Description
This delightful Strawberry Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, topped with optional strawberry jam or vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day, these buttery pastries are simple to assemble and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
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
Pastry and Topping
- 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
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 - 3 tablespoons (30 - 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prep: Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Strawberry Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned and sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat all the strawberries well. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to release juices and thicken slightly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla if needed.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Cut along the folded lines to make long rectangles, then cut each long rectangle in half to yield six smaller rectangles total. Using a small paring knife, gently score a ¼ inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through to create a puff edge.
- Assemble Danishes: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored border. Arrange sliced strawberries decoratively over the cream cheese. Lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle sugar over the top for added sweetness and crunch.
- Chill: If the puff pastry has softened or become sticky during assembly, place the baking sheets with the prepared danishes in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling helps the pastry puff up beautifully during baking.
- Bake: Bake the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Finish: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. For garnish, warm strawberry jam and brush on top or dust with powdered sugar. For an optional vanilla glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over the cooled danishes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but still cold for best puffing results.
- Chilling the assembled danishes before baking helps create a flaky, layered texture.
- Strawberry jam topping is optional but adds extra flavor and shine.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
