Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Recipe

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If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances flaky, buttery pastry with a luscious, creamy center and fresh strawberry sweetness, you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those classic pastries that feels fancy, but honestly, it’s so approachable you’ll want to make it again and again. The cream cheese adds that rich tang that pairs beautifully with the vibrant, juicy strawberries, making each bite an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, staple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Every component plays a crucial role, from the delicate flakiness of the puff pastry to the creamy filling and the bright burst of fresh strawberries.

• Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, golden base that’s both crisp and tender.
• Cream cheese (softened): Adds smooth creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma into the filling.
• Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced): Offers a fresh, juicy contrast for both taste and color.
• Strawberry jam: Gives a glossy shine and an extra punch of strawberry flavor.
• Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash to create a beautiful golden crust.
• Powdered sugar (optional): Adds a delicate dusting for an elegant finish.

How to Make Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Danish will bake evenly and not stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut Puff Pastry

Place the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it out gently to smooth out any folds or creases. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares, which will be the perfect size for each individual Danish.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a silky smooth mixture. This luscious filling is the heart of the pastry and will bring a creamy richness to every bite.

Step 4: Spread Filling on Pastry Squares

Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Spread it gently while keeping a small border along the edges to allow for folding and baking expansion.

Step 5: Add Strawberries

Arrange the fresh, sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer. Their bright red color and juicy texture not only make the Danishes look stunning but add a fresh, fruity bite.

Step 6: Glaze with Strawberry Jam

Mix the strawberry jam with a tiny splash of water to loosen it, then drizzle this sweet glaze over the strawberries. This step brings a beautiful shine and intensifies the strawberry flavor wonderfully.

Step 7: Fold the Pastry Corners

Carefully fold each corner of the pastry squares toward the center, but don’t close them completely. This folding creates a charming diamond shape that holds everything together while leaving the filling visible and inviting.

Step 8: Apply Egg Wash

Brush the exposed edges of the folded pastry lightly with the beaten egg. This will give your Danishes a gorgeous glossy, golden-brown finish when baked.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the prepared Danishes to your lined baking sheet, then bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the pastry to puff up beautifully and turn a rich golden color—it’s ready to come out of the oven once this happens!

Step 10: Cool and Dust

Remove from the oven and let the Danishes cool slightly on a wire rack. For a finishing touch, dust with powdered sugar if you like a hint of sweetness and an elegant look before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also sprinkle toasted sliced almonds for a toasty crunch or add a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate to elevate the presentation and flavor. Fresh mint leaves add a lovely pop of color and freshness, perfect for entertaining.

Side Dishes

This Danish pairs deliciously with a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea for breakfast or brunch. For a heartier spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad, and you’ll have a beautifully balanced meal that feels both indulgent and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Recipe on a wooden board surrounded by fresh strawberry halves and sprigs of mint. Or for a brunch party, place each Danish in small colorful paper doilies or mini plates and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Danishes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep the puff pastry crisp for as long as possible while maintaining the creamy filling’s freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled Danishes by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh results anytime you want a quick treat.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the Danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This revives the crispiness of the pastry and warms the filling nicely without drying it out, making them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for their texture and sweetness, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw and drain them well first to avoid excess moisture, which can make the pastry soggy.

Is cream cheese the only cheese option for this Danish?

Cream cheese works best because of its smooth, mild flavor and creamy texture. However, you could experiment with mascarpone for a richer taste or ricotta for a lighter feel, but keep the sugar amount adjusted accordingly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry and substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. Replace the egg wash with a mixture of non-dairy milk and maple syrup to achieve that golden finish.

What if I don’t have strawberry jam?

No worries—use any berry jam you like or simply skip it. The fresh strawberries will still shine, but the glaze does add that beautiful shine and a touch of extra sweetness.

How long do these Danishes stay fresh?

Best enjoyed fresh, these Danishes stay good for about two days at room temperature. After that, the pastry can lose its crispness, so plan to enjoy them sooner rather than later!

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Recipe is one of those joyful bakes that feels both special and surprisingly simple. It’s perfect for weekend breakfasts, casual brunches, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you make these flaky, creamy, fruity delights, they’re going to become a beloved favorite that you’ll keep coming back to over and over.

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