Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs are sweet, flaky little treats that look as delightful as they taste. These heart-shaped pastries are filled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs are sweet, flaky little treats that look as delightful as they taste. These heart-shaped pastries are filled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture and a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, making them perfect for any special occasion or just a cozy snack. The golden, buttery puff pastry adds that perfect crispy texture that makes every bite feel like a little celebration.
I love making these puffs when I want something that feels fancy but doesn’t take forever to prepare. What’s great is how easy it is to mix up the filling—just some cream cheese, a bit of sugar, and the strawberries, and you’re ready to go. I always find that the heart shape adds a sweet touch that makes them fun to share with family and friends, especially around Valentine’s Day or any time you want to spread a bit of love.
My favorite way to enjoy these puffs is fresh out of the oven when they’re still warm and the cream cheese is soft and melty. They’re great with a cup of tea or coffee, and they also make a lovely surprise for breakfast in bed or an afternoon treat. Plus, they’re easy to hold and eat, which makes them perfect for a casual gathering or a quick homemade snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is your flaky, buttery base. I like using store-bought sheets for convenience, but homemade puff pastry works beautifully if you have time. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan puff pastry in the freezer aisle.
Cream Cheese: A classic choice for that creamy, tangy flavor. If you want a lighter option, try using mascarpone or ricotta. For a vegan twist, plant-based cream cheese alternatives work well too.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries add sweetness and juiciness. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with blueberries, raspberries, or even canned fruit preserves drained well.
Sugar & Vanilla: These enhance the cream cheese filling’s sweetness and aroma. You can adjust sugar to taste or swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor note.
How Do You Get Puffy Edges and Keep the Filling Neat?
Creating puff pastry with raised edges helps keep the filling in place and looks pretty. Here’s how I do it:
- Use two heart cutters: cut a large heart and then a smaller heart inside by scoring lightly without cutting through. This creates a border that will puff up while baking.
- Press the edge firmly to seal the border, but don’t cut all the way through to allow puffing inside the border.
- Keep your puff pastry cold until just before baking to help it rise nicely.
- Don’t overload with filling; a small dollop keeps things tidy and lets the pastry bake evenly.
These little tricks help the pastry puff up with a crisp border and a soft center, keeping your strawberry cream cheese filling neatly in place for a beautiful, tasty puff.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling pin – helps you gently smooth and even out the puff pastry sheet.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (two sizes) – create pretty puff pastry hearts with perfect borders.
- Baking sheet – for placing the puffs in the oven; solid and flat works best.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl – to blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla smoothly.
- Small spatula or spoon – for spreading the cream cheese filling evenly inside each puff.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries – add a fresh, tangy twist that pairs well with cream cheese.
- Swirl in a little lemon zest and juice to the cream cheese filling – brightens the flavor and adds a citrusy pop.
- Mix in chopped toasted almonds or pecans for a crunch contrast that adds texture.
- Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the finished puffs for a natural sweetness enhancement.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam or preserves (optional, for glaze)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake. Overall, you should set aside about 30 minutes including a few minutes for cooling and assembling. It’s a quick and simple way to make a charming treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your puff pastry just a little to smooth it. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out six hearts and place them on the baking sheet.
2. Create Puffy Edges:
Using a smaller heart cutter or a knife, carefully score a smaller heart inside each pastry heart. Don’t cut all the way through; this raised border will puff up while baking and keep the filling in place.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This sweet and tangy filling will be the delicious base for your strawberries.
4. Assemble the Puffs:
Spoon a small dollop of cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry heart, inside the scored border. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese. If you like, warm your strawberry jam slightly and brush it over the strawberries for a shiny glaze.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Finally, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your heartwarming Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs warm!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely in the refrigerator before using. This helps it roll out smoothly and bake evenly for those perfect flaky puffs.
Can I Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pastries up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready, bake them as directed. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can reheat leftovers gently in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes to refresh the pastry’s crispness.
Can I Substitute Other Fruits for Strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches work wonderfully with the cream cheese filling. Just keep them fresh and not too juicy to avoid soggy pastry.
