Description
This delightful Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, finished with a glossy strawberry jam drizzle. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these Danishes are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Filling
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tbsp strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the Danishes after baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to smoothen any creases. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares for individual Danishes.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Filling on Pastry: Spoon and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border around the edges to allow folding.
- Add Strawberries: Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese evenly for a fresh fruity layer.
- Glaze Strawberries: Mix the strawberry jam with a tiny splash of water to thin it slightly, then drizzle this glaze over the strawberries for extra sweetness and shine.
- Shape Danishes: Fold the corners of each square towards the center without fully closing them, shaping into a diamond form with the filling still visible in the center.
- Apply Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give the Danishes a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the assembled Danishes on the lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow puffing.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the Danishes cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry sheet is properly thawed to make rolling and folding easier.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with other fresh berries or fruit slices depending on preference.
- Use cold cream cheese and bring it to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Egg wash helps achieve a beautiful golden color and a slightly glossy finish.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
- For a dairy-free version, try using vegan cream cheese and ensure the puff pastry is vegan-friendly.