If you are looking for a delightful treat that feels both special and simple to make, the Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. These pastries combine flaky puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese filling, bright strawberry jam, and fresh diced strawberries, all baked to golden perfection and dusted with a touch of powdered sugar. Whether for a cozy breakfast, an elegant brunch, or a sweet snack, these heart-shaped pastries are as charming as they are delicious, bringing together perfect balances of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors that make every bite a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to creating irresistible Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries. These simple, staple ingredients each add their own magic to the final product, giving the pastries their flaky texture, sweet and tangy flavor, and irresistible appearance.
- Puff pastry sheet (8.6 oz): The buttery, flaky base that gives the pastries their classic layered texture.
- Cream cheese (2 oz, softened): Provides a rich and creamy filling that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Strawberry jam (1 1/2 Tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and a fruity depth that complements the fresh strawberries.
- Red food coloring (1 drop, optional): Enhances the visual appeal by giving the cream cheese mixture a lovely rosy tint without affecting taste.
- Very small diced strawberries (2/3 cup): Fresh and juicy, they add texture, color, and bursts of natural strawberry flavor.
- Large egg mixed with 1 Tbsp water: Creates a beautiful golden edge and helps seal the pastry.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that adds sweetness and a pretty look.
How to Make Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry
Begin by thawing your puff pastry according to the package instructions. While the pastry is slowly coming to room temperature, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This is key because you want the pastry to be warm enough to roll out effortlessly but still chilled enough to puff up beautifully while baking.
Step 2: Making the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and if you want, a drop of red food coloring. Use a rubber spatula to press the mixture against the sides of the bowl as you mix, smoothing out any lumps for a perfectly creamy texture. Once combined, chill the mixture in the refrigerator — a quick flash chill in the freezer works wonders just as the pastry finishes thawing — so it stays firm and easy to work with.
Step 3: Cutting the Heart Shapes
Roll out the puff pastry sheet lightly and use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut as many hearts as possible from the sheet. Place them close together to maximize the yield. Carefully transfer the hearts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone liner, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of space between each one.
Step 4: Scoring and Filling
With a sharp paring knife, gently score a smaller heart shape inside each pastry heart, leaving about a 1/3-inch border along the edge. Be careful not to cut fully through so the filling stays contained. Spoon about one teaspoon of the chilled cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart and spread it outward, staying inside the scored line.
Step 5: Adding Strawberries and Egg Wash
Top the cream cheese with the small diced strawberries, again keeping them within the scored edge. Then, using your fingertip, brush the 1/3-inch border around each heart with the egg and water mixture. This will help the edges turn a shiny golden brown and add a beautiful finish when baked.
Step 6: Baking and Finishing
Bake the pastries in your preheated oven for about 14 to 15 minutes until the edges are a gorgeous golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, generously dust with powdered sugar to add a final touch of sweetness and elegance. These beautiful heart pastries shine best when served the same day you make them.
How to Serve Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pop of fresh greenery with a sprig of mint or a light drizzle of honey to elevate the look and flavor. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt pairs superbly, adding a creamy contrast without overpowering the natural strawberry sweetness.
Side Dishes
For a balanced breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. A cup of hot coffee, tea, or even sparkling lemonade complements these pastries perfectly, adding contrast to their buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation extra special by arranging the heart pastries on a decorative platter lined with edible flowers or thinly sliced strawberries. For a fun twist, layer smaller versions of these pastry hearts on skewers as mini desserts, or serve them with individual dipping sauces of strawberry jam or chocolate for a sweet interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Because puff pastry is best consumed fresh, the texture will be most enjoyable if eaten within this time frame.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked pastries by assembling them on a baking sheet and flash freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to one month. When ready, bake them directly from frozen just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pastries in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispiness and warm the filling without drying them out. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While frozen strawberries can be used, they tend to release more moisture which can make the pastry soggy. For best texture and flavor, fresh, very small diced strawberries are recommended.
Is it okay to prepare the cream cheese mixture the night before?
Absolutely! Preparing the cream cheese filling in advance is a great time saver. Just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pastries.
What can I substitute for puff pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you could try using a flaky pie crust, though the texture will be less light and airy. Puff pastry really shines in creating those beautiful layers that lift these pastries.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking into the cream cheese?
Using very small diced strawberries helps them stay put. Also, spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly and ensuring it’s chilled allows the strawberries to rest on top without sinking during baking.
Can these pastries be made vegan?
Yes, you can substitute vegan puff pastry and use a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Also, replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for browning. The result is just as charming and tasty!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about creating and sharing the Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe. Beyond their irresistibly flaky texture and luscious filling, these pastries bring a delightful touch of sweetness and love to any table. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself, I encourage you to try this recipe—it’s a wonderful little escape into a world of juicy strawberries, creamy cheese, and tender pastry all baked with care. Happy baking!
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Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 pastries
Description
Delight in these charming Cheese Breakfast Pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, strawberry jam, and fresh diced strawberries. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these heart-shaped pastries are an elegant and tasty way to start any morning.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 (8.6 oz) sheet puff pastry
Filling
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 Tbsp strawberry jam
- 1 drop red food coloring (or beet powder), optional
- 2/3 cup very small diced strawberries
Glaze and Garnish
- 1 large egg, whisked with 1 Tbsp water
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Thaw Pastry: Start by thawing the puff pastry sheet according to the package instructions. Halfway through the thawing process, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and optional red food coloring. Use a rubber spatula to press the mixture against the bottom and sides of the bowl to remove lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator or flash chill in the freezer until ready to use so it is not runny.
- Cut Pastry Shapes: Once thawed, roll out the puff pastry sheet and use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many heart shapes as possible, placing the cutter close together to maximize usage.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper. Transfer the puff pastry hearts onto the sheet, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
- Score Hearts: Using a sharp paring knife, lightly score a smaller heart shape inside each pastry heart about 1/3-inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom to create a border that will hold the filling.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, spreading it outward toward the edges but leaving the 1/3-inch border clear. Then evenly distribute the very small diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling without covering the border.
- Brush Edges: Lightly brush the 1/3-inch border of each pastry with the egg and water wash to help achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake Pastries: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes or until the edges of the pastries turn golden brown and puff up beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Serve these pastries the same day they are prepared for the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Thaw the puff pastry completely but do not let it become too soft or sticky to handle.
- The red food coloring is optional and can be substituted with beet powder for a natural pink hue.
- Use very small diced strawberries to ensure even distribution and ease of spreading on the pastry.
- Be sure not to cut through the bottom layer while scoring the hearts to keep the filling contained.
- Serve these pastries fresh; they are best enjoyed the same day they are baked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
