
Flaky store-bought puff pastry shaped into charming heart pastries, filled with a lightly sweetened cream cheese and fresh strawberries—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a romantic treat.

This recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes began on a sleepy February morning when I wanted something special for a small family brunch without spending hours in the kitchen. I kept a sheet of store-bought puff pastry in the freezer for moments just like this: when a few thoughtful ingredients and a little technique can transform a weekday into a celebration. These pastries combine crisp, buttery layers, a tangy-sweet cream cheese center, and the bright burst of fresh strawberries. The result is delicate, festive, and reliably crowd-pleasing.
I first discovered this combination by adapting a favorite café pastry; swapping laminated dough for a single sheet of frozen puff pastry kept things accessible while still delivering that satisfying flaky lift. What makes these special is the contrast: a golden, cloud-like border that puffs up and a creamy, slightly pink center speckled with juicy strawberries. They arrive at the table looking like a bakery treat but come together in under an hour once your pastry is thawed. Family, friends, or a loved one will notice the little heart shape—and the flavor will have them asking for the recipe.
The first time I served these, my partner said they tasted like a bakery version of our favorite strawberry cream cheese danish, but fresher. The family loved the tenderness of the filling against the crisp pastry rim—my youngest even insisted on making the heart shapes the next time. Simple adjustments over a few trials helped me perfect the filling texture and how much fruit to include so the pastry still puffs perfectly.
My favorite thing about this preparation is how reliably it transforms basic grocery-store ingredients into something that looks and tastes like a small luxury. At a recent brunch, guests asked where I ordered them from; when I said I made them in under an hour, they were delighted. The visual appeal—the neat pink centers and puffed golden rims—always gets compliments, and the flavor rewards the few careful steps required.
Store cooled pastries in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to preserve the crisp edges. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 3 days; the pastry will soften slightly in the fridge but will re-crisp when reheated in a 325°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes. To freeze, flash-freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to ensure a fully puffed and golden finish. Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
If you need dairy-free options, swap the cream cheese for an equal weight of plant-based cream cheese and use a vegan puff pastry if available. For a lower-sugar center, replace white sugar with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar or a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, use thawed frozen berries but make sure to drain and pat them dry; you can also macerate fresh strawberries with a teaspoon of sugar for 10 minutes to intensify flavor. For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture to brighten the filling.
Serve warm for maximum contrast between the flaky rim and creamy center. Pair with a lightly brewed coffee, a fruity tea, or sparkling wine for a celebratory brunch. Garnish with a few fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of the powdered sugar glaze. For a fuller spread, place these alongside a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a bowl of yogurt and granola to balance richness with freshness.
Filled sweet pastries are a global comfort; these hearts are inspired by European-style danishes and French laminated dough pastries but simplified for home cooks. The combination of cream cheese and fruit is a modern American adaptation of filled pastries—cream cheese provides a tangy balance to sweet fruit that became popular in North American bakeries in the late 20th century. Shaping them into hearts brings a contemporary, festive presentation often used for seasonal celebrations and gatherings.
In spring and summer, use local peak-season strawberries for the freshest flavor. In autumn, swap in diced roasted apples with a pinch of cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar. For winter, try a cranberry-orange variation using chopped tart cranberries and orange zest, or a warm mixed-berry filling with a splash of vanilla liqueur for special occasions. Adjust bake times slightly for wetter fillings to avoid soggy centers.
Assemble the hearts the night before and line them on a baking sheet covered tightly with plastic wrap; refrigerate and bake in the morning for freshly baked pastry with minimal active time. Alternatively, freeze assembled unbaked hearts on a tray and store in a freezer bag—bake from frozen when ready. Portion into single-serving boxes for grab-and-go breakfasts, or arrange on a platter for a party. Use disposable parchment-lined trays for easy transport and display.
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are equal parts simple and satisfying—perfect for turning an ordinary morning into something memorable. Try them once, tweak to your taste, and soon they’ll be a small tradition whenever you want to share something lovely and homemade.
Keep cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling; if too cold, it won't whip smoothly.
Pat strawberries dry if using frozen to prevent soggy pastry; small dice helps the filling set and spreads flavor evenly.
Score a 1/2-inch border rather than cutting through to create a reliable rim that puffs and contains the filling.
Brush egg wash only on the pastry border; getting wash on the filling can cause discoloration or prevent proper setting.
This nourishing strawberry cream cheese heart danishes recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
Yes. Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until pliable but still cool.
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Re-crisp in a 325°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes before serving.
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Thaw the puff pastry per package instructions so it is pliable but still cool. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Beat 4 ounces room-temperature cream cheese with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Add an optional drop of red food coloring and fold in half the diced strawberries.
Roll the thawed pastry lightly, cut 3- to 4-inch hearts, and score a 1/2-inch border without cutting through to create a puffing rim.
Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling into each heart, top with remaining strawberries, and brush the pastry rim with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon cold water).
Bake on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes until the borders are puffed and golden and the centers are set. Rotate halfway for even browning.
Cool for a few minutes on the tray then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle optional glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 to 2 tablespoons milk) over slightly cooled pastries.
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This recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to try it.
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