Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet and creamy mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, topped with vibrant strawberry jam. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these danishes bake to golden perfection with a beautiful puff pastry texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the danishes evenly and to achieve a golden, puffed texture.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Use a heart-shaped cutter or a knife to cut the pastry into heart shapes, ensuring each piece is uniform in size.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without lumps.
- Assemble Danishes: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each heart-shaped pastry, spreading it slightly but leaving room around the edges.
- Add Strawberry Jam: Top each cream cheese filling with a teaspoon of strawberry jam, adding a sweet fruity contrast.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg carefully onto the edges of the pastry hearts. This will help achieve a shiny golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Transfer the assembled danishes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set and to avoid burning your mouth.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with other fruit preserves such as raspberry or apricot for flavor variations.
- If puff pastry is not available, you can use croissant dough, but baking times may vary slightly.
- Brush egg wash gently to avoid it dripping into the filling which can alter texture.
- Danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
