Go Back

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Flaky, golden puff pastry hearts filled with a sweet cream cheese center and topped with fresh strawberries. The perfect romantic breakfast or dessert ready in under 40 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 pastries
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pastry Base
  • 1 box frozen puff pastry thawed (2 sheets)
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp water for egg wash
Cream Cheese Filling
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened, block style
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp lemon zest optional
Topping
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries diced
  • 2 tbsp strawberry jam warmed, for glaze
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Heart cookie cutter
  • Hand mixer
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
  3. Unfold thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into hearts using a cookie cutter.
  4. Using a paring knife, lightly score a smaller heart inside the border (do not cut through). Prick the center area with a fork.
  5. Place pastry hearts on baking sheets. Spread a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center, staying within the scored border.
  6. Top the cream cheese with diced strawberries.
  7. Whisk egg and water together. Brush the pastry edges with the egg wash.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  9. Brush warm strawberry jam over the fruit for shine. Cool on a rack and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Ensure puff pastry is cold before baking for maximum rise.