Ingredients
Danish Ingredients
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed (substitute: two sheets of crescent roll dough, texture will differ)
- 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature (substitute: dairy-free cream cheese for vegan/dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp white sugar (substitute: powdered sugar for smoother filling)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional — a drop or two to tint the filling)
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries (fresh is best; if using frozen, thaw and drain)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, white sugar, vanilla extract, and optional red food coloring. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold the diced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, making sure not to mash the fruit.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares suitable for folding into heart shapes (generally about 4x4 inches).
- Shape the Danishes: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese and strawberry filling onto each pastry square. Fold or shape the pastry to create a heart shape, sealing edges to prevent leaking during baking.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water to create an egg wash.
- Brush Pastry: Lightly brush the tops of each heart danish with the egg wash to achieve a golden brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven, let cool slightly on a wire rack, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best texture; if using frozen strawberries, fully thaw and drain to avoid soggy pastry.
- You can substitute crescent roll dough if puff pastry is not available, but the texture will be less flaky.
- For a dairy-free or vegan option, use dairy-free cream cheese and an egg substitute or skip the egg wash.
- If desired, dust the cooled danishes with powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Bakery
