If you’re looking for a charming and utterly delicious treat to impress friends and family or simply indulge yourself, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Pastries Recipe is exactly what you need. These flaky, golden puff pastries filled with smooth, sweetened cream cheese and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries are not only stunning to look at but a true delight to the palate. Each bite offers a perfect dance of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and fruity brightness that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether it’s for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe brings a touch of love and joy to the table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component is simple on its own but, together, they build layers of taste, texture, and color that transform these pastries into a real showstopper.
- 2 frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed): The flaky, buttery base that creates those irresistible, golden layers.
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds a rich and smooth texture that balances the fruitiness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right.
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jelly: Brings extra strawberry flavor and a hint of jammy sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the creamy filling with warm, fragrant notes.
- 5 fresh strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries are essential for vibrant color and fresh taste.
- 1 egg: For that glossy, beautiful finish on the pastry.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps create the perfect egg wash for brushing.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: The base of the sweet drizzle that finishes the pastries.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Whisked with powdered sugar to make a luscious icing.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Pastries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Hearts
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Lay your thawed puff pastry sheets flat, and use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 perfect hearts—6 from each sheet. Next, take a smaller heart cutter and carefully remove the centers from half of these hearts, creating delicate heart outlines that will sit atop the full hearts. Pop these layered hearts into the fridge while you whip up your creamy filling, which ensures everything stays firm and bakes beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
Grab a large bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, strawberry jelly, and a splash of vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth and luscious. This filling is where the magic happens—sweet, tangy, and creamy, it complements the flaky pastry and fresh strawberries perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastries
Remove your puff pastry hearts from the fridge and spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each full heart—be careful not to spread it, as it will melt outward during baking. Then, slice your fresh strawberries and arrange 1 to 3 slices tastefully on top of the cream cheese. Resist the urge to press them in; you want the berries to remain bright and juicy on the surface, giving those pastries a tempting, fresh look.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash
Mix the egg and water together to make a smooth egg wash, then gently brush it over every exposed puff pastry edge and the heart outlines. This will give them that irresistible golden shine and help the layers puff up gorgeously. Avoid brushing over the cream cheese to keep the filling creamy and intact.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your pastries for about 15 minutes until they’ve puffed elegantly and turned a gorgeous golden brown. The scent filling your kitchen will be pure happiness—warm, buttery, and sweet with hints of vanilla and strawberry.
Step 6: Prepare the Sweet Icing Drizzle
While the pastries cool a bit, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth and pourable. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more cream or sugar as you prefer. Then, drizzle the icing artistically over the warm pastries with a spoon or piping bag, adding a glossy, sweet finish that ties everything together beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Pastries Recipe warm for a melty, decadent experience or at room temperature to let flavors settle and the filling firm up slightly. Either way, they’re guaranteed to impress and delight.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Pastries Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top. A few whole strawberry halves or edible flowers can also bring vibrant color and a fresh, elegant touch.
Side Dishes
These pastries pair beautifully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sparkling lemonade. For brunch, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by arranging the pastries on a rustic wooden board, sprinkled with edible rose petals or placing them in mini cupcake liners for a dainty look. You could also turn these into individual mini tarts by cutting smaller hearts for a party platter that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that might be tough), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For slightly longer freshness, pop them in the refrigerator but bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and flaky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled pastries by wrapping them tightly and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Reheating
To revive your pastries, warm them gently in a 350-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the puff pastry soggy and compromise that delightful crispness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will bring incredible flavor and texture, though it does require more effort. Store-bought sheets are a fantastic shortcut without sacrificing deliciousness.
What can I substitute for strawberry jelly?
If you don’t have strawberry jelly, raspberry or apricot preserves work well too, adding a lovely fruity sweetness with a slightly different twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan puff pastry, dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, and egg substitutes like flax egg for brushing. Adjust sweetness and texture accordingly for the best results.
How long do these pastries stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed the day they’re made for maximum flakiness and freshness, but they keep well for up to one day stored properly.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before assembling.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Pastries Recipe is one of those goodies that brighten any occasion with effortless charm and delicious flavor. They’re a tender, tasty way to celebrate love, friendship, or simply your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a whirl—you’ll find that making these pastries is every bit as rewarding as enjoying them, and sharing them will bring countless smiles.
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Pastries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Pastries, perfect for a special breakfast or dessert. Flaky puff pastry hearts are filled with a smooth strawberry cream cheese mixture, topped with fresh strawberry slices, and drizzled with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these pastries combine creamy sweetness and fruity freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jelly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 fresh strawberries
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lay the thawed puff pastry sheets flat and use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out six heart shapes from each sheet.
- Create Heart Outlines: Use a smaller heart cookie cutter to cut a small heart out of the center of six of the larger puff pastry hearts, making heart-shaped outlines.
- Chill Pastries: Place these heart outlines over the full hearts and refrigerate them while you prepare the filling to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, strawberry jelly, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fill Pastries: Remove the puff pastry hearts from the refrigerator. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart. Avoid spreading the filling as it will melt and spread during baking.
- Add Strawberry Slices: Slice the fresh strawberries and arrange 1-3 slices atop the cream cheese filling on each puff pastry heart without pressing them down.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, apply the egg wash over the exposed puff pastry edges, avoiding the cream cheese center to ensure a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake Pastries: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and beautifully golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: While the pastries cool slightly, mix powdered sugar and heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust sugar or cream quantity to reach desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm or room-temperature pastries using a spoon or piping bag for a pretty finish. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry sheets completely before cutting for best results.
- Keep the pastries chilled before baking to help them maintain shape and puff up nicely.
- Feel free to substitute strawberry jelly with any berry or fruit preserves of your choice.
- The glaze can be made thicker or thinner according to your preference by adjusting powdered sugar or cream.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
