Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Danish pastries combine flaky puff pastry with sweet cream cheese and fresh strawberries for a delightful treat. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional for topping)
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until all strawberries are coated and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Adjust sweetness to taste.
4. Step 4: Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut it along the folded lines to create six smaller rectangles. Score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through the dough.
5. Step 5: Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle, staying inside the scored border. Layer the macerated strawberries decoratively on top.
6. Step 6: Lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle sugar over the top if desired.
7. Step 7: Chill the prepared pastries in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to help the dough puff better during baking.
8. Step 8: Bake the pastries for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
10. Step 10: Warm the strawberry jam and brush it over the cooled pastries, then dust with powdered sugar. For a vanilla glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over the danishes.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen puff pastry that’s fully thawed but still cold for the best puff.
• For a different fruit option, substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches.
• Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling brightens the flavor.
• Chilling the pastries before baking improves flakiness and helps maintain shape.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to refresh the crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these strawberry danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring them back to the fridge if they become warm and follow the baking instructions for best results.

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely. Homemade puff pastry works wonderfully but keep it well-chilled during preparation to ensure it puffs nicely in the oven.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

Delight in these homemade Strawberry Danishes featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy vanilla cream cheese base and topped with fresh strawberries and a glossy glaze. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, these pastries offer a luscious balance of tart fruit and sweet richness making for an irresistible breakfast or dessert treat.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 individual danishes 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Strawberry Filling

• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Puff Pastry and Glaze

• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional
• ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Prep: Allow puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Mix Strawberry Filling: Combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Toss gently until all strawberries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to macerate and develop flavor.
3. Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is well combined and silky smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla as desired.
4. Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry into a square. Cut along its folds to make long rectangles, then cut each rectangle in half to yield six smaller rectangles total. Using a small pairing knife, gently score a ¼ inch border around the edges of each rectangle without cutting all the way through to create a raised edge for holding the filling.
5. Assemble Danishes: Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying within the scored border. Arrange the macerated strawberries decoratively on top of the cream cheese layer. Lightly brush the exposed edges of each puff pastry with the beaten egg mixture to promote browning. If desired, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of sugar over the entire assembled danish for extra sparkle and sweetness.
6. Chill Before Baking: If the puff pastry feels warm or sticky, place the assembled danishes on the baking sheets into the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This cooling step helps the pastry puff beautifully during baking.
7. Bake: Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven. Bake the strawberry cream cheese danishes for 20 to 25 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
8. Cool and Finish: Let the baked danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Warm the strawberry jam slightly and brush it over the strawberries for a glossy finish, or dust with powdered sugar. Alternatively, prepare a vanilla glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danishes before serving.

Notes

• Thaw puff pastry at room temperature rather than microwaving to prevent tearing and uneven puffing.
• Allowing strawberries to macerate enhances juiciness and flavor without making the pastry soggy.
• Chilling assembled danishes prior to baking ensures optimal puff and prevents spreading.
• Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling if desired.
• Optionally sprinkle additional sugar on top before baking to add a crunchy texture.
• Serve danishes fresh the day of baking for best texture; leftovers can be warmed slightly in an oven before eating.

Keywords: strawberry danish, cream cheese danish, puff pastry dessert, breakfast pastry, homemade danish