I love making these delicious strawberry cream cheese heart danishes because they’re flaky, creamy, and feel extra special. I enjoy how the buttery pastry, sweet strawberries, and smooth cream cheese filling come together into a treat that’s perfect for celebrations, brunch, or simply when I want something beautiful and homemade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it looks impressive while being surprisingly easy to show. I enjoy working with store-bought pastry to save time, and I love how the heart shape instantly makes these danishes feel festive and thoughtful. I also appreciate that they’re not overly sweet and taste best fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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puff pastry sheets
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cream cheese
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granulated sugar
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vanilla extract
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strawberries
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strawberry jam or preserves
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egg
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powdered sugar
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milk
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. I let the puff pastry thaw slightly, then cut it into squares and gently shape each one into a heart by rounding the edges and pinching the bottom.
In a bowl, I mix the cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. I spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry heart, spreading it gently while leaving a border.
I chop the strawberries and mix them with a little strawberry jam, then spoon the mixture over the cream cheese filling. I brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg to help them turn golden.
I bake the danishes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the filling is set. Once cooled slightly, I drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 8 danishes from this recipe.
Prep time takes around 20 minutes, baking time is about 18 minutes, and the total time comes to roughly 40 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes use raspberry or blueberry jam instead of strawberry. I like adding a little lemon zest to the cream cheese for brightness. When I want extra crunch, I sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
storage/reheating
I store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm them briefly in the oven so the pastry stays flaky. I avoid the microwave since it softens the pastry too much.
FAQs
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
I prefer baking them fresh, but I can assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them chilled until baking.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
I can use frozen strawberries, but I thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Do I need to shape them into hearts?
I enjoy the heart shape, but I can leave them square or round if I want something simpler.
Why did my pastry not puff?
I make sure the puff pastry is cold when it goes into the oven, which helps it puff properly.
Can I skip the glaze?
I sometimes skip it, but I like how the glaze adds a light sweetness and finishes the look.
Conclusion
I enjoy making strawberry cream cheese heart danishes because they’re charming, flaky, and full of flavor. I love how they turn simple ingredients into a beautiful pastry that feels homemade, thoughtful, and perfect for sharing.
Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
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Flaky strawberry cream cheese heart danishes made with buttery puff pastry, smooth vanilla cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberries for a beautiful, festive treat.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut puff pastry sheets into squares and gently shape each into a heart by rounding the edges and pinching the bottom.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry, leaving a border.
- Mix chopped strawberries with strawberry jam and spoon over the cream cheese layer.
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled danishes before serving.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold before baking for best puff.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and well drained.
- Try raspberry or blueberry jam for variation.
- Best enjoyed fresh for maximum flakiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
