Description
Delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes sparkle with romantic charm, offering sweet layers of tender pastry and luscious filling. Pastry lovers will swoon over these elegant Danish treats that combine creamy cheese and fresh strawberries in a perfect heart-shaped celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
Strawberry Topping:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Egg Wash and Glaze:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 12 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine fresh strawberries with granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice in a small saucepan, placing over medium heat to initiate the compote preparation.
- Gently stir the strawberry mixture while cooking, allowing the fruits to break down and release their natural juices for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water in a separate small bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering strawberry compote, continuing to stir continuously to prevent any potential burning or sticking.
- Continue cooking the compote for an additional 1-2 minutes, observing as the mixture transforms and thickens to a glossy, jam-like consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the strawberry compote to a clean bowl, allowing it to cool completely at room temperature before using in the danish recipe.
- The cooling process will help the compote set and develop a more concentrated flavor profile, ensuring a rich strawberry essence in the final pastry.
Notes
- Check strawberry ripeness for optimal flavor, choosing deep red, fragrant berries without bruises.
- Gently macerate strawberries by letting them sit with sugar to enhance natural sweetness and create a more intense compote.
- When mixing cornstarch slurry, ensure no lumps form for a smooth, glossy strawberry filling texture.
- Allow strawberry mixture to cool completely before adding to cream cheese to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity of the danish pastry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg