a heart border.
- Place the bordered hearts on top of the full hearts to create a raised edge. Press lightly to seal.
Step 4: Fill the Danishes
- Brush the edges with egg wash (whisked egg and milk).
- Spoon 1 teaspoon cream cheese mixture into each heart and spread evenly.
- Add 1 teaspoon strawberry filling on top.
Step 5: Bake & Glaze
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before drizzling with vanilla glaze (whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together).
Notes
- No heart-shaped cutter? Use a knife to shape the pastry into hearts.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble danishes and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze for 1 month.