There’s nothing quite as inviting as a fresh Strawberry Danish Recipe, straight from the oven—flaky, golden pastry hugging a sweet, creamy filling, crowned with juicy strawberries. This recipe is the epitome of simple elegance, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. In just over half an hour, you can transform a handful of humble ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat that’s crisp, creamy, and bursting with berry flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just dipping your toes into pastry-making, this Strawberry Danish Recipe will make you feel like a star in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Danish Recipe lies in its straightforward lineup of ingredients. Each one is essential—contributing richness, tang, color, or that irresistible flaky bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters.
- Puff pastry sheet (1, thawed): The foundation of the danish, it bakes up golden and crisp for that signature bakery texture.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides a creamy, tangy base that pairs perfectly with strawberries and sugar.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the tang of the cream cheese and sweetens the filling just right.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors in the creamy filling.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, hulled and sliced): The star of the show! They bring color, flavor, and juiciness to every bite.
- Strawberry jam (1 tablespoon): Enhances the fruitiness and gives the topping a glossy, luscious finish.
- Egg (1, beaten): Helps the pastry edges bake up beautifully golden and shiny.
- Powdered sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): A light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.
- Lemon zest (optional, for garnish): Brightens the flavors and adds a zingy aroma if you choose to use it.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your danishes bake evenly and release easily without sticking. Trust me, nothing’s worse than a gorgeous pastry glued to the pan!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This filling is the luscious heart of your Strawberry Danish Recipe, so take a moment to make sure it’s well blended and free of lumps.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Cut it into four equal squares. Using a sharp knife, score a smaller square about half an inch from the edge of each, being careful not to slice all the way through. This little border will help the edges puff up beautifully around your filling.
Step 4: Add Fillings
Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square and spread it out slightly, staying inside the scored border. In a separate bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with the strawberry jam. Spoon this vibrant, glossy mixture over the cream cheese layer. Each bite will be bursting with flavor!
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the outer edges of each danish with the beaten egg—this gives the pastry a stunning golden color and an irresistible sheen. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the danishes are puffed and gloriously golden. Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes so the filling sets a bit before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, dust your danishes with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and, if you love a little zing, add some fresh lemon zest. These simple garnishes make each Strawberry Danish Recipe look as good as it tastes, adding elegance and a pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your danish with a hot cup of coffee or a frothy cappuccino for a classic breakfast treat. If you’re serving brunch, fresh orange juice, a fruit salad, or even a scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side will round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Arrange the danishes on a rustic wooden board, scatter a few extra strawberry slices around, and tuck in some mint leaves for color. For special occasions, serve each danish atop a swirl of whipped cream or with a drizzle of extra strawberry jam for a dramatic, mouthwatering look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store your Strawberry Danish Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, though the pastry may lose a little crispness over time.
Freezing
To freeze, let the danishes cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back their lovely crisp texture and warms the filling without making it soggy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thaw frozen ones and drain off any excess liquid before mixing with the jam. This way, your Strawberry Danish Recipe won’t get soggy but will still have a bright, fruity flavor.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
Puff pastry gives the best flaky texture, but in a pinch, crescent roll dough or even a homemade pastry dough can work. Just keep an eye on baking times, as they might vary.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the danishes a few hours ahead, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. For the freshest taste and texture, bake just before serving. Baked danishes are best enjoyed the same day, but they can be stored as noted above.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Be sure to drain any excess liquid from your strawberries, and don’t overload the danishes with filling. Baking on parchment paper also helps keep the bottoms crisp.
Is there a way to make these danishes extra special?
Try adding a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling or swapping in different berry jams for variety. You can also drizzle a quick icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for a bakery-style finish.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Strawberry Danish Recipe brings a little extra joy and sweetness to your table. There’s something truly magical about baking these treats at home and sharing them with people you love. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes one of your new favorites too!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, topped with a touch of strawberry jam. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these danishes are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, offering a delightful balance of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Topping
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
Finishing Touches
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Optional lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into 4 equal squares. On each square, score a smaller square about ½ inch from the edges without cutting all the way through, which will help create a raised border when baked.
- Assemble the Danish: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square and spread it slightly within the inner scored square. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with strawberry jam, then evenly distribute this mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Egg Wash: Brush the outer edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg. This will give the danish a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared danishes on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden, puffed, and cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the danishes cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with fresh lemon zest to add a bright, citrusy aroma.
- Serve: Serve these delicious strawberry danishes warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones; just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy pastry.
- For enhanced flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese filling before assembling.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
