Sweetheart Strawberry Cream Danishes 💕
These delightful Sweetheart Strawberry Cream Danishes are a perfect treat for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. Featuring a creamy, sweet filling with fresh strawberries nestled in a flaky puff pastry, they're surprisingly easy to make and delicious when served warm.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Medium-sized bowl
- Small Bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Pastry brush (optional)
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry thawed according to package directions
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature (for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese!)
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- a few drops red or pink food coloring optional, to add a lovely Valentine's hue
- 0.5 cup diced fresh strawberries
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- 1. Thaw Your Pastry: First, gently unroll your puff pastry sheet and allow it to thaw as instructed on its packaging. This might mean leaving it on the counter for about two hours or letting it chill in the refrigerator overnight. Ensure it's fully thawed before moving on!
- 2. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your danishes don't stick and for an easy clean-up.
- 3. Whip Up the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. If you wish, stir in a few drops of red or pink food coloring for a festive touch. Set this delicious filling aside. Now, give your fresh strawberries a quick wash and dice them into small, even pieces.
- 4. Cut Heart Shapes: Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, gently cut out approximately 7 heart shapes. Place these lovely hearts onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each one.
- 5. Create a Border: With a sharp knife or a smaller heart-shaped cookie cutter, lightly score a border about 1/4 inch from the edge of each pastry heart. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you just want to create a shallow, pretty outline.
- 6. Fill with Sweetness: Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of the creamy cheese mixture onto the center of each heart, spreading it gently within the scored border.
- 7. Add Strawberries: Evenly sprinkle your diced strawberries over the cream cheese filling on each danish, trying to keep them mostly inside the outlined border.
- 8. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water to create an egg wash. Using your finger or a small pastry brush, gently apply this egg wash onto the outside border of each danish. This will help them turn a beautiful golden brown.
- 9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are nicely golden brown and the pastry has puffed up beautifully.
- 10. Cool and Serve: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before enjoying them warm. They're at their absolute best when fresh from the oven!
Notes
These danishes are at their absolute best when fresh from the oven!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 160
Total Carbs: 12g
Net Carbs: 11g
Fats: 12g
Protein: 3g
Calories: 160
Total Carbs: 12g
Net Carbs: 11g
Fats: 12g
Protein: 3g
