If you’re craving a sweet, flaky treat that combines the buttery crunch of puff pastry with the lusciousness of fresh strawberries and creamy cheese, this Strawberry Danish Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors wrapped up in a gorgeous golden pastry that feels like a special occasion any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, this recipe brings out the kind of joy that only a homemade Danish can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Danish Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing that flaky, creamy, and fruity perfection to life. With just a few essentials, you can create something truly memorable.
- Puff pastry sheet: This is the buttery, flaky foundation that gives your Danish its irresistible texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened to creamy perfection, it provides a smooth, tangy base that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps smooth out the cream cheese filling.
- Vanilla extract: A splash that enhances the cream cheese with warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- Fresh strawberries: Chopped to burst with freshness and natural sweetness, they’re the star topping for that classic Danish taste.
- Lemon juice: Adds a pop of brightness that lifts the strawberry flavor perfectly.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on to give the puff pastry that beautiful golden shine when baked.
- Granulated sugar (for topping): Sprinkled on top for an extra little crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to get the oven nice and hot so the puff pastry can puff up beautifully and turn that lovely golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Carefully unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into four equal squares. These will be the base for each of your individual Danishes, so try to keep the edges clean for that perfect envelope shape later.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix them until super smooth and creamy—this luscious filling is what makes the Danish truly irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving enough room around the edges for folding. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with lemon juice to bring out their bright flavor, then spoon the strawberries evenly on top of the cream cheese.
Step 5: Fold and Finish
Fold each corner of the puff pastry square toward the center, creating an elegant envelope shape that holds all that delicious filling. Brush the edges and tops lightly with beaten egg, then sprinkle a little granulated sugar to add sparkle and extra crunch as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled Danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is puffed, golden, and irresistibly fragrant.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm Danish just before serving. A few fresh strawberry slices or a mint leaf on top can also add vibrant color and freshness to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Danish Recipe pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light, refreshing tea. If you’re serving brunch, consider a side of mixed greens or a simple fruit salad to keep the meal balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the Danishes on a wooden board alongside small bowls of whipped cream or cream cheese glaze for dipping. You could also stack smaller versions of this Danish as a sweet finger food for parties or special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare because they’re so delicious), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the pastry mostly crisp while preserving the fresh fillings.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled Danishes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container after they’re firm. When you’re ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive the flaky texture, warm leftover Danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy, and nobody wants that!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Danish?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to drain excess liquid and maybe reduce the lemon juice slightly to keep the filling from getting too wet.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can try mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different but delightful twist. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to your liking since their flavors and textures vary.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before assembling to make it easier to spread.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Folding the edges up creates a barrier to hold the juices, but it’s also important not to overload the filling with too much liquid. Using lemon juice sparingly and draining the strawberries a little helps keep your pastry crisp.
Can I make mini versions of this Strawberry Danish Recipe?
Definitely, smaller sizes work perfectly for bite-sized treats. Just adjust baking time accordingly, usually reducing it by a few minutes since smaller pastries bake faster.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Danish Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little bakery magic into your own kitchen. It’s heartfelt, simple, and absolutely delicious—sure to become a fast favorite for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever a sweet craving hits or a special morning calls for something extraordinary.
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in this easy-to-make Strawberry Danish recipe featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling paired with fresh, tangy strawberries. Perfect for a quick breakfast treat or a light dessert, these Danish pastries bake to golden perfection with a sweet sugar topping and a glossy egg wash finish.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Finishing Touches
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the Danish pastries.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold or roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into four equal squares on a lightly floured surface.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Danish: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Add Strawberry Mixture: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with lemon juice. Spoon a spoonful of this mixture over the cream cheese filling on each pastry square.
- Fold the Pastry: Bring the corners of each pastry square inward toward the center, gently pinching the edges to form a neat envelope shape, allowing some filling to show.
- Egg Wash and Sugar Topping: Brush each folded pastry with the beaten egg to create a golden glaze, then sprinkle with granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Transfer the prepared pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is thawed but still cold to handle easily and puff well during baking.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a milder flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste; frozen strawberries are not recommended as they release too much moisture.
- The egg wash helps the pastry develop a shiny, golden crust and helps sugar stick to the surface.
- These Danish pastries are best enjoyed the day they are baked but can be stored airtight for up to 2 days.
