Description
Delight in these charming Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries, perfect for a sweet dessert or treat. Made with flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, complemented by fresh strawberry slices, these pastries bake to a golden perfection with a crisp exterior and a luscious, fruity center.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry:
- Puff pastry sheets
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the pastries evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut the pastry into individual heart shapes to create the base and top of each pastry.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps, providing a luscious filling.
- Assemble Pastries: Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture onto half of the heart-shaped pastry pieces. Place small slices of fresh strawberries over the cream cheese. Gently top with the remaining pastry hearts, sealing the edges by pressing down carefully with a fork to prevent leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the assembled pastries lightly with the beaten egg to lend a beautiful golden color while baking. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the tops for a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
- Bake: Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and a golden brown color emerges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enjoy the pastry at its best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Enhance the cream cheese filling’s flavor by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on the strawberries before assembling to add a warm spice note.
- These pastries are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Swap strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for an alternate berry variation.
