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
Scale
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.
