These Strawberry Danish Hearts are a fun treat! With sweet strawberries and a flaky pastry, they make everyone smile. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
When I bake these, my kitchen smells like a bakery! Plus, they’re easy to make with just a few ingredients. Perfect for sharing, but good luck saving any! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This creates the flaky texture we love. If you’re short on time, pre-made puff pastry is a lifesaver! In a pinch, you can use crescent roll dough, but it might be slightly sweeter.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich filling. You can swap it with mascarpone for a lighter taste or use Ricotta cheese if you prefer a different texture. Both work well!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add sweetness and color. Feel free to swap them for raspberries or blueberries, especially if you want a different fruity flavor.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar helps sweeten the cream cheese mixture. Use honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for a natural sweetener. Just adjust to taste!
How Do I Get My Puff Pastry to Puff Up Perfectly?
One of the most important steps is to handle the puff pastry gently. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep your puff pastry cold until you are ready to bake. Cold dough puffs better!
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet. Make sure there’s space between each Danish for even cooking.
- Score the inner heart shape lightly, around 1/4 inch deep. This helps create a raised border.
- Brush the edges with the egg wash for a beautiful golden color. It also helps it rise more!
By following these tips, you’ll get beautifully puffed and flaky Danish Hearts every time!
How to Make Strawberry Danish Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Danish:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in just under 30 minutes, you can have delicious Strawberry Danish Hearts ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious filling!
3. Cut the Puff Pastry:
Unfold the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches), cut out heart shapes from the pastry. Remember, you’ll need two hearts for each Danish!
4. Score the Hearts:
For each Danish, take one heart shape and lightly score a smaller heart shape inside it, making sure not to cut all the way through. This creates a nice border for your filling to sit in.
5. Assemble the Danish:
Place the scored heart shapes on your prepared baking sheet. Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored area on each heart. Don’t be shy, but don’t overfill!
6. Add the Strawberries:
Carefully arrange 2-3 strawberry slices on top of the cream cheese filling. This adds a pop of color and fruity flavor to your Danish.
7. Apply the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create your egg wash. Brush the edges of each heart with this mixture to give them a lovely golden color while baking.
8. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
9. Cool and Dust:
Once they’re out of the oven, let your Danish Hearts cool slightly on the baking sheet. Before serving, dust them with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Danish Hearts warm or at room temperature, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before layering them on the pastry to prevent sogginess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore some crispiness.
Can I Make These Danish Hearts Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pastries and cream cheese filling in advance, assemble them (but don’t bake), and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be great substitutes for a similar texture. Just make sure they are well-mixed with sugar and vanilla for the best flavor!
