Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Cheesecake Danish Hearts, perfect for a romantic breakfast or special occasion. Flaky puff pastry envelopes a luscious cream cheese filling combined with sweet strawberry jam and fresh diced strawberries, baked to golden perfection and optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, then set aside.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the puff pastry sheet. Roll it out slightly to even thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter, approximately 3 to 4 inches wide, to cut out as many hearts as possible—usually about 8 to 10.
- Fill Pastry Hearts: Place half of the cut hearts onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart, add a small dollop of strawberry jam, and sprinkle a few diced fresh strawberries atop.
- Seal Pastries: Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the filled pastry hearts with the egg wash to help seal them. Place the remaining hearts on top of the filled ones and press edges lightly to seal. For a decorative touch and better seal, crimp the edges using a fork.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush the tops of the sealed pastries with additional egg wash. Use a sharp knife to gently score a small ‘X’ or vent on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the pastries to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool further. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet, elegant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry jam with other fruit preserves such as raspberry or cherry for different flavor variations.
- For a festive finish, drizzle the pastries with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk.
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before use to make handling and cutting easier.
