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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-danish-recipe/