Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the delightful combination of fresh strawberries and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry with this classic Strawberry Danish recipe. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat, these danishes are surprisingly simple to make and sure to impress your guests.

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: Thaw the puff pastry sheets at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat the berries evenly and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
4. Step 4: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut along the folded lines. Cut each long rectangle in half to make six smaller rectangles. Using a small knife, gently score a ¼-inch border inside each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
5. Step 5: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside the border of each puff pastry rectangle. Arrange the coated strawberries decoratively on top of the filling.
6. Step 6: Lightly brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle sugar over the entire danish for extra sweetness.
7. Step 7: If the dough feels warm or sticky, chill the prepared pastries in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to help them puff up during baking.
8. Step 8: Bake the danishes for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn light golden brown and puffed.
9. Step 9: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
10. Step 10: To finish, brush warmed strawberry jam over the top and dust with powdered sugar. Alternatively, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 2 to 3 tablespoons milk for a smooth vanilla glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled danishes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Use frozen puff pastry sheets but be sure to thaw completely for best puff.
• If fresh strawberries are not in season, substitute with canned or frozen berries, draining any excess liquid before mixing.
• Brush the pastry edges with cream cheese instead of egg for a dairy-based glaze option.

Storage

Store any leftover strawberry danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to refresh the puffiness and warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the strawberry danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Absolutely. Just be sure to thaw the puff pastry sheets completely at room temperature before assembling the danishes for best results.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 663 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy vanilla-scented cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, topped with a glossy glaze or strawberry jam. Perfectly golden and tender, these homemade danishes make for an impressive breakfast or sweet treat in just 40 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit 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

Pastry

• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)

Toppings and Glaze

• ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional for topping)
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk

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Instructions

1. Prep: Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the sugar and cornstarch, stirring gently to coat evenly. Let this mixture rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to macerate and release juices.
3. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
4. Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one thawed puff pastry sheet into a square. Cut along the existing folds to form six smaller rectangles by halving the long rectangles. Using a paring knife, lightly score a border about ¼ inch inside the edges of each rectangle without cutting through the dough to allow for puffing.
5. Assemble Danishes: Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling within the scored border of each puff pastry rectangle. Arrange the coated strawberries decoratively on top of the cream cheese. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash. Optionally sprinkle with sugar over the entire danish.
6. Chill Before Baking: If the dough feels warm or sticky, place the prepared baking sheet in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the puff pastry puff up beautifully during baking.
7. Bake: Bake the strawberry danishes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden brown.
8. Cool and Glaze: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Warm the strawberry jam and spoon it over the danishes or drizzle with a vanilla glaze made by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

• Make sure the puff pastry is well chilled before baking to achieve a flaky texture.
• Scoring the pastry helps create a puffed border and keeps the filling contained.
• Chilling the assembled danishes before baking improves puff pastry rise and flakiness.
• The vanilla glaze can be adjusted to desired consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar.
• Strawberry jam topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine but is optional.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Danish, puff pastry dessert, cream cheese danish, breakfast pastry, strawberry cream cheese danish