These Strawberry Danish Hearts are a sweet treat perfect for any time of the day! Flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese and topped with juicy strawberries makes them a true delight.
Every time I make these, I think, “Who can resist such heart-shaped goodness?” They make breakfast feel special, and I love adding a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra charm! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is what gives these hearts their flaky perfection. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought, which works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s fully thawed. For a homemade option, you can try making your own pastry, but it requires more effort.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use ricotta cheese instead. Non-dairy cream cheese works well too! Just make sure to pick one that has a similar consistency.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for their sweetness. If strawberries aren’t available, feel free to use other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Frozen berries can work too; just make sure they’re thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Granulated Sugar: I use granulated sugar for a touch of sweetness. If you prefer, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantity to account for the different sweetness levels.
How Can I Get the Puff Pastry to Rise Properly?
Getting the puff pastry to rise beautifully takes a little care. Here are some tips to ensure it puffs up perfectly:
- Keep your puff pastry cold. If it warms up too much, it won’t puff as well. Work quickly or pop it back in the fridge if needed.
- Roll it out gently. You want it to stretch but not get too thin. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Don’t overfill the hearts. Leave a border around the edges for a good seal. This helps the pastry puff up without leaking filling.
- Brush the tops with egg wash to promote browning. It gives a lovely golden color and shiny finish!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have beautiful, flaky Strawberry Danish Hearts that are sure to impress!
How to Make Delicious Strawberry Danish Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Danish Hearts:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for baking. Plus, a few minutes to cool before serving. Perfect for a delightful dessert or a sweet breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Danish hearts will bake evenly and become nice and golden. Also, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an equal number of hearts—these will serve as the top and bottom layers for your Danish hearts, so make sure you have pairs!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. This will give a lovely sweetness and flavor to the hearts.
4. Assemble the Hearts:
Place half of the heart-shaped pastry cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, leaving a little space around the edges to ensure they seal properly.
5. Add the Strawberries:
Next, arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer in each heart. This adds that delicious fruity touch that pairs perfectly!
6. Seal the Hearts:
Lightly brush the edges of the filled hearts with the beaten egg, which will help hold the layers together once baked. Then, take the remaining pastry hearts and gently place them over the filled ones, pressing the edges to seal.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Brush the tops of the heart-shaped pastries with the remaining egg wash for a nice color. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the Strawberry Danish Hearts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Before serving, dust them with powdered sugar for that beautiful finishing touch.
Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Danish Hearts while still warm for the best experience! 🍓❤️
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Instead?
Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry is a great option. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before rolling it out, as it will be easier to work with and get that nice flaky texture.
Can I Make These Danish Hearts Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a bit of maple syrup for a glossy finish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain their flakiness.
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Filling?
Definitely! You can mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even add sliced peaches or apples for a different flavor. Just ensure the fruit is fresh and properly sliced to maintain the right texture.
