Introduction

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a special snack. Flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cheese and fresh strawberries makes a beautiful and delicious pastry that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

The image shows four heart-shaped pastries on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a flaky golden-brown crust with a slightly shiny texture, topped with a layer of creamy white filling. On top of this, there are fresh red strawberry slices arranged in a neat pattern, with the strawberry pieces looking juicy and vibrant. The overall composition is simple and inviting, with the pastries evenly spaced on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed (substitute: two sheets of crescent roll dough, texture will differ)
4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature (substitute: dairy-free cream cheese for vegan/dairy-free options)
2 tbsp white sugar (substitute: powdered sugar for a smoother filling)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional—1 or 2 drops to tint the filling)
1/2 cup diced strawberries (fresh preferred; if frozen, thaw and drain)
1 large egg
1 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions, usually 30–60 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a small drop of red food coloring if using, mixing to create a soft pink color. Fold in half of the diced strawberries, reserving the rest for topping.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, unfold and gently roll the thawed pastry to smooth creases. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (3–4 inches) to cut out about 4 hearts from the sheet.
Step 4: Create a border on each heart by either pressing a smaller heart cutter lightly in the center without cutting through, or scoring a 1/2-inch border around the edges with a knife without cutting all the way through. This will help the pastry puff around the filling.
Step 5: Spoon or pipe 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, staying inside the border. Top with the remaining diced strawberries, making sure not to overfill.
Step 6: Whisk the egg with cold water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with the wash to achieve a golden, shiny finish. Avoid getting egg wash on the filling.
Step 7: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the filling is set. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven tends to have hot spots.
Step 8: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with milk once slightly cooled.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan puff pastry.
Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, use a round or square cutter and score edges similarly to hold the filling.
Fresh strawberries work best for juiciness and texture, but ensure frozen ones are well drained to prevent soggy pastry.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days, though pastry may lose some crispness. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh the texture before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows four heart-shaped pastries on a wooden board placed over a white marbled surface. Each pastry has two layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown puff pastry with a flaky texture, and the top layer is filled with a pink cream that looks smooth and slightly glossy. On top of the cream, there are several fresh red strawberry slices arranged in a small pile, adding bright color and juicy texture to the pastries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before placing in the oven for best puff and even cooking.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

Crescent roll dough can be used as a substitute, though the texture will be less flaky and more bread-like. Alternatively, you can try phyllo dough layers but expect a different result.