Introduction

These Strawberry Danish pastries are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they bring a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry sheets at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat all the berries and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Step 4: Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut it into six smaller rectangles by slicing along the fold lines and then cutting each long rectangle in half. Using a small knife, score a border about ¼ inch from the edges on each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 5: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry rectangle inside the scored border. Arrange the coated strawberries decoratively on top of the cream cheese.
Step 6: Lightly brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg mixture. If you like, sprinkle the pastries with additional sugar for extra crunch.
Step 7: If your puff pastry is sticky or warm, chill the assembled danishes in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to help them puff up nicely during baking.
Step 8: Bake the danishes on the prepared sheets for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 9: Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Optional: Warm the strawberry jam slightly and brush it on top of the danishes. For a vanilla glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over the cooled pastries before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen puff pastry if fresh is unavailable, just be sure to thaw properly to avoid cracking.
Try using different berries like blueberries or raspberries for a variation in flavor.
Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture brightens the flavor.
Chilling the assembled pastries before baking greatly improves the puff and flakiness.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them fresh when ready for the best puff and texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid well to prevent soggy pastries.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth and creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture topped with fresh, sweetened strawberries. The danishes are baked to golden perfection, then finished with a light glaze or strawberry jam for extra fruity sweetness. Perfect as a delightful breakfast treat or elegant dessert, these homemade danishes combine the richness of cream cheese with juicy strawberries in a buttery, crisp crust.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Yield: 6 danishes 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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

Danish Pastry

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

Glaze and Topping (Optional)

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

Instructions

Prep: Begin by thawing the puff pastry sheets 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 to prevent sticking.
Mix Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Stir gently to coat the berries completely. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the juices to meld and thicken slightly.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla as desired.
Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry to create a square. Cut along the existing folded lines into long rectangles, then cut each rectangle in half to yield six smaller rectangles. Using a paring knife, score a ¼-inch border inside each rectangle without cutting all the way through; this helps the edges rise independently.
Assemble Danishes: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry rectangle, staying within the scored borders. Arrange the prepared strawberry slices decoratively on top. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash to help with browning and optionally sprinkle sugar over the top for added sparkle.
Chill Before Baking: If the puff pastry feels warm or sticky after assembly, chill the assembled danishes on the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the pastry puff beautifully in the oven.
Bake: Bake the danishes for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown and are puffed up nicely.
Cool and Finish: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Warm strawberry jam can be brushed on top for shine and flavor. Alternatively, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle over the cooled danishes before serving.

Notes

Be sure to keep puff pastry chilled as much as possible before baking to ensure maximum puff and flakiness.
If fresh strawberries are not in season, frozen sliced strawberries can be used but drain excess liquid.
For a stronger vanilla flavor, you can increase the vanilla extract slightly in the cream cheese filling and glaze.
The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less milk depending on preference.
These danishes are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be refrigerated and reheated briefly in the oven.

Keywords: Strawberry Danish, Puff Pastry, Cream Cheese Danish, Breakfast Pastry, Strawberry Dessert