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
Scale
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
