Introduction

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Crispy, flaky pastry pairs beautifully with a smooth, fruity cream cheese filling, making them as charming as they are delicious.

Two heart-shaped pastries sit on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a golden, flaky puff pastry base with visible layers forming a thick, puffy border. Inside the heart shape is a smooth white cream layer, topped with glossy, vibrant red strawberry pieces, cut into chunks and spread evenly across the center. The strawberries appear fresh and juicy, contrasting with the creamy filling and crispy crust. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed (substitute: two sheets of crescent roll dough, texture will differ)
4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature (substitute: dairy-free cream cheese for vegan/dairy-free)
2 tbsp white sugar (substitute: powdered sugar for a smoother filling)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional, a drop or two to tint the filling)
1/2 cup diced strawberries (fresh is best; if using frozen, thaw and drain)
1 large egg
1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions, typically 30–60 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a small drop of red food coloring if desired for a soft pink hue. Fold in half of the diced strawberries to incorporate, reserving the rest for topping.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry and lightly roll it to remove creases. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (3–4 inches) to cut out hearts. You should get about 4 hearts from one sheet.
Step 4: Create a border on each heart by either pressing a smaller heart cutter lightly in the center without cutting through, or by scoring a 1/2-inch border around the edge with a knife, taking care not to cut all the way through. This rim will puff up and hold the filling.
Step 5: Spoon or pipe 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, staying inside the border. Top with the remaining diced strawberries. Avoid overfilling to allow the pastry to puff properly.
Step 6: Whisk the egg with cold water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash to add color and shine, avoiding the filling.
Step 7: Bake on the middle rack for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed and the filling is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has uneven heating.
Step 8: Let the danishes cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1–2 tablespoons milk once slightly cooled.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and ensure your puff pastry is vegan-friendly.
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use any cookie cutter shape you like or cut squares and score the edges similarly.
Fresh strawberries work best; if using frozen, make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain to avoid soggy pastry.
To add extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or lemon zest into the cream cheese filling before baking.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven (about 325°F/160°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

This image shows several heart-shaped pastries arranged closely on white parchment paper over a wooden board. Each pastry has three visible layers: the bottom layer is golden-brown puff pastry with a flaky and textured look; the middle layer is smooth and white creamy filling that outlines the heart shape; on the top layer, there are bright red chunks and slices of glossy strawberries that appear fresh and juicy, some with small seeds visible. The strawberries seem to be coated lightly with something shiny, adding a glossy finish to the top. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the detailed textures and colors in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

You can prepare the danishes up to the point of baking and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. For best texture, bake fresh, but chilled unbaked pastries can be baked within 24 hours.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

You can use crescent roll dough as a substitute, though the texture will be less flaky and more bread-like. Make sure to adjust baking time as needed and watch closely to avoid burning.