why make this recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. They look beautiful and taste delightful. With a crispy, flaky pastry, sweet cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries, they bring joy to anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re easy to make, making them a popular choice for both experienced bakers and beginners.

how to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Ingredients:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into heart shapes.
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each heart shape.
Top with diced strawberries.
Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling and seal them with a fork.
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

how to serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Serve these lovely danishes warm or at room temperature. They are great for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. You can place them on a pretty plate and sprinkle with additional powdered sugar for an extra special touch. Pair them with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk to enjoy.

how to store Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

To store the danishes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get the pastry crispy again.

tips to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling it out. This helps it puff up nicely while baking.
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can use other berries or fruits.
Don’t overfill the heart shapes. This can make them difficult to seal and can cause the filling to leak out during baking.

variation

You can try different fillings based on your preference. Cream cheese can be mixed with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even chocolate chips for a richer treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to remove excess moisture.

2. How do I know when the danishes are done?
The danishes are done when they are golden brown on top and puffed up. Keep an eye on them as baking time may vary slightly.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese or mascarpone for a different flavor profile.