These Strawberry Danish Hearts are sweet and flaky goodies that make your breakfast feel special! With fresh strawberries and creamy cheese, they are a treat for your taste buds.
Honestly, who can resist a pastry shaped like a heart? I love serving them with a cup of tea—perfect for a cozy morning! 🍓❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your Danish hearts. You can find it in the freezer section. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could try using phyllo dough, but the texture will differ.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for lactose-free cream cheese or use a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar texture.
Fresh Strawberries: I love using ripe, juicy strawberries for their flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to use frozen or other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese and is also used for dusting. You can substitute with granulated sugar, but the texture won’t be as smooth in the cream cheese mixture.
How Do You Get Perfectly Puff Pastry Hearts?
Creating beautiful puff pastry hearts may seem tricky, but it’s easier than it sounds! Here are some tips:
- Always thaw puff pastry overnight in the fridge for best results—don’t rush it!
- Make sure your pastry is slightly cold when you work with it; this helps it puff up beautifully.
- For a great seal, use a fork to press the edges down. It looks pretty and keeps the filling inside!
Don’t forget the egg wash; it gives your hearts that golden finish. Enjoy your baking! 🥳
Strawberry Danish Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Danish Hearts:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of baking. In total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes before you can enjoy your delightful Strawberry Danish Hearts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your Danish hearts bake evenly and puff up nicely. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or a hand mixer to mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your luscious filling!
3. Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry:
Next, roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Aim for squares that are approximately 3-4 inches wide. Gently cut heart shapes, either by making a small heart shape inside each square or cutting out full hearts if you’re using the two-layer method.
4. Assemble Your Hearts:
Take the bottom layer of each heart and spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture onto it. Add a teaspoon of strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese, and then place a few diced strawberries over the jam. If you’re using two layers for your hearts, place the top heart layer over this filling and gently press the edges to seal. You can also create a raised border if you cut a border layer.
5. Apply the Egg Wash:
To make the egg wash, beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Brush the edges of your puff pastry hearts with this egg wash. This gives them that beautiful golden finish when baked.
6. Bake the Danish Hearts:
Place the assembled hearts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
7. Cool and Dust:
Once they are golden and fragrant, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Danish hearts cool slightly. Just before serving, dust them with some powdered sugar to add a sweet finishing touch.
Enjoy these sweet, flaky Strawberry Danish Hearts as a delightful breakfast or dessert treat! 🍓❤️
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using them in the filling. This will help prevent the pastry from getting soggy.
Can I Make These Danish Hearts Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. For the egg wash, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy, mixed with a bit of maple syrup for that glossy effect.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes so they regain their flaky texture.
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the puff pastry hearts in advance. Assemble them and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.
