Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Table of Contents
There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting through a cozy kitchen. It takes me back to sun-dappled mornings at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of baking and the warmth of her smile made every bite extra special. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that captures that same heartwarming essence: Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes. These delightful treats are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a charming way to show your love through food.
Imagine biting into the light, flaky layers of puff pastry, only to discover a sweet and creamy strawberry-infused center. These danishes are perfect for sharing with loved ones over a lazy weekend breakfast or as a sweet surprise for a special occasion. Plus, they bring a handful of benefits that make them an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire.
First, they embody the spirit of homemade love, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Second, they’re incredibly approachable, making them ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Third, these danishes offer the comforting taste of nostalgia, reminding us of cherished family moments. Fourth, they’re versatile enough to serve at brunch, tea time, or as a delightful dessert. And lastly, they provide a beautiful canvas for creativity and personalization, allowing you to add your unique twist.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
There’s something undeniably special about creating food that not only tastes divine but also looks incredible on the table. These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The heart shapes are not just for show; they bring a touch of romance and care to any meal. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or simply the joy of being together, these danishes make any occasion feel like a heartfelt celebration. Plus, the fresh strawberries offer a burst of color and flavor that is sure to delight both the eyes and the palate.
The combination of strawberries and cream cheese is a classic pairing that never fails to impress. The sweetness of the strawberries is perfectly balanced by the tangy richness of the cream cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The heart shape adds a whimsical touch, making these pastries a conversation starter and a delightful centerpiece for your table.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To bring this delightful pastry to life, you’ll need just a handful of kitchen tools that you likely already have on hand. A heart-shaped cookie cutter is essential for giving these danishes their lovely silhouette. If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can easily create a template with parchment paper and use a sharp knife to cut the shapes. A sharp knife will help you score the pastry, ensuring that the edges puff up beautifully while baking.
A baking sheet and parchment paper are crucial for easy cleanup and to prevent the pastries from sticking. A medium-sized mixing bowl and a small bowl will be your trusty companions for prepping the cream cheese filling and egg wash. Lastly, a baking brush will help you achieve that perfect golden-brown finish on the pastry edges, adding a professional touch to your homemade treats.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed to package directions
- 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp cold water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet as per package directions. Ensure it’s pliable but still cool to the touch to work with ease.
- Preheat oven to 400 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a pale pink hue, reminiscent of fresh strawberries.
- Unfold the puff pastry and use a 3-inch heart cookie cutter to cut out hearts; place them on the baking sheet. Gather the scraps and re-roll as needed to maximize the number of hearts.
- Score a border around the edges of each heart using a smaller cutter or knife. This will encourage the edges to rise and form a crisp, flaky border.
- Spoon 1/2 tbsp of cream cheese mixture onto each heart and spread within the border. Be careful not to overfill, as the mixture will expand during baking.
- Sprinkle diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture. Spread them evenly for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- In a small bowl, mix egg and cold water to create an egg wash. This will give the pastries a beautiful sheen.
- Apply egg wash to the borders of each heart using a brush. This ensures the pastry turns a lovely golden brown.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the pastries are fully puffed.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving warm. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: French • Preparation Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 17 minutes • Total Time: 27 minutes • Calories: 150 per serving • Servings: 7
Note: For a delightful twist, try substituting strawberries with raspberries or blueberries. Each fruit brings its unique flavor profile, allowing you to tailor the danishes to your preference.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These danishes not only bring joy to the table but also offer some delightful health benefits. Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your breakfast or snack. They are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
Cream cheese provides a rich, creamy texture and a dose of calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth. It’s also a good source of vitamin A, which is vital for maintaining healthy vision and skin.
The puff pastry, while indulgent, is light and flaky, creating a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling. It’s made from layers of dough and butter, which means it puffs up beautifully when baked, creating a light and airy texture.
Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome. While these pastries are best enjoyed in moderation, they provide a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of strawberries and the rich creaminess of cheese.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
Pair these charming danishes with a warm cup of coffee or a frothy cappuccino for a match made in heaven. The robustness of coffee beautifully complements the sweet and tangy notes of the danishes. If you’re looking to create a full brunch spread, consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a savory frittata. The contrast between sweet and savory dishes makes for a delightful dining experience.
For an extra touch of elegance, a glass of sparkling wine or mimosa complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. The effervescence of the wine enhances the flavors of the fruit, making each bite feel like a celebration.
These danishes also make a delightful addition to an afternoon tea, paired with a selection of your favorite teas and dainty sandwiches. The combination of sweet danishes and savory sandwiches creates a balanced and satisfying spread that is sure to impress your guests.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), these danishes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350 F for a few minutes until they are heated through. This will help restore their crispy texture and fresh-baked flavor.
If you prefer a softer pastry, you can also warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the filling to become too runny. These danishes are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a quick snack to brighten your day.
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked danishes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be reheated directly from frozen in a 350 F oven for about 10 minutes.
As you embark on this baking journey, remember that the true joy of cooking lies in the love and creativity you pour into each dish. Let these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes be a testament to the simple pleasures of homemade cooking, where every bite is a reminder of cherished memories and the warmth of the kitchen.
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet as per package directions. Some say thaw on the counter for 2 hours or you can leave it to thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium sized bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Add in a few drops of red food colouring. Set aside.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry. Using a 3 inch heart cookie cutter, cut out 7 hearts and place them on the baking sheet 1 inch apart.
- Using a sharp knife or smaller heart shaped cookie cutter, score a border about 1/4 inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Spoon about 1/2 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture onto each heart and spread it inside the border.
- Divide the diced strawberries evenly amongst the danishes by sprinkling them on top of the cream cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix egg and cold water together to create an egg wash. Apply the egg wash on the outside border.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until edges are starting to turn a golden brown.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before enjoying these danishes warm.
