Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a beautiful and delicious pastry that combines flaky puff pastry, rich cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberry topping—all shaped into adorable hearts. These danishes look bakery-worthy but are surprisingly easy to make at home using simple ingredients.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, or special breakfasts, these heart-shaped danishes feel festive without requiring advanced baking skills. The contrast of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and bright strawberry flavor makes every bite indulgent yet balanced.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Flaky, buttery pastry with creamy filling
- Sweet strawberry flavor in every bite
- Beautiful heart shape for special occasions
- Easy to make with store-bought puff pastry
- Perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting
- Customizable with different fillings
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Bakery-Style Results at Home
These danishes look impressive but are made with straightforward steps. As a result, you get a professional-looking pastry without complicated techniques.
Perfect for Celebrations
Because of their heart shape and vibrant strawberry topping, these danishes are ideal for romantic holidays and special moments.
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prepare the components in advance and bake just before serving, making them perfect for hosting or busy mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Cream cheese, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Strawberry pie filling or strawberry jam
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (optional glaze)
- Milk (for glaze, optional)
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the cream cheese filling
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Shape the hearts
Roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into squares. Fold and shape each square into a heart, pinching the edges slightly to hold the filling.
Step 4: Fill the danishes
Spoon a small amount of cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, then top with strawberry filling.
Step 5: Add egg wash
Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 7: Optional glaze
Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and drizzle over cooled danishes if desired.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Danish)
- Calories: 280–350
- Carbohydrates: 28–35g
- Fat: 18–22g
- Protein: 4–6g
- Sugar: Moderate
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use
- Don’t overfill or the filling may leak
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture
- Seal edges gently to maintain heart shape
- Let cool slightly before glazing
Variations & Substitutions
- Use raspberry or cherry filling instead of strawberry
- Add lemon zest to the cream cheese for brightness
- Swap puff pastry for crescent dough
- Use homemade strawberry compote
- Drizzle with white chocolate instead of glaze
What to Serve with Strawberry Heart Danishes
- Coffee or cappuccino
- Hot tea
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt parfaits
- Valentine’s brunch spreads
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm cream cheese (can run)
- Overfilling the pastry
- Skipping parchment paper
- Baking at too low a temperature
- Glazing while pastries are hot
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat briefly in the oven for crispness
- Avoid microwaving (softens pastry)
- Best enjoyed fresh
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a perfect blend of beauty and flavor. With their flaky layers, creamy center, and sweet strawberry topping, they’re an irresistible treat for any special occasion. Easy enough for home bakers yet elegant enough for celebrations, these danishes are guaranteed to impress.
General Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: About 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Pastry / Brunch