Buttery, fruity, and absolutely irresistible, this Strawberry Danish Recipe is everything you want in a breakfast treat or a sweet snack. Crisp, flaky layers of puff pastry cradle a creamy, tangy filling, topped with fresh strawberries and a glossy swirl of strawberry jam. Whether you’re welcoming weekend guests or craving a special morning pick-me-up, this treat always looks and tastes like something straight from a European bakery, but it’s secretly so simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Strawberry Danish Recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something truly spectacular. Each item in this short list brings a key flavor, texture, or visual pop to the party—so don’t skip or skimp!
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The flaky, tender shortcut to bakery-quality layers—buy it frozen for ultimate convenience.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Silky and tangy, this is the luscious filling that keeps each Danish creamy and satisfying.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): A little sweetness to balance the tartness of the cream cheese and the bright berries.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to give the filling warmth and perfume every bite.
- Strawberry jam or preserves (1/2 cup): Brings a punch of concentrated strawberry flavor, plus a pop of color and shine.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, sliced): Adds perfect juicy freshness—and honestly, who can resist those ruby-red slices?
- Egg (1, beaten): The key to that beautiful bakery-golden finish on the pastry edges.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Blended with the egg, it gives the wash an extra shine and helps the crust brown evenly.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A light dusting makes each Danish look as magical as it tastes.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Set the scene for pastry success! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lay a sheet of parchment paper on your baking tray, which will help the pastries crisp up on the bottom and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures your Danish treats bake evenly and slide off without sticking or losing their delicate shape.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix (a handheld mixer or a sturdy spatula both work) until the texture is ultra-smooth and glossy. This sweet, lightly tangy base will keep the pastries wonderfully moist and lend that classic Danish taste.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold or roll out your thawed puff pastry. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet into 6 equal rectangles. The beauty of puff pastry is how it puffs up around whatever you place in the center, creating its own perfect shell for the fillings.
Step 4: Score and Fill the Pastries
Using your knife, gently score a smaller rectangle inside each piece of pastry, about half an inch from the edge—don’t cut all the way through! This will help the edges rise up, keeping your luscious filling cradled in the middle. Spoon a layer of cream cheese mixture into each scored center, then dollop a teaspoon of strawberry jam right on top. Finish with a few fresh strawberry slices for color and juicy flavor. Already, your Strawberry Danish Recipe is looking gorgeous!
Step 5: Egg Wash the Edges
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Using a pastry brush (or even a clean fingertip method), gently brush the edges of each pastry piece. This egg wash is the secret to that bakery-shop golden glow and a crisp, beautiful crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the filled pastries on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have space to puff and spread a bit. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and dramatically puffed. The aroma of buttery pastry and strawberries will fill your kitchen—try not to hover by the oven door the whole time!
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let your Strawberry Danish Recipe cool slightly on the baking sheet after removing from the oven. While they’re still warm, you can optionally dust them with powdered sugar for a classic look, or brush the fruit with a little warmed apricot jam for extra shine. Serve them warm and enjoy every flaky, fruity bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar instantly adds a bakery-quality finish. For extra shine and a bit of gloss, try brushing the fruit with a touch of warmed apricot jam after baking—just like the pros. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter a few additional fresh strawberry slices or even a couple of mint leaves over the top before serving.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Danish Recipe shines alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a hot pot of tea for a continental-style breakfast. For brunch, serve it next to a simple green salad, a bowl of fresh fruit, or some yogurt to balance the sweetness and add variety to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making these for a special occasion, try arranging the pastries on a pretty platter with extra sliced strawberries and a handful of edible flowers for color. For a brunch buffet, stack them in a loose pyramid or set each Danish on its own little dessert plate with a swirl of whipped cream. They’re just as delightful packed into a picnic basket for an outdoor breakfast or snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover pastries (lucky you!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, though the pastry may soften a bit. Always make sure the pastry is fully cooled before covering to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This Strawberry Danish Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Once fully baked and cooled, wrap each Danish individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or let sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To return your Danish to its original flakiness, pop it in a 325°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until gently warmed through and crisp. Skip the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the pastry soft rather than flaky. Enjoy just as you did fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I make this Strawberry Danish Recipe with other fruits?
Absolutely! This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches or plums with a matching jam. Mix and match to suit what’s in season or your cravings.
Do I need to make my own puff pastry?
No need—store-bought frozen puff pastry works perfectly and makes this recipe wonderfully approachable. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge or according to the package instructions for best results.
Can I prepare these Danish pastries ahead of time?
You can assemble the pastries (without the egg wash) a few hours ahead and keep them chilled. Just before baking, brush with egg wash and bake as directed. This way, you get fresh, warm pastries with minimal morning effort!
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Scoring the pastry and keeping the fillings in the center helps a lot. Make sure your strawberries are as dry as possible before assembling, and don’t overload the center with jam. Bake until the pastry is deeply golden for best results.
Is there a vegan or dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
You can use plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free puff pastry to make a vegan version of this Strawberry Danish Recipe. Substitute the egg wash with a little almond milk to give the edges a nice golden color while keeping it fully plant-based.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish Recipe is the ultimate way to bring bakery magic into your own kitchen—without fuss or fancy skills needed. Every bite is a reminder of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary joy. Gather your supplies, invite a friend, and treat yourself to homemade pastry—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Strawberry Danish Recipe! A perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese, sweet strawberries, and jam, these danishes are a treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
4 ounces cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Topping:
1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves, 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
Egg Wash:
1 egg (beaten), 1 tablespoon milk
Optional:
powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 6 equal rectangles. Score a smaller rectangle inside each piece.
- Add Fillings: Spread cream cheese mixture, strawberry jam, and strawberry slices on the pastry.
- Seal and Bake: Brush edges with egg wash, transfer to baking sheet, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Finish and Serve: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute other fruit jams or berries based on preference.
- For a glossy finish, brush the fruit with warmed apricot jam after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
