Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful treat to impress your loved ones, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are just the thing! Flaky, buttery puff pastry serves as the perfect canvas for a sweet and creamy filling, adorned with vibrant strawberries. Whether for a romantic breakfast, a sweet snack, or a special occasion, these danishes are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Let’s dive into this deliciously tempting recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting
- Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8-10 danishes
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut the pastry into charming heart shapes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, perfect for spreading.
- Place the heart-shaped pastry pieces onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each one for puffing.
- With a knife, gently score a smaller heart shape within each pastry heart, being careful not to cut all the way through—this creates a raised border for your delicious filling.
- Spoon a small dollop of the delightful cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, right on top of those cute borders.
- Top each cream cheese layer with a generous sprinkle of diced strawberries, allowing their fresh sweetness to shine through.
- To give your pastries a lovely golden hue, brush the edges of the pastry hearts with the beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and a gorgeous golden brown.
- Allow the danishes to cool slightly before dusting them with additional powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if you’d like!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to get creative with the filling! Adding a splash of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture can elevate the flavors. Additionally, these danishes can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just bake them straight from the freezer for an extra 5-10 minutes.
Cooking Techniques
Make sure your puff pastry is adequately thawed; this ensures it rolls out easily and puffs beautifully in the oven. The key to achieving that perfect golden-brown finish is the egg wash, so don’t skip it! Scoring the hearts allows the pastries to rise nicely and creates a delightful frame for your filling.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are delicious, feel free to substitute with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a unique twist.
How do I store the leftovers?
These danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that flaky texture.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are not only visually appealing but also a true delight for the taste buds! With their buttery layers and rich filling, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own as a treat. Bring a little sweetness into your kitchen and enjoy the process of creating these adorable pastries. Happy baking!