Dreamy Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe: Sweet Morning Joy

Pastry lovers swoon over these delectable cream cheese heart danishes that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Sweet and tangy cream cheese nestles perfectly inside delicate, flaky pastry.

The heart-shaped design adds a romantic touch to every bite.

Delicate layers of buttery dough create a crisp exterior that complements the rich filling.

Each danish promises a moment of pure indulgence and culinary delight.

Weekend breakfasts or special occasions become extraordinary with these elegant treats.

These danishes will steal hearts and satisfy even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 245 kcal

Servings: 8

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes Ingredient List

• Strawberries: Sweet and vibrant berries that create a delightful jammy filling with natural bright flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances the strawberries' natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, thick compote.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty tang and helps balance the sweetness while preventing fruit browning.
• Cornstarch: Natural thickening agent that transforms the fruit mixture into a luscious, spreadable consistency.
• Water: Helps dissolve cornstarch and integrate smoothly into the strawberry mixture.

• Puff Pastry: Flaky, buttery foundation that provides a crisp and golden exterior for the danish.
• Egg Wash: Creates a beautiful golden sheen and helps seal the pastry edges.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy base that complements the sweet strawberry mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese and creates a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cream cheese filling.

Tools to Shape and Bake Heart Danishes

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for mixing and combining ingredients.
• Saucepan: Perfect for cooking strawberry filling on stovetop.
• Small bowl: For mixing cornstarch and water.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring strawberry mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Baking sheet: Needed for baking danishes.
• Parchment paper: Prevents danishes from sticking to baking sheet.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting and shaping pastry.
• Pastry brush: Optional for egg wash or glazing danishes.

Instructions for Strawberry Danishes

• Whip Up Strawberry Filling

Toss fresh strawberries into a simmering pan and let them dance with a splash of sugar and zingy lemon juice. Watch as they break down and release their vibrant crimson essence.

• Thicken the Magic

Sprinkle in a secret weapon of cornstarch whisked with water to transform your fruity mixture into a luscious, glossy compote. Stir gently and let it bubble until perfectly smooth and rich.

• Prepare Pastry Base

Unfold delicate puff pastry sheets and slice them into charming heart shapes. Each piece will become a canvas for your delectable strawberry creation.

• Craft Creamy Centers

Spread a luxurious layer of cream cheese across each pastry heart, creating a silky foundation that will complement the bright strawberry topping.

• Assemble and Bake

Carefully spoon your cooled strawberry filling onto the cream cheese, then fold the pastry edges to cradle the precious contents. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden and crispy.

• Add Final Flourish

Once cooled, dust these elegant Danish treats with a delicate snow of powdered sugar, transforming them into irresistible dessert masterpieces ready to steal hearts.

Swaps and Add-Ons for Your Cream Cheese Base

• Strawberry Jam Perfection: Let the strawberry compote cool completely before spreading to prevent soggy pastry and ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the strawberry filling and cream cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Flavor Remix: Experiment with different berries like raspberries or blueberries for unique variations that keep the recipe exciting and fresh.
• Dietary Swap: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sugar strawberries for a lighter version that doesn't compromise on delicious taste.

Sweet Ways to Serve These Danishes

• Sweet Romantic Plating: Arrange these heart-shaped danishes on a pristine white plate with a dusting of powdered sugar, creating an elegant dessert perfect for Valentine's Day or anniversary celebrations.
• Brunch Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning treat that feels like a special occasion.
• Garnish Glory: Top each danish with a fresh whole strawberry or a delicate mint leaf to add a pop of color and extra burst of fruity freshness that makes the presentation Instagram-worthy.
• Sharing Style: Slice danishes into smaller pieces for a beautiful dessert board that allows guests to enjoy bite-sized portions with different accompaniments like whipped cream or additional fruit compote.

How to Store Without Losing Flakiness

• Quick Chill Method: Cool strawberry filling completely in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before assembling danishes to prevent soggy pastry edges.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store assembled, unbaked danishes in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking, keeping them fresh and ready to pop in the oven.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual unbaked danishes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking for perfect texture.
• Leftover Love: Refrigerate baked danishes in sealed container for 3-4 days. Warm gently in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy pastry and revive delicious flavors.

Heavenly Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Romantic strawberry cream cheese heart danishes combine flaky pastry with luscious cream cheese and fresh strawberries. Sweet European-style pastries melt in your mouth, offering a delightful treat perfect for special occasions or weekend baking adventures.

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Ingredients

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• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Compote Creation: Meld fresh strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan, simmering over medium heat to extract vibrant fruit flavors and natural sweetness.
2. Texture Development: Gently manipulate the strawberry mixture, coaxing fruits to break down and release their essence while creating a luscious base for the danish filling.
3. Thickening Technique: Craft a cornstarch slurry by seamlessly blending cornstarch and water, then incorporate into the simmering compote to achieve a glossy, jam-like consistency.
4. Compote Refinement: Continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, rich texture that will elevate the danish’s flavor profile.
5. Cooling Process: Transfer the completed compote to a pristine bowl, allowing it to rest and cool completely at room temperature, which concentrates the strawberry’s natural intensity and prepares the filling for pastry assembly.

Notes

• Prevent Burning: Stir strawberry mixture constantly to avoid scorching and ensure even cooking of the compote.
• Check Consistency: Look for a glossy, thick jam-like texture when cooking compote, which indicates perfect reduction and proper thickening.
• Temperature Control: Use medium heat to allow gradual breakdown of strawberries and prevent rapid boiling that could alter flavor or texture.
• Cornstarch Technique: Whisk cornstarch and water separately until completely smooth to prevent lumps in the compote, creating a silky, uniform sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 204
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg