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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Bake: Bake the danishes for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown and are puffed up nicely.
  8. 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

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