Baking up a batch of my famous Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes always takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen. I can still picture myself as a little girl, watching her carefully roll out the dough and carefully shape each pastry into a perfect heart. The aroma of warm, buttery pastry and fresh strawberries would fill the air, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited for them to come out of the oven.
Grandma would let me help her arrange the strawberry slices and dollop on the luscious cream cheese filling. I loved seeing the vibrant red peeking through the golden pastry. And of course, the best part was getting to enjoy one (or two!) straight from the cooling rack, the flaky layers melting in my mouth. Those Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes were the highlight of my childhood, and now they’re a treasured family tradition that I’m excited to share with you.
Why This Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
What makes this recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes so special is the perfect balance of buttery, flaky pastry and sweet, creamy filling. The key is using a rich, yeasted dough that bakes up light and airy, with just the right amount of chew. And the cream cheese filling? It’s the perfect complement, adding a tangy richness that beautifully complements the fresh strawberries.
I’ve perfected a few little techniques over the years to ensure these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes turn out picture-perfect every time. From properly chilling the dough to getting that signature heart shape, this recipe is fool-proof. Trust me, once you taste these heavenly pastries, they’ll become a new family favorite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter – The foundation of the flaky, buttery pastry dough.
- Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- Eggs – Help bind the dough and provide structure.
- Milk – Adds moisture and tenderness to the pastry.
- All-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
- Cream cheese – Creates a rich, creamy filling that complements the strawberries.
- Fresh strawberries – Ripe, juicy strawberries are the star of the show.
- Powdered sugar – Lightly dusting the finished Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Instructions
Preparing Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are surprisingly simple to make, and the end result is truly impressive. The total time from start to finish is about 2 hours, including chilling the dough. You’ll need a rolling pin, a heart-shaped cookie cutter, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
1- Begin by making the pastry dough. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk.
2- Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up.
3- While the dough chills, make the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar.
4- Preheat your oven to 400°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, re-rolling the scraps as needed.
5- Place the heart-shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Dollop a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each heart.
6- Bake the Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes for 12-15 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then dust lightly with the remaining powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes is to work quickly and keep the dough chilled. If the dough gets too warm, it can become sticky and difficult to work with. And be sure not to overfill the pastries, or the filling may bubble over.
Another pro tip? Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find. Their natural sweetness is what really makes these pastries shine. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the shape – while hearts are classic, you can also try other fun shapes like stars or crescents.
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Serve them up for brunch with a mimosa or cup of coffee, or enjoy them as a decadent dessert after a special dinner. They also make a lovely addition to a Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes can be made ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the unbaked pastries for up to 2 months – simply bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Creative Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Variations
While the classic strawberry and cream cheese combo is hard to beat, you can get creative with these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes. Try swapping in other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. Or add a hint of citrus by folding in some lemon or orange zest to the filling.
For a seasonal twist, use chopped apples or pumpkin puree in the filling. And if you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle the finished pastries with melted chocolate or dust them with cocoa powder.
Making Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Diet-Friendly
To make these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes a little more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese in the filling. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and use a sugar substitute in place of the granulated sugar.
You can also make them vegan by using a plant-based cream cheese alternative and swapping the eggs in the dough for a flax or chia “egg.” While they may not be exactly the same, these diet-friendly versions can still satisfy your sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: While you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch, I really recommend using fresh for the best flavor and texture in these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes. Frozen berries tend to release more moisture, which can make the pastry soggy.
Q: How do I get the heart shape to come out perfectly?
A: The key is to work quickly and keep the dough chilled. Roll it out to 1/4-inch thickness, then use a sharp heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shapes. Be sure to gently transfer the hearts to the baking sheet – don’t stretch or pull the dough.
Q: Can I make these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 3 days in advance. Just keep the dough chilled until you’re ready to assemble and bake. The baked pastries will also keep for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container.
Q: How many Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 12-16 individual Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, depending on the size of your cookie cutter. They’re the perfect shareable treat for a crowd.
Q: What if the filling oozes out while baking?
A: Don’t worry, a little bit of filling overflow is perfectly normal. Just be sure not to overfill the pastries, and work quickly to get them in the oven before the dough gets too warm. The powdered sugar will help hide any imperfections.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 9
Description
Indulge in these melt-in-your-mouth Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, a quick and easy homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The buttery, flaky pastry is filled with a rich, creamy strawberry cream cheese mixture, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 tbsp coarse sugar
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
3. – Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
4. – Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut into 9 equal squares.
5. – Place a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
6. – Fold the pastry over to create a triangle, and press the edges to seal.
7. – Transfer the filled danishes to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
8. – Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
9. – Allow the danishes to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a prettier presentation, you can cut the puff pastry into heart shapes before filling and folding. The danishes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes brings back as many happy memories for you as it does for me. There’s just something so nostalgic and comforting about biting into that flaky pastry and tasting the creamy, fruity filling.
These pastries are sure to impress your family and friends, whether you serve them for a special brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to create your own cherished memories with these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes. Enjoy!