Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful, heart-shaped treat filled with a luscious cream cheese and strawberry jam filling. These danishes are perfect for any occasion, especially for holidays like Valentine’s Day or a special breakfast treat for loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are incredibly easy to make but look absolutely stunning. The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet strawberry jam makes for a perfectly balanced dessert. They’re quick to prepare, requiring just 25 minutes from start to finish, and are sure to impress with their beautiful heart shape and delicious flavor. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or a cozy breakfast, they’re the perfect way to show some love!
Ingredients
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup strawberry jam
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into heart shapes.
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In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on each pastry heart.
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Top with a teaspoon of strawberry jam on each danish.
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Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to create a golden finish.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
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Let the danishes cool before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8 danishes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different jam?
Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam with other fruit jams such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot, depending on your preference.
2. Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the danishes up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to brush them with the egg wash right before baking.
3. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
You can certainly make your own puff pastry, but store-bought puff pastry is much quicker and easier for this recipe.
4. Can I make these danishes without cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with ricotta cheese, mascarpone, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
5. How do I make the edges crispier?
To get extra crispy edges, ensure the puff pastry is well-pressed and the egg wash is evenly applied along the edges before baking.
6. Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled danishes before baking. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven without thawing and bake for a few extra minutes.
7. Can I add a glaze on top?
Absolutely! You can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the danishes once they’ve cooled for an extra touch of sweetness.
8. Can I use a different pastry dough?
While puff pastry works best for this recipe, you can try using crescent roll dough if you’re looking for a quicker alternative with a different texture.
9. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
Fresh strawberries can be used in place of jam, but you’ll need to chop them finely and possibly cook them down a little to create a thicker filling so it doesn’t run out of the danishes.
10. How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out?
Be sure to leave a small border of pastry around the edges when filling the danishes. This will help keep the filling inside while baking.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are an irresistibly delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet cream cheese filling and strawberry jam nestled inside flaky, golden puff pastry is both delightful and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want a treat to brighten your day, these danishes are sure to be a hit with everyone!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are the perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberry jam. Easy to make and visually stunning, these heart-shaped treats are ideal for Valentine’s Day, special breakfasts, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness. Delicious and quick to prepare, they’ll impress anyone with their beautiful presentation and rich flavor.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup strawberry jam
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into heart shapes.
-
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on each pastry heart.
-
Top with a teaspoon of strawberry jam on each danish.
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Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to create a golden finish.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
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Let the danishes cool before serving.
Notes
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Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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For extra sweetness, drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the danishes after they’ve cooled.
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If using a different jam, consider raspberry, blueberry, or apricot for unique flavor twists.
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You can freeze the assembled danishes for up to 1 month before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French
- Diet: Vegetarian
