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Fluffy Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries

heart-shaped strawberry cream cheese danish pastries - featured image
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These fluffy heart-shaped danish pastries feature a tender, flaky crust filled with creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry jam, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar (40 g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup whole milk, warm (180 ml)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (57 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (30 g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves (160 g)
  • 4–5 medium fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Almond slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a sprinkle of flour if it sticks too much.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the cream cheese filling: Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  6. Shape the pastries: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12×14-inch rectangle. Cut out heart shapes using a cutter or knife and place on a lined baking sheet.
  7. Add filling and topping: Spoon about 1 tbsp cream cheese filling in the center of each heart, then add a dollop of strawberry jam on top. Optionally, add sliced strawberries.
  8. Fold and seal: Fold the dough slightly over the filling edges to create a raised border, pinching gently to hold the shape.
  9. Apply egg wash: Beat egg yolk with water and brush lightly over each pastry for a shiny, golden finish.
  10. Second rise: Let pastries rest for 15-20 minutes to puff slightly before baking.
  11. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake pastries for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  12. Cool and serve: Transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle almond slices while warm, if desired.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps. Do not overfill pastries to prevent leaking. Use a warm spot for dough rising. Egg wash gives a glossy golden finish. Dough can be kneaded by hand if no mixer is available. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. Freeze cooled pastries for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry danish, cream cheese pastry, heart-shaped pastry, homemade danish, breakfast pastry, brunch recipe, easy danish recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/fluffy-heart-shaped-strawberry-cream-cheese-danish-pastries-easy-homemade-recipe/