Name: Strawberry Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 - 3 tablespoons (30 - 45 ml) milk

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Strawberry Danish is a delightful pastry featuring buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and topped with fresh strawberries. This quick and easy recipe creates an impressive breakfast or dessert that's perfect for special mornings or afternoon treats. Finished with warm strawberry jam or a vanilla glaze, these danishes look and taste like they came from a professional bakery.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These strawberry cream cheese danishes are the perfect balance of convenience and impressive results. Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels while still delivering bakery-quality results. The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet fresh strawberries, and buttery pastry creates an irresistible flavor profile. Whether you're hosting brunch, need a special breakfast, or want a delightful dessert, these danishes are versatile for any occasion. The recipe can be prepared in advance and customized with different fruits or toppings to suit your preferences. Best of all, they take just 15 minutes to prep before baking!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese filling. When in season, choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor.

Cornstarch is mixed with the strawberries to help thicken any juices released during baking, preventing soggy pastry bottoms.

Sugar is used sparingly with the strawberries to enhance their natural sweetness without overpowering their fresh flavor.

Cream cheese forms the creamy, tangy base of the filling. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.

Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling while maintaining a smooth consistency. Its fine texture incorporates perfectly without any graininess.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to both the cream cheese filling and optional glaze. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Puff pastry sheets are the convenient shortcut that makes this recipe so accessible. These pre-made sheets of buttery, layered dough puff up beautifully when baked, creating a flaky, crisp texture.

Egg wash helps create that golden-brown shine on the edges of the pastry and helps the optional sugar topping stick.

Strawberry jam adds an extra layer of strawberry flavor and a glossy finish when brushed over the baked danishes.

Milk thins the powdered sugar glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency if you choose that finish instead of jam.

Directions

Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch, ensuring strawberries are well coated. Let mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
In another bowl, mix room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut along the folded lines. Cut each long rectangle in half to create six smaller rectangles total.
With a paring knife, score a border about ¼ inch from the edges of each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle, staying within the scored border.
Arrange strawberry slices decoratively on top of the cream cheese filling.
Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
If the pastry feels warm or sticky, chill the prepared danishes in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help them puff properly during baking.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastries are light golden brown.
Allow danishes to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Top with warm strawberry jam or vanilla glaze before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 strawberry danishes. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with 20 minutes of baking time and 5 minutes of cooling time, for a total of 40 minutes from start to finish. These danishes are perfect for serving at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. One danish per person is typically appropriate for a serving, though they're so delicious your guests might request seconds!

Variations

Berry Medley Danish: Substitute a combination of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for the strawberries.

Peach Danish: Replace strawberries with fresh, sliced peaches during summer months for a delightful variation.

Lemon Cream Cheese Danish: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling and top with a lemon glaze for a citrusy twist.

Chocolate Strawberry Danish: Spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread beneath the cream cheese layer for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combination.

Almond Danish: Add almond extract to the cream cheese filling and sprinkle with sliced almonds before baking.

Mini Danishes: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares to create bite-sized versions perfect for parties or buffets.

Savory Version: Create a savory danish by omitting the sugar and topping with herbs, cheese, and vegetables instead of fruit.

Storage/Reheating

Freshly Baked: Strawberry danishes are best enjoyed the day they're made when the pastry is at its crispest and flakiest.

Room Temperature: Store cooled danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, place danishes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The pastry may soften slightly but will still be delicious.

Freezing: These danishes freeze well for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating: To restore crispness, reheat refrigerated or frozen danishes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Frozen danishes do not need to be thawed before reheating.

Glaze: If using a glaze, it's best to add it after reheating for the freshest appearance and flavor.

FAQs

Why did my puff pastry not rise properly?

Puff pastry needs to be cold when it goes into the oven to rise properly. If your pastry became too warm during preparation, the butter layers can melt prematurely. Always chill prepared danishes for 15-20 minutes before baking if they've become warm or sticky during assembly.

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the danishes up to the point of baking, then refrigerate overnight. Alternatively, you can fully bake them, cool completely, and store in an airtight container, adding the glaze or jam right before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone cheese makes an excellent substitute for cream cheese in this recipe. It has a similar texture but a milder flavor. You could also use ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of yogurt for tanginess, though the texture will be slightly different.

Why are my strawberries releasing too much juice?

Very ripe strawberries can release excessive juice. The cornstarch in the recipe helps control this, but if your berries are particularly juicy, you can let them sit with the sugar and cornstarch for 30 minutes instead of 15, then drain any excess liquid before placing them on the danish.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with other berries, peaches, plums, or apples. Just make sure to slice larger fruits thinly and consider adjusting the sugar based on the fruit's natural sweetness.

My puff pastry is cracking when I unfold it. What should I do?

This typically happens when the pastry is still too cold. Allow it to thaw at room temperature a bit longer. If minor cracks occur, you can gently press them together with slightly dampened fingers.

How do I know when the danishes are properly baked?

The pastry should be visibly puffed and golden brown on the edges and bottom. If you're uncertain, you can carefully lift one danish to check that the bottom is golden and not pale or doughy.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and appearance, you can use frozen berries in a pinch. Thaw them completely and drain well before using, as they tend to release more liquid than fresh berries.

Why is my cream cheese filling too runny?

This can happen if the cream cheese was too warm or if there was too much liquid in the recipe. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature but not warm, and measure your vanilla extract precisely.

How do I make the vanilla glaze thicker or thinner?

For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time. For a thinner glaze, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Danish pastries offer the perfect balance of convenience and gourmet results. The combination of buttery puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and fresh strawberries creates a treat that's impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weekend breakfasts. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations using different fruits and flavors throughout the year. Whether you're a novice baker or experienced pastry chef, these danishes deliver consistent, delicious results that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With make-ahead options and storage solutions, you can enjoy these delightful pastries whenever the craving strikes. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these bakery-quality danishes that bring a touch of elegance to any table.