These Strawberry Danish Hearts are a sweet treat that looks as good as they taste! Flaky pastry filled with creamy custard and juicy strawberries is simply delightful.
They’re perfect for sharing—or not! I won’t judge if you want to keep them all to yourself. 🍓 Plus, they’re super fun to make and perfect for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your Danish hearts. I usually use frozen puff pastry for convenience. If you want a healthier option, you can try phyllo dough, but keep in mind that the texture will change.
Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy filling. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese instead. They add a lovely flavor too!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries work fine, just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
Powdered Sugar: This is used to sweeten the cream cheese mixture. You can also use granulated sugar, but the cream may not be as smooth. To make it healthier, consider using coconut sugar or a simple syrup.
How Do I Properly Handle Puff Pastry?
Puff pastry can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll master it in no time! Keep it cold for the flakiest layers and handle it gently.
- Always thaw the puff pastry in the fridge to prevent it from getting too soft.
- Flour your surface lightly when rolling out to prevent sticking, but avoid overworking it to keep the layers intact.
- Be sure to seal edges well to keep the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Score the tops gently; this allows steam to escape and helps create that lovely puff.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced in halves or quarters
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes in the oven, making the total time around 50 minutes. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to create these delicious pastries!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier later!
2. Cut the Puff Pastry:
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter and cut out as many heart shapes as you can. Don’t forget to gather your scraps, roll them out gently, and cut more hearts until you’re out of pastry!
3. Set Up the Filling:
Take half of the pastry hearts and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the edges of each heart with water or a beaten egg to help them seal later on.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will be your sweet filling.
5. Fill the Hearts:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry heart. Make sure to leave a little border around the edges so they can seal properly!
6. Create the Sandwiches:
Gently place the remaining pastry hearts on top of the filled ones. Press down the edges to seal, creating a delicious “sandwich.” Use the tip of a knife to lightly score a smaller heart shape on the top to let steam escape, which also looks cute!
7. Egg Wash for Shine:
Beat the egg and brush the entire top of each pastry with the egg wash for a lovely golden finish when they’re baked.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Assemble:
Once they are done, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, add a dollop of strawberry jam in the center of each pastry.
10. Decorate and Serve:
Top each danish with 2-3 fresh strawberry slices arranged nicely. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch! For a pretty final touch, you can add a sprig of fresh mint if you like.
Enjoy your Strawberry Danish Hearts as a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion! They are delicious and oh-so-pretty!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cream Cheese Instead of Homemade?
Yes, store-bought cream cheese is perfect for this recipe! Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth and creamy filling.
Can I Make These Strawberry Danish Hearts Vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use flaxseed or applesauce mixed with water instead of the egg wash for sealing and brushing the tops.
How Do I Store Leftover Danish Hearts?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Definitely! Feel free to use other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even sliced peaches. Just ensure they’re not too watery to prevent the pastry from getting soggy!
