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.
