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Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 72 reviews

Delight in these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweet strawberry-infused cream cheese mixture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, they combine buttery pastry with fresh fruit and a hint of vanilla for a deliciously elegant pastry experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed (substitute: two sheets of crescent roll dough, texture will differ)

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature (substitute: dairy-free cream cheese for vegan/dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp white sugar (substitute: powdered sugar for smoother filling)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring (optional, a drop or two to tint filling)
  • 1/2 cup diced strawberries, fresh preferred (if frozen, thaw and drain)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package directions, typically 30–60 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese together with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If desired, add a drop or two of red food coloring and mix well to achieve a soft pink color. Fold in half of the diced strawberries to incorporate some fruit into the filling, reserving the rest for topping.
  3. Shape the Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to remove creases and ensure even thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter about 3–4 inches wide, cut out approximately 4 hearts from the sheet depending on the cutter size.
  4. Create a Puff Border: Either press a smaller heart cutter lightly in the center of each heart without cutting all the way through to create a raised rim (Option A), or score a 1/2-inch border around each heart with a knife, careful not to cut through (Option B). This border will puff up during baking to contain the filling.
  5. Fill and Top: Spoon or pipe 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, keeping the filling inside the border. Top with the remaining diced strawberries evenly. Be mindful not to overfill to allow the pastry room to puff properly.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the large egg with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make an egg wash. Using a brush, lightly coat the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash to create golden color and shine during baking, taking care to avoid getting wash on the filling.
  7. Bake the Danishes: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots for even cooking.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1–2 tablespoons milk once they have cooled slightly.

Notes

  • Use fresh strawberries for best texture; if using frozen, thaw fully and drain to prevent soggy pastry.
  • The red food coloring is optional, adding a festive look but no flavor.
  • For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and crescent dough accordingly.
  • If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use another shape like circles or squares with scored edges.
  • Ensure puff pastry is well chilled before rolling and cutting for best puff and flakiness.
  • Do not overfill the danishes to avoid leaking during baking.
  • Rotate baking sheet halfway to promote even baking if your oven heats unevenly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat lightly before serving for best texture.

Keywords: strawberry danish, cream cheese pastry, puff pastry dessert, heart shaped pastry, breakfast pastry, easy danish recipe

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