Introduction

This Strawberry Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy cheese filling and fresh, sweet strawberries. It’s a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Simple to prepare yet impressively elegant, these pastries are sure to please your family and guests.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe - Recipe Image

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
¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat all the berries and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Step 4: Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut along the folded lines to create six smaller rectangles. Using a small knife, score a ¼ inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
Step 5: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside the border of each rectangle. Layer the coated strawberries decoratively on top of the cream cheese filling.
Step 6: Lightly brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg wash. If desired, sprinkle sugar over the entire pastry for extra sweetness and crunch.
Step 7: If the dough has softened, chill the prepared danishes in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to help the pastry puff nicely during baking.
Step 8: Bake the danishes on the prepared sheets for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are puffed and golden brown.
Step 9: Let the pastries cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
Step 10: Optionally, warm the strawberry jam and spread a thin layer over each danish. For a vanilla glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over the cooled danishes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
Chilling the assembled danishes before baking helps create a flakier pastry.
Swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for different flavors.
Use apricot jam instead of strawberry jam for topping a slightly different fruit note.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the filling and toppings accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes to refresh the pastry before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the strawberry danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for best puff.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

Puff pastry is key to the flaky texture of danishes, but you can try using frozen croissant dough as a substitute. Keep in mind the texture and rise may differ slightly.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 81 reviews

This Strawberry Danish Recipe features flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh strawberries. Finished with a glossy strawberry jam glaze or a simple vanilla icing, these pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert treat.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 individual danishes 1x
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

Puff Pastry

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

Glaze or Jam Topping

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: Remove puff pastry sheets from the freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Strawberry Mixture: In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat all strawberries well. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow juices to develop and thicken slightly.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or flavor as desired.
Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one puff pastry sheet into a square. Cut along the pre-scored fold lines, then cut each long rectangle in half to create six smaller rectangles in total. Using a small paring knife, lightly score a ¼-inch border around the edges of each rectangle, being careful not to cut fully through.
Assemble Danishes: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored border. Layer the prepared strawberries decoratively on top of the cream cheese. Lightly brush the exposed borders of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. Optionally, sprinkle sugar over the entire danish for added sweetness and crunch.
Chill Before Baking: If the puff pastry feels warm or sticky, transfer the baking sheets with assembled danishes to the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling will help the pastry puff up beautifully during baking.
Bake: Place danishes in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is light golden brown and fully puffed.
Cool and Finish: Allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. For finishing touches, spread warm strawberry jam on top of each danish or dust with powdered sugar. Alternatively, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a vanilla glaze and drizzle it on top of the cooled pastries. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed but still cool to prevent tears when cutting or assembling.
Chilling the assembled danishes before baking helps maximize puffiness and a flaky texture.
Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese or glaze to taste.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: strawberry danish, cream cheese danish, puff pastry dessert, breakfast pastries, homemade danish, fruit danish