Cherry Cheese Heart Danishes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cheese Mixture
01 -
4 oz softened cream cheese
02 -
1/4 cup white sugar
03 -
1 yolk from a large egg
04 -
1 tbsp ricotta cheese
05 -
1/2 tsp almond or vanilla extract
06 -
Small pinch of salt
07 -
1/2 tbsp grated fresh lemon peel
→ Pastry and Garnish
08 -
1 box containing 2 puff pastry sheets
09 -
1 tin of cherry filling for pies
10 -
1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water for brushing
11 -
Flour (all-purpose) to roll out dough
# Instructions:
01 -
Let the puff pastry thaw as described on the package. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get two baking trays ready by lining them with baking paper.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Mix in the egg yolk, ricotta cheese, salt, almond extract, and lemon peel. Chill this mixture while preparing the pastry shells.
03 -
Lightly dust a surface with flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the puff pastry sheets into squares 10x10 inches. Using a cookie cutter shaped like a heart, cut out as many shapes as you can. Arrange them on your lined trays, leaving space between each piece.
04 -
Prick the center of each heart with a fork to create shallow areas for the filling. Keep a half-inch space around the edge to act as a border.
05 -
Spread some of the cream cheese mixture into the middle depression of every heart. Over the cheese layer, add a spoonful of cherry filling (about 4-5 cherries per pastry). Brush egg wash along the edges of the puff pastry.
06 -
Place the assembled pastries in the fridge for about 15 minutes to stop the filling from spreading. Bake them in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or when the edges are flaky and golden.
07 -
Give the pastries a few minutes to cool before enjoying them. You can serve them while slightly warm or let them reach room temperature.
# Notes:
01 -
Keep in a sealed container for up to 24 hours.
02 -
Great for themed events like Valentine's Day.
03 -
Can swap out cherry with other fruit fillings.