If you are craving a delightful treat that feels both elegant and utterly comforting, this Strawberry Danish Recipe is your perfect answer. Imagine crisp, flaky puff pastry enveloping a luscious cream cheese filling kissed with vanilla and lemon, all crowned by juicy, sweet strawberries that burst with freshness. It’s a heavenly harmony of textures and flavors that always brings smiles, whether for a leisurely brunch or an indulgent afternoon snack. I’m excited to share this simple yet stunning recipe with you, guaranteed to become a favorite whenever you need a touch of sweetness and sophistication.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this Strawberry Danish Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the flaky puff pastry that forms the buttery base, to the bright freshness of the strawberries, and the rich cream cheese that ties it all together. These essentials come together beautifully for an irresistible final bite.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides the signature flaky, buttery layers that are essential to a perfect Danish.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese filling to just the right level.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle warmth and depth into the cream cheese mixture.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and lifts the filling with a hint of fresh citrus.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, sliced): The star ingredient, bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled on the strawberries to enhance their natural sweetness and encourage a slight glaze as they bake.
- Egg (1) and milk (1 tablespoon) for egg wash: Give the pastry a beautiful golden sheen.
- Optional powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a pretty and slightly sweet finish before serving.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup. Having this ready upfront ensures a smooth baking process once your Danish pastries are assembled.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases and slightly enlarge it. Cut the sheet into four equal squares or rectangles—this shape will make the folding easier and consistent. The base of your Danish should be even and just the right size to hold the delicious filling without spilling.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture forms a tangy-sweet cushion for the strawberries, balancing their natural tartness beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish Pastries
Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges untouched—this helps the crust puff and seal properly. Then, arrange the sliced strawberries on top and sprinkle each with granulated sugar to bring out their natural juices and add a glossy finish.
Step 5: Fold, Seal, and Glaze
Carefully fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling, creating a neat envelope or frame shape, then gently press the edges to seal. Whisk together the egg and milk to create your egg wash, and brush it over the exposed pastry edges. This step guarantees a golden, inviting crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared Danishes on your lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is perfectly golden and puffed, the cream cheese is set, and the strawberries are tender and glistening. The aromas will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Dusting
Allow the Danishes to cool for a few minutes before optionally dusting them with powdered sugar. This final touch adds a light sweetness and a delicate look that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Serve warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Strawberry Danish Recipe even more inviting, fresh mint leaves or a light drizzle of honey can complement the bright strawberry flavor and creamy filling. A delicate dusting of extra powdered sugar adds charm and a subtle sweetness that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Danish with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich, creamy latte creates a lovely midday escape. For a more substantial brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving these Danishes on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and edible flowers, or invite guests to customize their own with a small bowl of whipped cream or lemon curd on the side. You can even cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for a delightful party platter that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Strawberry Danish Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry crisp but the cream cheese filling fresh. Refrigeration can cause the pastry to lose some of its flakiness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled Danishes by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer-safe box for up to one month. When ready, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This is a fabulous way to have fresh pastries ready on demand.
Reheating
To best enjoy your refrigerated or leftover Danishes, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which tends to turn puff pastry soggy. This way, you revive that crispness and freshness as if just baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry for this Strawberry Danish Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry works wonderfully—just thaw it fully in the refrigerator before rolling out. It’s convenient and produces the same flaky, buttery result.
What type of cream cheese should I use?
Regular cream cheese softened to room temperature is best. It blends smoothly and provides the proper balance of tang and richness for the filling. Avoid whipped or low-fat versions for best taste and texture.
Can I substitute strawberries with other fruits?
Yes, you can swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches depending on the season and your preference. Just keep in mind the different moisture content—some fruits may release more juice while baking.
Is it okay to make the Danish the night before?
While you can prepare the filling and slice the strawberries ahead of time, assembling and baking right before serving yields the best texture and flavor. If needed, assemble and refrigerate covered overnight and bake fresh the next day.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Leaving a border around the edges when adding the filling helps the pastry puff properly and stay crisp. Sprinkling sugar over the strawberries and folding carefully also limits excess moisture. Baking at the right temperature is key to a flaky crust.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish Recipe is a true joy to make and eat. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special and indulgent every time. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend morning or impressing friends at brunch, these Danishes deliver a beautiful balance of flaky texture and fresh fruit brightness. I hope you love making and sharing them as much as I do!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Strawberry Danish recipe featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture, topped with fresh strawberries, baked to golden perfection, and optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares or rectangles according to your preference.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Danish: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, ensuring to leave a border around the edges.
- Add Strawberries: Top each cream cheese layer with sliced fresh strawberries and sprinkle with granulated sugar to enhance sweetness.
- Seal Pastries: Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling to form a square or rectangle, then gently press the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and milk in a small bowl. Brush the pastry edges with this egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the Danishes to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar if desired for a decorative and sweet touch.
- Serve: Serve the strawberry Danishes warm for best flavor and enjoy your homemade treat!
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling out to prevent cracking.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden color; you can omit it for a paler finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate and reheat before serving.
