Delicious Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese and Puff Pastry Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Danish is a delightful pastry perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Flaky puff pastry meets creamy cheese and fresh strawberries in this easy-to-make treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir gently to coat and set aside.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
5. Step 5: Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, leaving a border around the edges.
6. Step 6: Top the cream cheese with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture, allowing some juice but not too much liquid.
7. Step 7: Fold the edges slightly inward or leave as is for an open-faced style. Brush the edges with the egg wash to achieve a golden color.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the outer edges or tops with the sugar for added crunch, if desired.
9. Step 9: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the strawberries are bubbly.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. You can substitute with blueberries or raspberries.
• If the strawberry mixture is very juicy, drain excess liquid to prevent soggy pastry.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
• Brush the tops with a light glaze of apricot jam after baking for a shiny finish.

Storage

Store leftover Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven to refresh the pastry crispness. This Danish is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept overnight safely.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture that may make the pastry soggy.

Can I make the Danish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Danish and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, but it’s best to bake and serve fresh for optimal flakiness.

Delicious Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese and Puff Pastry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

This Strawberry Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, making a delightful pastry perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. The tartness of the strawberries balances beautifully with the rich cream cheese, all topped with a glossy egg wash and optional sprinkle of sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 pastries 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pastry

• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the strawberry filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with cornstarch and sugar. Toss gently to coat the strawberries evenly. This mixture will thicken during baking to prevent soggy pastry.
2. Make the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined and creamy.
3. Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat the oven according to the puff pastry package instructions, usually around 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, yielding 8 squares total.
4. Assemble the Danish pastries: Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Top cream cheese with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture, allowing some juice but not too much to soak the pastry. Fold the corners of each square slightly towards the center or leave them flat for a more open Danish.
5. Apply egg wash and sugar topping: Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the beaten egg wash to promote browning. Optionally sprinkle the tops with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.
6. Bake the pastries: Transfer the assembled pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. The cream cheese should be set and strawberries cooked.
7. Cool and serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before working to avoid cracking.
• Do not add too much strawberry juice to prevent soggy bottoms; use cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
• You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen, but thaw and drain excess water first.
• For added flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or lemon zest in the cream cheese mixture.
• Egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden color; do not skip this step.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Strawberry Danish, puff pastry, cream cheese filling, breakfast pastry, sweet pastry, homemade Danish