Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are sweet, flaky, and irresistibly cute pastries that combine tangy cream cheese, juicy strawberry filling, and golden puff pastry in a heart-shaped treat. I love how these danishes are both fun to make and beautiful to serve—perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time I want to show a little extra love with breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it looks impressive but is actually super easy to pull off, especially with store-bought puff pastry. The cream cheese layer is rich and smooth, the strawberry filling adds fruity brightness, and the heart shape makes the whole treat feel extra special. Whether I’m baking for loved ones or just treating myself, these danishes are a sweet way to celebrate.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets, thawed
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Strawberry jam or preserves
Fresh strawberries, chopped (optional)
Egg (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting or glaze)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I roll out the puff pastry slightly and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. I cut a smaller heart inside half of the hearts to create a border (these will go on top).
I mix the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
I place the full heart cutouts on the baking sheet and spread a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center, keeping it away from the edges.
I add a bit of strawberry jam and a few chopped strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer.
I place the heart “frames” on top of the filled ones, gently pressing the edges to seal.
I brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
I bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Once cooled slightly, I dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if I want to dress them up more.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 heart danishes and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s great for a festive breakfast or sweet afternoon snack.

Variations

I use raspberry or cherry jam for a different fruity flavor.
I swap the cream cheese filling for Nutella or lemon curd.
I add a touch of almond extract to the cream cheese for extra depth.
I top with sliced almonds before baking for added crunch.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven or toaster oven at 300°F until just crisp again. I avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the danishes up to the point of baking and chill them for a few hours. I bake them fresh when ready to serve.

Do I have to use a heart-shaped cutter?

Not at all. I can use circles, squares, or simply fold over the pastry like a turnover. The heart shape just adds a festive touch.

Can I use homemade jam?

Definitely. Homemade or store-bought jam both work great—just make sure it’s not too runny.

What’s the best way to keep the pastry crisp?

I bake at a high temperature and avoid overfilling the centers to prevent sogginess. Serving soon after baking helps too.

Can I freeze these?

I don’t recommend freezing them after baking, but I can freeze the assembled, unbaked danishes and bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are the perfect mix of pretty and delicious—flaky, creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. I love making them for special occasions or anytime I want to surprise someone with a homemade treat that looks like it came from a bakery. Easy to customize and even easier to enjoy, these danishes are a heartwarming favorite.