Looking for an easy, festive, and heart-melting treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, mother’s day and brunch, or just a sweet moment with your loved ones? These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a dream come true. Buttery puff pastry, tangy cream cheese filling, and juicy strawberries come together in a flaky, golden heart that says “I love you” in every bite.
Why These Danishes Always Win Hearts
What makes these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes special isn’t just the cute shape. It’s how fast they come together with puff pastry, how beautifully they puff and brown, and how that slightly tangy cream cheese balances the bright strawberries on top. The heart shape adds charm, but it’s the flaky texture and rich flavor that keep people coming back for seconds.
They’re a lighter, easier take on bakery-style danishes, and if you’re short on time or baking experience, don’t worry. You can even use crescent dough in a pinch (more on that later). Whether you’re planning a romantic breakfast or letting your kids decorate their own, these danishes are all about making sweet memories with simple ingredients.
Easy Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
What You Need (and Smart Substitutes)
The beauty of these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes lies in how accessible they are. With just a handful of ingredients—most of which you likely have on hand—you can create a bakery-worthy treat in under an hour.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Danish Ingredients:
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed
(Substitute: Two crescent dough sheets — softer, but still delicious) - 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
(Substitute: Dairy-free cream cheese for vegan/dairy-free option) - 2 tbsp white sugar
(Substitute: Powdered sugar for smoother filling) - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional — just 1–2 drops for a light pink hue)
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries
(Use fresh for best texture; frozen works if drained thoroughly) - 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp cold water
Optional: Powdered sugar or glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk) for finishing
Using puff pastry gives these danishes that iconic flaky texture. Just remember to keep it cold until you’re ready to cut—that’s the trick to a tall, golden puff. If you’re going the dairy-free route, a vegan cream cheese holds up beautifully in the oven and adds a subtle tang.
Fresh strawberries work best here because they hold their shape and release less moisture. If you only have frozen strawberries, don’t worry—you can absolutely use them. Just thaw and drain well before dicing. This prevents soggy centers and ensures a crisp base.
A Quick Note on Color & Flair
If you want to add a little Valentine’s charm, a drop or two of red food coloring turns your cream cheese filling into a beautiful soft pink. It’s totally optional, but I love the way it looks once baked—especially if you’re making these for kids or gifting them in a treat box.
How to Make
Simple Steps to Bakery-Style Danishes at Home
Making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes is easier than it looks—and so rewarding. You’ll only need about 40 minutes total, including prep and bake time. Let’s walk through the steps so you get perfect flaky results every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Let your puff pastry thaw according to the package directions. This usually takes about 30–60 minutes at room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat together the room-temperature cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you want a soft pink filling, add 1–2 drops of red food coloring. Stir in half of the diced strawberries if you’d like them blended in, or save them all for topping.
Step 3: Cut and Shape the Hearts
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently smooth out any creases. Then, use a 3–4 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts. You should get about 4 from one sheet.
To create a border so the filling stays in place:
- Option A: Use a smaller heart cutter to lightly press into the center (don’t cut through).
- Option B: Use a sharp knife to score a ½-inch border inside each heart.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Spoon or pipe about 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, staying within the border. Top with the remaining diced strawberries. Don’t overfill—it’s important to leave space for the pastry to puff.
Step 5: Egg Wash for Shine
Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Brush the egg wash lightly over the pastry edges. This gives the danishes a beautiful golden finish. Be careful not to get egg wash on the filling.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the hearts on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
Let the danishes cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Optional Glaze or Dusting
Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a quick glaze (mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk). It adds that final bakery touch!
Serving, Variations & How to Store
How to Serve These Flaky Hearts
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are best served fresh and warm—right when the pastry is still crisp and the filling slightly melty. They’re a gorgeous choice for:
- Valentine’s Day breakfast or brunch
- Baby showers or bridal showers
- Mother’s Day breakfast-in-bed
- Dessert boards or treat boxes
If you’re building a themed spread, pair them with something elegant like Easy Strawberry Horchata Tiramisu for a full-on heart-themed dessert table.
These danishes look especially cute on a small platter with powdered sugar dusted on top or a light glaze drizzle. A sprig of mint or a few extra strawberry slices really dresses them up.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
While strawberry and cream cheese is a classic combo, don’t be afraid to experiment:
- Berry Swap: Use raspberries, blueberries, or chopped cherries.
- Jam Shortcut: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam under the cream cheese for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate after baking.
- Almond Twist: Add a drop of almond extract to the filling and top with slivered almonds.
Storing & Make-Ahead Tips
Can you store leftover danishes? Absolutely!
- Room Temp (Same Day): Store lightly covered on the counter up to 6 hours.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.
Can you make these ahead of time?
Yes, but with a twist: Prep the danishes up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them (unbaked and covered) for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when ready to serve for best puff.
Keep in mind that the longer they sit after baking, the more the pastry softens. For special occasions, fresh-baked is best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh the next day. You can also bake them ahead and reheat briefly in the oven for a crisp finish.
How do I store leftover danishes?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven to refresh the texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy centers. Fresh strawberries hold their shape and texture better during baking.
Is puff pastry the same as crescent dough?
Not quite. Puff pastry is flaky and buttery with many layers, while crescent dough is softer and bread-like. Both work, but puff pastry gives that bakery-style crispness.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes: Flaky, Sweet & Easy
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 danishes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Bakery
Description
These flaky, heart-shaped strawberry cream cheese danishes are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any cozy morning. Made with puff pastry, creamy vanilla filling, and juicy berries—ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tbsp white sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional)
1/2 cup diced strawberries (fresh preferred)
1 large egg
1 tbsp cold water
Instructions
1. Thaw puff pastry as directed. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if using. Fold in half the strawberries.
3. Unfold puff pastry and lightly roll out. Cut 3–4 inch heart shapes.
4. Score a smaller heart or border inside each piece to create a raised edge.
5. Spoon 1–2 tbsp filling into center of each heart. Top with reserved strawberries.
6. Whisk egg and water, brush pastry edges. Avoid getting egg wash on filling.
7. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
8. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or glaze once cooled.
Notes
Keep puff pastry cold until ready to cut to ensure best puff.
Frozen strawberries work if well-drained.
Optional glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk.