These Strawberry Danish Hearts are charming little pastries filled with sweet strawberry jam and cream cheese. They look so cute that they could almost be a Valentine’s gift!
Making these is a fun way to impress friends or family. I’m always amazed how something that looks fancy can be whipped up so easily. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee! ☕️❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show, giving the Danish its flaky texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider puff pastry made with almond flour or a gluten-free pastry. You can also use pre-made pastry dough for convenience!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still provides that creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based cream cheese that suits your taste.
Fresh Strawberries: While strawberries are delicious, feel free to swap them out for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or cherries. You can even use a mix for a fun fruit twist!
Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking to cut sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like agave nectar or honey. Just remember that liquid sweeteners might slightly alter the texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Danish Hearts Puff Up Perfectly?
The trick to getting that bakery-style puff in your Danish is in the way you handle the puff pastry. Here’s how:
- Thaw your puff pastry overnight in the fridge. Room temperature pastry is more manageable!
- Roll the pastry gently, without squashing the layers. This helps maintain the air pockets needed for puffing.
- Brush the edges with the egg wash, but keep it off the area with the cream cheese filling to avoid sealing it closed.
- A hot, preheated oven is crucial to create steam quickly, which helps puff the pastry as it bakes.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you bake perfectly puffed Strawberry Danish Hearts every time!
How to Make Strawberry Danish Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation and around 12-15 minutes for baking. So in total, you’re looking at approximately 30-35 minutes to have your Strawberry Danish Hearts ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your pastries don’t stick to the tray and bake evenly.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. This will be the delicious filling for your Danish hearts!
3. Cut Out the Puff Pastry Hearts:
On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. With a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches in size), cut out hearts from the pastry. Make sure to cut out enough hearts to have a top and bottom for each Danish.
4. Assemble the Danish Hearts:
Place half of the heart-shaped pastry pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each heart, keeping it a little inside the edges so it doesn’t spill out. Next, top the cream cheese with a few fresh strawberry slices.
5. Create the Top Layer:
Now, take the remaining puff pastry hearts and place them over the filled ones. Gently press around the edges to seal them. This will help keep the filling inside while they bake.
6. Add the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash for that beautiful golden color when they bake!
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should puff up beautifully and turn golden brown.
8. Cool and Dust:
Once they are out of the oven, let the Danish hearts cool slightly. Before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch!
Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Danish Hearts warm or at room temperature! Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a tasty treat!
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on the juiciness of the fruit to avoid soggy pastries.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the pastries, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften before spreading.
What If I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Cutter?
No worries! You can use a round cookie cutter or simply cut the puff pastry into squares. The hearts can be more fun, but any shape will taste just as delicious!
