Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries Recipe

Awaken your taste buds with these delightful strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries. Bursting with vibrant, fresh strawberries and a rich cream cheese filling, these pastries are a cinch to put together. They're the perfect sweet start to your morning or a splendid treat to enjoy throughout the day.

Photos of Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries Recipe

All the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, puff pastry might not be a staple in your pantry. It's usually located in the frozen section, near the desserts or breads. You might also want to check if the strawberry jam you choose has high fructose corn syrup, as some prefer to avoid it. As for the cream cheese, any variety will work - light, full fat, or even whipped.

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries

Puff pastry: This is your base and it turns wonderfully flaky and golden when baked.

Cream cheese: It adds a creamy, tangy element that pairs well with the sweetness of the jam and strawberries.

Strawberry jam: It imparts a concentrated berry flavor.

Red food coloring: This is optional, but it gives the filling a more vibrant color.

Strawberries: They add a fresh, juicy component to the pastries.

Large egg: It's used for egg wash, which gives the pastries a glossy finish.

Sugar: It adds sweetness and also helps to brown the pastries.

One reader, Kordula Swift says:

These strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries are a delightful treat! The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet strawberries is simply divine. The recipe is easy to follow and the end result is absolutely scrumptious. I highly recommend giving it a try for a delightful breakfast or brunch option.

Kordula Swift

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Breakfast Pastries

How to thaw puff pastry: Thaw the puff pastry according to the directions on the package. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F halfway through the thawing process.

How to mix cream cheese and jam: In a small bowl, use a rubber spatula to mix together the cream cheese, jam, and food coloring until smooth, pressing the mixture along the bottom and sides of the bowl to smoothen large lumps.

How to cut pastry into heart shapes: Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the pastry into heart shapes, spacing them as close together as possible.

How to score the pastry: Using a sharp paring knife, lightly score a heart inside of each cut-out heart, coming about ⅓-inch from the edge, without cutting entirely through the bottom of the dough.

How to add cream cheese mixture: Add 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture to the center of each heart, then spread it outward without covering the ⅓-inch edge.

How to add strawberries: Add strawberries over the cream cheese layer, again without covering the edge.

How to brush the edge: Using your fingertip, brush the ⅓-inch edge with an egg/water mixture.

How to bake the pastries: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 15 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

How to dust with powdered sugar: Let the pastries cool on a wire rack, then dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries

These lightly sweetened breakfast pastries have a flaky puff pastry crust filled with tangy cream cheese and topped with fresh strawberries.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1sheet puff pastry,(8½ oz)
2ozcream cheese,softened
1½tbspstrawberry jam
1dropred food coloring,or beet powder, optional
⅔cupstrawberries,diced, very small
1largeegg,(whisked with 1 tbsp water)
sugar,powdered, for dusting

Instructions

Thaw puff pastry according to directions on package and halfway through thawing preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
While puff pastry is thawing, in a small bowl and using a rubber spatula, mix together cream cheese, jam and food coloring while pressing mixture along bottom and sides of bowl to smoothen large lumps.
Transfer to refrigerator until ready to use.
Cut pastry into heart shapes using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter (space them as close together as possible).
Transfer hearts to a baking sheet lined with a silicone liner or parchment paper, spacing 1½-inches apart.
Using a sharp pairing knife, lightly score a heart inside of each cut-out heart coming about ⅓-inch from the edge, without cutting entirely through the bottom of the dough.
Add 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture to center of each heart then spread outward without covering the ⅓-inch edge.
Add strawberries over cream cheese layer, again without covering the edge. Using your fingertip, brush the ⅓-inch edge with egg/water mixture.
Bake in preheated oven for 14 to 15 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack then dust with powdered sugar. Serve the day they are prepared.

Nutrition

Calories: 59.02kcal
Fat: 3.78g
Saturated Fat: 1.66g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.35g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.35g
Carbohydrates: 5.06g
Fiber: 0.30g
Sugar: 2.76g
Protein: 1.36g
Cholesterol: 27.60mg
Sodium: 38.98mg
Calcium: 12.03mg
Potassium: 37.86mg
Iron: 0.25mg
Vitamin A: 32.06µg
Vitamin C: 6.91mg

Insider Technique Tip for Elevating Your Breakfast Pastry Game

To ensure your puff pastry bakes evenly and achieves a beautiful golden brown color, avoid overfilling the pastries with the cream cheese and strawberry jam mixture. Overfilling can cause the pastry to become soggy and not bake properly. Also, when scoring the heart shape inside each pastry, be careful not to cut all the way through the dough. This scoring technique allows the pastry to puff up around the filling during baking, creating a lovely border.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries

Prep ahead: Make the cream cheese filling and cut the puff pastry into shapes the night before. Store the filling in the refrigerator and the pastry shapes in the freezer to save time in the morning.

Use store-bought: If you're short on time, consider using store-bought puff pastry instead of making it from scratch. This can significantly cut down on prep time.

Multi-task: While the pastries are baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare other elements of your breakfast to maximize efficiency.

Streamline assembly: Instead of cutting out individual shapes, consider making larger pastries and slicing them into squares or rectangles for a quicker assembly process.

Invest in quality tools: Having sharp knives, efficient kitchen gadgets, and quality bakeware can make the cooking process smoother and more time-effective.

Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries Recipe

puff pastry - Substitute with croissant dough: Croissant dough can be used as a flaky and buttery alternative to puff pastry, adding a rich and indulgent flavor to the pastries.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese can provide a lighter and slightly tangy flavor, complementing the sweetness of the strawberries and jam.
strawberry jam - Substitute with raspberry jam: Raspberry jam offers a similar fruity sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pastries.
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries can be used as a delicious alternative, providing a tart and juicy burst of flavor in the pastries.
puff pastry - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can be used to create a delicate and crispy pastry, adding a unique texture to the dish.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can offer a tangy and creamy element, while also providing a healthier alternative to cream cheese.
strawberry jam - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves can bring a delightful sweetness and a hint of tartness, complementing the pastry's flavors.
strawberries - Substitute with blueberries: Blueberries can provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor, adding a burst of color and freshness to the pastries.

How to Beautifully Present These Delightful Breakfast Pastries

Elevate the pastry: Gently place the heart-shaped pastries on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are positioned with precision and care.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Artfully place a few vibrant, ripe strawberries around the pastries, adding a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Dust with powdered sugar: Using a fine mesh sieve, delicately dust the pastries with a whisper of powdered sugar, creating an ethereal and elegant finishing touch.
Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers: Introduce a touch of sophistication by adorning the plate with delicate, edible flowers, such as pansies or violas, for a visually stunning presentation.
Drizzle with strawberry coulis: Create a beautiful, artistic drizzle of luscious strawberry coulis on the plate, adding a burst of flavor and a visually captivating element to the dish.
Serve on a bed of spun sugar: For a truly show-stopping presentation, nestle the pastries on a delicate, shimmering bed of spun sugar, adding an element of whimsy and elegance to the plate.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries

Sheet pan: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking pastries, cookies, and other baked goods in the oven.
Silicone liner or parchment paper: Used to line the baking sheet to prevent the pastries from sticking and for easy cleanup.
3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter: A tool used to cut the puff pastry into heart shapes for the pastries.
Sharp pairing knife: A small knife used for delicate cutting and scoring the pastry dough.
Rubber spatula: A flexible kitchen tool used for mixing and spreading the cream cheese and jam mixture.
Wire rack: Used for cooling the pastries after baking to prevent them from becoming soggy.

The Best Methods for Storing and Freezing These Breakfast Delights

These strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place the pastries on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
If you want to freeze the pastries, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the pastries to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month.
To reheat frozen pastries, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw before reheating.
For optimal texture and flavor, it's best to consume the pastries within a month of freezing. After that, the quality may start to deteriorate, and the puff pastry may become soggy or lose its flakiness.

How To Reheat Leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the pastries are warm and the cream cheese filling is slightly melted. This method will help restore the flakiness of the puff pastry while keeping the filling warm and gooey.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can reheat the pastries in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pastries in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the pastries are crispy and heated through. This method will give you a perfectly crispy exterior while maintaining the soft and creamy filling.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the pastries on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 15-20 seconds. Check the pastries and heat for an additional 5-10 seconds if needed. Be careful not to overheat the pastries, as the cream cheese filling may become too hot and start to melt out of the pastry.
If you want to reheat the pastries while preserving their shape and texture, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pastries on the wire rack. Heat for 4-5 minutes, or until the pastries are warm and the filling is heated through. This method will give you a nice balance of a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey filling.

Fascinating Trivia About Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries

The puff pastry in this recipe is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, such as strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries.

Is Making Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as puff pastry, cream cheese, and strawberries, are relatively affordable and commonly found in households. The recipe offers a delightful breakfast or brunch option, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for a family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the availability and pricing of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Are Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries Healthy or Unhealthy?

The strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest option for a morning meal. The main culprits are:

Puff pastry: High in saturated fats and calories, with little nutritional value.
Cream cheese: Also high in saturated fats and calories.
Strawberry jam: Contains added sugars, which can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Sugar dusting: Adds unnecessary extra sugar to the already sweet pastries.

However, the recipe does include some redeeming qualities, such as the fresh strawberries, which provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Swap the puff pastry for a whole grain or whole wheat pastry dough to increase fiber content and reduce saturated fats.
Use a reduced-fat cream cheese or a Greek yogurt-based filling to cut down on saturated fats and calories while increasing protein.
Opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar strawberry jam to minimize added sugars.
Instead of dusting with sugar, garnish with a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts for added texture and healthy fats.
Increase the amount of fresh strawberries used to boost the pastries' nutritional value.
Serve the pastries with a side of fresh fruit or a green smoothie to round out the meal with additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Delectable Breakfast Treat

This strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries recipe is a delightful and elegant way to start the day. The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cream cheese, and sweet strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The heart-shaped presentation adds a charming touch, making it a lovely treat for special occasions or everyday indulgence. The recipe's simplicity and visual appeal make it a standout choice for breakfast or brunch. Overall, it's a delightful and delicious recipe that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Enhance Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Whipped garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan and chives

Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus spears drizzled with a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing and a sprinkle of mint leaves

Delicious Alternatives to Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a zesty herb dressing before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Stew: Slow cook tender beef with hearty vegetables and savory broth for a comforting and filling meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine ripe mangoes and creamy coconut milk with chia seeds for a refreshing and nutritious dessert or snack.

Appetizer and Main Course Suggestions to Complement Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a savory and indulgent appetizer, try creating stuffed mushrooms filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering and will leave your guests wanting more.

Caprese Skewers: Create a refreshing and colorful appetizer by assembling Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Main Courses:

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef cooked in a rich and creamy sauce, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. The savory flavors of the beef combined with the smooth texture of the sauce make this a comforting and satisfying dish.

Chicken Alfredo: Juicy grilled chicken breast smothered in a velvety alfredo sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. The creamy and indulgent flavors of the sauce pair perfectly with the tender and flavorful chicken, creating a classic and irresistible Italian dish.

Why trust this Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful breakfast experience with its flaky puff pastry, luscious strawberry jam, and creamy cream cheese. The use of fresh strawberries adds a burst of natural sweetness, while the touch of red food coloring enhances the visual appeal. The careful instructions ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the final dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to create a delectable morning treat that will surely impress your taste buds.

Want to share your experience making these delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries or discuss variations on the recipe? Head over to our Recipe Sharing forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh strawberries instead of jam. Simply chop the strawberries into small pieces and spread them over the cream cheese mixture before baking.

Can I use a different type of pastry dough?

Absolutely! You can use a different type of pastry dough if you prefer. Puff pastry works well for this recipe, but you can also try using crescent roll dough or even homemade pastry dough for a unique twist.

Can I prepare these pastries in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pastries in advance by assembling them and then freezing them before baking. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with another type of cheese?

While the cream cheese adds a delicious creamy texture, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer not to use it. The food coloring is simply added to enhance the vibrant color of the strawberry cream cheese mixture, but it won't affect the taste if omitted.