Few treats catch the eye and charm the palate quite like Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes. Flaky, golden pastry wraps around a creamy, vanilla-infused filling, all crowned with glossy strawberry jam—it’s a combination that feels special enough for Valentine’s Day but easy enough to whip up on a cozy weekend morning. These little pastries bring together the best of fruit, cheese, and crisp pastry for a dessert or breakfast that’s visually stunning and absolutely irresistible.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes is that such a delicious, bakery-worthy treat comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the iconic layers, richness, and burst of strawberry flavor in every bite.

Puff pastry: This ready-made dough puffs into beautiful, buttery layers that create the signature danish texture with almost zero effort.
Cream cheese (softened): Lends creaminess and a slight tang, making that irresistible center that balances out the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Lightly sweetens the cream cheese mixture, for just the right amount of sweetness.
Pure vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the cream filling.
Strawberry jam or preserves: The star on top—sweet, fruity, and vibrant in both color and flavor.
Large egg (beaten): Brushed along the pastry edges, it helps danishes bake up golden and shiny.
Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting after baking adds a professional, festive finish.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured counter, unfold the thawed puff pastry and cut it into six equal squares. Here comes the fun part—shape each square into a heart! Gently tug the top two corners to form the curves and pinch the bottom into a point. Each pastry will look a little different, but that’s half the homemade charm.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, blend softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth. This creamy filling will serve as the luscious base for your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes and help hold the jam in place.

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Spread about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the heart of each pastry, leaving a border around the edges so the filling doesn’t escape while baking. Then, spoon about two teaspoons of strawberry jam right on top of the cream cheese layer. You’re aiming for a thick stripe of vibrant red through the center of each heart—so beautiful!

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg. This little step ensures your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes bake with a beautifully glossy, golden finish. Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until they’re impressively puffed and richly golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Finish

Give the danishes a few minutes to cool. If you like, dust with powdered sugar for that extra-special touch. If you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle with a little melted white chocolate once they’ve completely cooled—pure joy!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar gives these hearts a snow-dusted bakery look. For an even more decadent twist, a white chocolate drizzle or a few fresh strawberry slices on the plate brings a burst of freshness and color that makes Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes absolutely irresistible.

Side Dishes

Since these danishes are rich and flavorful, pair them with a bowl of fresh berries or a light fruit salad for balance. A cup of coffee, café au lait, or a glass of cold milk is all you need to round out a lovely breakfast or brunch featuring Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the danishes on a pretty platter lined with edible flowers or heart-shaped confetti. Arrange them in a circle for Valentine’s, or package each Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danish in cellophane bags tied with ribbon as thoughtful homemade gifts for loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For best freshness, however, pop them into the fridge if storing longer—cream cheese needs a cool environment.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked danishes! Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you want one, just take out what you need and reheat.

Reheating

To enjoy that “fresh from the oven” goodness, reheat Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling perfectly creamy—microwaving is faster, but it may soften the flaky layers.

FAQs

Can I use other jams or preserves besides strawberry?

Absolutely! Feel free to try raspberry, cherry, or even apricot preserves. Just choose a thick jam so it doesn’t run too much during baking, and your Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes will be just as delicious with a fun twist.

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them (covered) for a few hours before baking. That way, they’re ready to pop in the oven whenever you need a fresh-baked treat.

Do I have to use store-bought puff pastry?

Store-bought puff pastry is incredibly convenient and delivers great results, but if you enjoy making pastry from scratch, you can certainly use homemade dough. The key is really those flaky, buttery layers that make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes irresistible.

What’s the best way to shape the hearts?

After cutting your squares, gently pull the top two corners outward and curve them in to form the heart’s top, then pinch the bottom into a point. There’s no need for perfection—each heart will have a little personality!

How should leftovers be stored for best freshness?

Let the danishes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp at room temperature for a day, but the cream cheese filling is happiest in the fridge if keeping longer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes—they’re the kind of home-baked treat that turns any day into an occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with someone special or treating yourself, every bite is sure to bring a smile. Give them a go, and let the magic of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet strawberry brighten up your table!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 danishes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. The flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet cream cheese and strawberry jam mixture is sure to impress your loved ones!

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cream Cheese Filling:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Strawberry Filling:

1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves

Egg Wash:

1 large egg, beaten

Optional:

powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal squares. Shape each square into a heart.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the mixture on each pastry heart.
Add the Strawberry Filling: Spoon strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese layer.
Assemble and Bake: Brush pastry edges with beaten egg, place hearts on the baking sheet, and bake for 14–17 minutes until golden brown.
Finish and Serve: Cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

You can swap strawberry jam for raspberry or cherry preserves for a different flavor.
For an extra festive touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate once cooled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American