These Strawberry Danish Hearts are a sweet treat that look as cute as they taste! Flaky pastry filled with creamy goodness and fruity strawberries make them a hit for brunch or dessert.
I love how easy they are to make, and they always impress friends. Plus, who can resist that delicious combo of sweet and flaky? They’re a heart-shaped hug for your taste buds! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: The star of this recipe! Frozen puff pastry is a huge time-saver. If you can’t find it, you could try using phyllo dough, but it won’t be as flaky. I’ve found that making it from scratch can be fun but takes a lot more time!
Cream Cheese: This gives a rich and creamy filling. Neufchâtel can be a lighter option if you’re looking for something with less fat. Dairy-free cream cheese works too for a vegan version, and it still tastes great!
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness. You can swap this for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if desired. Just adjust to taste, as some substitutes can be sweeter than regular sugar.
Fresh Strawberries: The main fruity flavor. You can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries if strawberries aren’t in season. Frozen berries also work; just make sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry Perfectly Golden and Flaky?
Getting that golden-brown finish on your pastry is essential for both taste and presentation! Here’s how:
- First, make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely according to package instructions. Don’t rush this step, as it could affect the texture.
- I recommend rolling it out gently on a floured surface. This creates even layers, allowing for the flaky texture we love.
- Using an egg wash (the beaten egg) adds shine and helps achieve a beautiful color as they bake. Be sure to cover only the edges to keep the filling intact.
- Finally, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is a little different, so it’s best to check a couple of minutes earlier.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 6-8 fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, plan for about 45 minutes total before you can enjoy your delicious Strawberry Danish Hearts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the pastry from sticking, making for easy cleanup!
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out gently with a rolling pin just to smooth any creases. This helps create those nice flaky layers!
3. Cut Out Heart Shapes:
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out hearts from the puff pastry. Depending on the size of your cutter, you should be able to get about 8-10 hearts. Try to keep them uniform for even baking!
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sweet filling pairs perfectly with the strawberries!
5. Assemble the Hearts:
Take a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture and place it right in the center of each puff pastry heart. Then, sprinkle the chopped strawberries on top of the cream cheese, making sure to distribute them evenly.
6. Fold the Edges:
Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry inward to create a lovely little border around your filling. This helps keep everything in place while baking!
7. Egg Wash for Shine:
Brush the edges of each heart with the beaten egg. This egg wash will give your pastries that beautiful golden color when they’re baked!
8. Bake Your Pastries:
Place the prepared pastry hearts on the lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
9. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, remove the hearts from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Before serving, dust your Strawberry Danish Hearts with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Enjoy these delicious, flaky, creamy, and fruity pastries warm or at room temperature! They’re perfect for any occasion or just as a lovely treat to brighten your day.
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are a classic choice, you can easily substitute them with raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on the fruit’s sweetness and moisture content.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Strawberry Danish Hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, just pop them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, ensuring they stay crispy on the outside.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pastries in advance! Assemble the hearts as per the recipe, then place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve them for the best texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you prefer a lighter option, you could use Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing!