These Strawberry Danish Hearts are as cute as they are tasty! Flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese and sweet strawberries make for a delightful snack or dessert.
Who can resist a heart-shaped treat? They’re perfect for sharing, or you know, hiding in the back of the fridge for later. 🤫 I love making these for breakfast or a fun brunch treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky layer is essential for texture. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry, which works perfectly. You can also substitute with a simple pie crust for a different texture, though it won’t be as flaky.
Cream Cheese: The creamy center is delightful! If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. Greek yogurt is a great substitute too if you’re looking for something lighter.
Granulated Sugar: White sugar adds sweetness here, but feel free to use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. For a sugar-free option, you can use a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, adjusting to taste.
Fresh Strawberries: These are the stars of the show! If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches for a twist on flavor.
How Do I Shape the Hearts Perfectly?
Shaping the puff pastry into hearts can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right. Start with squares of pastry, then carefully cut them into heart shapes.
- Keep the edges slightly raised when forming the hearts. This creates a nice pocket for the filling.
- Gently score the shape with a sharp knife for a cleaner edge, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Make sure to leave space for filling, so the hearts don’t overflow during baking!
With a bit of practice, you’ll have perfectly shaped hearts that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste buds! Happy baking!
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
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberries:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 teaspoons milk or lemon juice)
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes in total: about 10 minutes to prepare and shape the Danish hearts and 15-20 minutes to bake them in the oven. It’s super quick and perfect for a cozy morning treat or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it well until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will be the delicious filling for your Danish hearts.
3. Cut the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold your puff pastry sheet. Cut it into four equal squares to form the base of your hearts.
4. Shape the Hearts:
Using a knife, gently score or cut the squares into heart shapes. You can do this freehand or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for a perfect cut.
5. Fill with Cream Cheese:
Take a spoonful of the cream cheese filling and place it in the center of each heart shape. Flatten it slightly, leaving enough space for your strawberries.
6. Add Strawberries:
Arrange a few slices of fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling to add a fruity flavor.
7. Form the Hearts:
Gently fold the edges of the pastry slightly inward to create a raised heart shape. This will help hold the filling in place while baking.
8. Apply Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water. Use this mixture to brush the edges of each heart. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
9. Bake the Danish Hearts:
Place the hearts on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffy and golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the hearts from the oven and let them cool slightly. If you want to add a glaze, drizzle it on top now. Lastly, dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!
Enjoy your lovely, flaky Strawberry Danish Hearts for breakfast or dessert! They’re always a hit! 🍓💖
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the filling. Fresh strawberries, however, give the best flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Strawberry Danish Hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be gently reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften before spreading on the puff pastry.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor, or ricotta for a lighter option. Vegan cream cheese also works well for a dairy-free alternative!
