Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Danish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors:
- Flaky Pastry: The puff pastry provides a light, crisp base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Creamy Filling: A sweetened cream cheese mixture adds a rich and tangy layer.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced strawberries contribute natural sweetness and a burst of freshness.
- Optional Toppings: Enhance the flavor with warm strawberry jam or a vanilla glaze.
These elements come together to create a pastry that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Danish Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, warmed
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Assemble the Danish:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry to form a square. Cut along the folded lines to create six smaller rectangles.
- Using a small pairing knife, score a border about ¼ inch from the edges of each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling within the scored border of each rectangle.
- Decoratively layer fresh strawberry slices on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: Place the prepared danishes on the baking sheets and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack to cool to room temperature.
- Optional: Brush the cooled danishes with warm strawberry jam or drizzle with a vanilla glaze made by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 12 danishes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Different Fruits: Swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary needs.
- Additional Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for extra warmth.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, on top before baking for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezing: While freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the baked danishes for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and then warm in the oven as directed.
FAQs
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the danishes the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven the next day.
How do I thaw puff pastry?
Follow the instructions on the puff pastry package. Typically, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the cream cheese filling is not too runny and that the strawberries are well-drained. Chilling the assembled danishes before baking can also help maintain crispness.
Strawberry Danish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry, a rich cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. Topped with warm strawberry jam or a vanilla glaze, this homemade Danish pastry is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Danish Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, warmed
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Assemble the Danish:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut along the folds to create six rectangles.
- Score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle without cutting through.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling within the scored border.
- Layer fresh strawberry slices on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Brush the edges with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake:
- Transfer the danishes to the baking sheets and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Optionally, brush with warm strawberry jam or drizzle with a vanilla glaze (made by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth).
Notes
- To make ahead, you can prepare and bake the danishes the night before. Store in the fridge and reheat in the oven the next day.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for extra warmth.
