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Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-danish-recipe/