Description
Strawberry Cheesecake Danish Hearts are delightful, flaky puff pastry treats filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with luscious strawberry jam. These heart-shaped pastries are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special Valentine’s Day treat, combining classic cheesecake flavors in a portable, easy-to-make pastry.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
Topping
- 1 cup strawberry jam or pie filling
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream
Optional Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth out creases.
- Cut Heart Shapes: Use a large heart-shaped cutter to cut out hearts from the puff pastry. Place these hearts on the prepared baking sheets. With a smaller heart cutter or a knife, lightly score a smaller heart inside each pastry piece without cutting through—this will create a border for the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling will provide a rich and sweet center for the danish hearts.
- Assemble the Pastries: Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry heart, carefully staying within the scored border. Then, top each cream cheese layer with a spoonful of strawberry jam or pie filling.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed edges of each puff pastry heart with the beaten egg to ensure a golden and shiny finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the pastries for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown color.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the pastries are baking or cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or cream until smooth to form a drizzle-able glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the danish hearts are slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle the glaze over them. Optionally, garnish with fresh sliced strawberries to enhance the presentation and flavor.
- Serve: Serve these delightful strawberry cheesecake danish hearts fresh for the best texture and taste. Enjoy as a special breakfast or dessert.
Notes
- Warm the strawberry jam slightly before spreading to make it easier to spoon and spread evenly.
- These danish hearts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat refrigerated pastries briefly in a hot oven to regain crispness before serving.
- For variation, substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or cherry jam for a different fruity twist.
