Lorenzo Devereaux
Golden, buttery puff pastry hearts cradling a cloud of smooth cream cheese and crowned with glossy, ripe strawberries—these Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re planning a romantic brunch, a sweet treat for Mother’s Day, or a charming addition to a dessert tray, these puffs will steal the show with both their looks and flavor.
Each bite brings together the satisfying crunch of flaky layers with the creamy tang of lightly sweetened cheese and the juicy freshness of strawberries. They’re incredibly easy to make with store-bought puff pastry, yet they look and taste like they came straight from a high-end patisserie.
Ingredients for this Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs Recipe
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar or a light glaze (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible. For every pair, cut a smaller heart from the center of one to create a border.
Step 2: Assemble the Hearts
Place the solid heart shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush edges lightly with egg wash. Lay the heart-shaped borders on top of each solid heart and gently press to adhere. Prick the base inside each heart with a fork to prevent over-puffing.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spoon about a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart. Do not overfill. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
Step 5: Add the Strawberries
Once out of the oven, let the hearts cool slightly. Place a sliced strawberry in the center of each puff, gently pressing into the cream cheese.
Step 6: Optional Garnish
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and color, but you can use frozen—just thaw and drain them well first.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can prep the pastry hearts and filling separately a few hours ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
Use any cookie cutter shape you like, or even freehand with a knife. Circles and stars also work great!
Can I make them less sweet?
Yes! Adjust the sugar in the cream cheese filling or skip the optional glaze.
What other fruits can I use?
Blueberries, raspberries, or thin kiwi slices all make tasty and colorful alternatives.
Is lemon zest necessary?
No, it’s optional—but it adds a fresh brightness that complements the strawberries well.
Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 8 puffs (depending on cutter size)
Description
Delicate, golden puff pastry hearts filled with velvety cream cheese and topped with vibrant, fresh strawberries—these Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs are a stunning and delightful treat. They make the perfect quick breakfast, easy dessert, or holiday brunch centerpiece. Whether you’re looking for romantic food ideas, spring dessert inspiration, or simply an easy recipe to impress guests, this one delivers on taste, looks, and simplicity.
These puffs balance buttery crunch with tangy-sweet creaminess and juicy fruit freshness. Ideal for breakfast ideas, Valentine’s Day snacks, or Mother’s Day surprises, they are as fun to eat as they are to make. Plus, with store-bought puff pastry, this becomes one of those fast food ideas that still feel special and homemade.
Ingredients
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Powdered sugar or light glaze (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut heart shapes with a cookie cutter, creating pairs.
- From half the hearts, cut out smaller hearts to make a border.
- Place solid hearts on parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush edges with egg wash. Add heart borders on top and press gently.
- Prick inside of each heart with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tbsp of the filling into each heart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly, then top each with a strawberry slice.
- Garnish with powdered sugar or glaze if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert