
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are soft, golden, and irresistibly delicious. Made with flaky puff pastry, a creamy cheesecake-style filling, and juicy strawberry topping, they are perfect for romantic breakfasts, Valentine’s Day treats, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want a beautiful homemade pastry.
The heart shape makes these danishes extra special, while the combination of cream cheese and strawberries creates a classic dessert flavor that never disappoints. They look elegant but are surprisingly easy to prepare using store-bought puff pastry.
If you want a bakery-style pastry that feels festive, sweet, and comforting, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients
For the Danishes
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
For the Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Softened cream cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
Beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Shape the Puff Pastry Hearts
Lightly flour your working surface.
Roll out the puff pastry slightly.
Cut pastry into 6–8 squares.
Fold each square diagonally to create a triangle.
Make small cuts along the edges of the triangle without cutting completely through.
Unfold and gently pull the cut edges to shape a heart design.
Place hearts on the baking sheet.
4. Add Filling and Strawberries
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each heart.
Add diced strawberries on top.
Add a small drop of strawberry jam if desired.
5. Apply Egg Wash
Whisk together egg and milk.
Brush pastry edges lightly for a golden shine.
6. Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Remove and cool slightly.
7. Add Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over warm danishes.
Tips for Best Danishes
❤️ Use cold puff pastry for better flakiness.
🍓 Drain strawberries if they release too much juice.
🧀 Make sure cream cheese is soft to avoid lumps.
🔥 Do not overfill pastries to prevent leaking.
⏳ Let pastries cool slightly before glazing.
Variations
✨ Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes – Replace strawberries with raspberries.
🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Danishes – Add mini chocolate chips.
🍋 Lemon Cream Cheese Danishes – Add lemon zest to the filling.
🥥 Tropical Version – Add shredded coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture.
How do I store these danishes?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat them?
Yes. Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Assemble pastries and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These strawberry heart danishes are delicious with:
- Coffee or latte
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
Perfect for romantic breakfasts or brunch desserts.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Course: DESSERT4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
Danish Pastry
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup strawberry jam or strawberry preserves
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
Optional Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 teaspoons milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry:
- Roll out puff pastry slightly on a lightly floured surface. Cut into heart shapes using a heart cookie cutter.
- Make the filling:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Create the heart center:
- Lightly score a smaller heart inside each pastry (do not cut through completely) to form a border.
- Add fillings:
- Spread 1–2 teaspoons of cream cheese mixture inside each heart, then add a small spoonful of strawberry jam.
- Egg wash:
- Beat egg and milk together. Brush the pastry edges lightly.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cool and glaze:
- Let danishes cool slightly. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle on top if desired.
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