These Strawberry Danish Hearts are a sweet treat you’ll love! With flaky pastry and yummy strawberry filling, they are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Every time I make these, my kitchen smells amazing! Plus, they are so fun to shape into hearts. Who doesn’t want pastry with a side of love? ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of your Danish hearts! You want a good quality puff pastry for that perfect flaky texture. If you can’t find it, you could use refrigerated crescent roll dough as an alternative, though it won’t be as flaky.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness, but you can substitute them with raspberries or blueberries if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor!
Strawberry Jam: Jam gives a nice depth to these pastries. If you’d like, you can swap strawberry jam for other flavors like raspberry or apricot. Homemade jam can be a great option too!
Egg Wash: An egg wash helps provide a golden, shiny finish. If you’re looking for a vegan option, brush with a mixture of almond milk and a little maple syrup instead.
How Do You Shape and Seal the Danish Hearts Properly?
Shaping and sealing the puff pastry is crucial for a good result. The heart shape makes them cute, but you need to seal them well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Here’s how to do it well:
- After cutting the hearts, remember that each Danish needs two hearts—one for the bottom and one for the top with the cut-out.
- Ensure to brush the edges of the bottom heart with the beaten egg. This acts like glue for the pastry.
- When placing the smaller heart on top, press gently around the edges to ensure it’s sealed tight. A fork can help create a nice crimp along the edges as well.
- Don’t forget to brush the tops of the pastries with egg wash to get that beautiful golden color.
Following these tips will help your Strawberry Danish Hearts look and taste amazing!
How to Make Strawberry Danish Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) of puff pastry, thawed
For the Filling:
- 6-8 fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and an additional 15-20 minutes for baking. You’ll have these lovely Strawberry Danish Hearts ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for a sweet snack or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Ingredients:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Make sure your puff pastry is thawed and ready to go!
2. Rolling Out the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry sheet gently to smooth it out. This helps it bake nicely and rise beautifully! Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 3 inches wide), cut out two hearts for each Danish you want to make. For the top layer, take half of the hearts and use a smaller heart cutter to cut a heart shape out of the center.
3. Assembling the Danish Hearts:
Transfer the larger heart cutouts onto the prepared baking sheet. Take about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam and spread it in the center of each heart. Next, arrange several thin slices of fresh strawberries on top of the jam for added flavor and color.
4. Sealing the Pastry:
Take your beaten egg and brush the edges of the larger hearts. This will help seal your pastries together. Now, place the smaller heart cutouts on top, ensuring the strawberry slices are visible. Press the edges lightly to seal, and if you’d like, you can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch!
5. Baking the Danish Hearts:
Now it’s time to get these beauties in the oven! Brush the tops of the pastries with the remaining egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color once baked. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove your Danish hearts from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Just before serving, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch!
Enjoy your lovely Strawberry Danish Hearts warm or at room temperature! Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. Everyone will love these little delights!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain excess moisture before slicing. This will help prevent soggy pastries!
Can I Make These Danish Hearts in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pastries up to the baking stage and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the preheated oven. They may take a couple of extra minutes to bake if they’re cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Strawberry Danish Hearts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up!
Can I Use Different Jam Flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different jams or preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot. Each will give a unique twist to your Danish Hearts!