I make Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes when I want a sweet, bakery-style pastry that feels special and charming. The flaky pastry, creamy filling, and bright strawberry topping come together in a heart shape that feels perfect for brunch, holidays, or a thoughtful homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare. The cream cheese filling is smooth and lightly sweet, the strawberries add freshness, and the puff pastry does most of the work for me. I also like how quickly these danishes come together with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
puff pastry sheets, thawed
cream cheese, softened
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
strawberry jam or preserves
fresh strawberries, sliced
egg
water
powdered sugar, optional
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. I roll out the puff pastry and cut it into heart shapes, then lightly score a smaller heart inside each one without cutting all the way through.
In a bowl, I mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I spread the cream cheese mixture inside the scored area, then spoon strawberry jam on top and add a few fresh strawberry slices.
I whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash and brush it around the edges of the pastry. I bake the danishes for about 18 to 22 minutes, until puffed and golden. I let them cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar if I want a finishing touch.
Servings and Timing
I usually get 6 danishes from this recipe.
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Bake time: about 20 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap strawberry jam for raspberry or cherry preserves. When I want extra brightness, I add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling. I also like drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over the top instead of powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the flaky texture rather than using the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
I assemble them ahead and bake them fresh when I’m ready to serve.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
I use frozen strawberries when needed, but I thaw and drain them well first.
Do I need to chill the pastry before baking?
I chill the shaped pastries briefly if the dough feels warm so they puff better in the oven.
Can I make these without cream cheese?
I replace the cream cheese with ricotta or a vanilla custard when I want a different filling.
Are these danishes very sweet?
I find them lightly sweet and nicely balanced, especially with fresh strawberries.
Conclusion
I keep Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes in my baking rotation because they’re flaky, creamy, and beautifully festive. With simple ingredients and a lovely presentation, this recipe gives me a homemade pastry that always feels thoughtful and special.
