There is something incredibly joyful about starting your day or treating yourself to a sweet snack with a homemade delight like this Strawberry Danish Recipe. The marriage of flaky, buttery puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese filling and the bright freshness of strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is straightforward yet delivers that bakery-style charm that will have everyone asking for seconds. Every bite is a little celebration of simple ingredients coming together to make something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Danish Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that bring richness, freshness, and that flaky texture that’s impossible to resist. Each item plays a vital role in creating a pastry that’s both beautiful and delicious.
- Puff pastry sheet: This is your golden, flaky base, providing the perfect light and buttery texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy tanginess and a smooth contrast to the strawberries.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling delicately without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the filling with warm, comforting notes.
- Fresh strawberries, chopped: Gives the Danish a bright, juicy pop of natural sweetness and color.
- Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with a refreshing citrusy zing.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Helps achieve a golden, shiny crust that looks as good as it tastes.
- Granulated sugar (for topping): Sprinkled on top for a subtle crunch and sparkle after baking.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures your puff pastry puffs up beautifully and bakes evenly, giving you those signature crispy layers with a tender inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into four equal squares. This is your canvas for layering all the delicious flavors, so handle gently to keep everything intact.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy, creating a luscious filling that’s sweet but not overpowering. This filling forms the rich heart of your Danish.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges to allow for folding. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with lemon juice to brighten and freshen their flavor, then spoon this fruity mixture on top of the cream cheese. Fold each corner of the pastry squares inward toward the center to create a charming, envelope-shaped Danish. Make sure the folds seal gently but leave the filling slightly exposed so it can shine through.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Brush the tops of your folded pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish once baked. Then sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a delicate crunch and just a touch of sparkle. Place your Danish on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are puffed, golden, and irresistibly inviting.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Strawberry Danish topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey adds that extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh mint leaves or a handful of extra sliced strawberries can provide freshness and a beautiful color contrast.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Danish with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte makes for a perfect morning pick-me-up. For an afternoon treat, a light herbal tea or sparkling lemonade complements the richness and balances the fruitiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Danish on a wooden board accompanied by small bowls of yogurt or whipped cream for dipping. You could also arrange individual Danish servings in pretty pastry boxes for gifting or a brunch spread that dazzles guests with charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re that good), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry flaky and the filling fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze these Danish pastries before baking. Assemble them as directed, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh-from-the-oven experience anytime.
Reheating
To revive the flaky crispness after storing, reheat your Danish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect texture intact and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
While fresh strawberries are best for flavor and texture, frozen strawberries can work if thawed and drained well to avoid sogginess in the Danish.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this Strawberry Danish Recipe?
Yes! You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of sugar and vanilla, which will give a different but deliciously creamy twist.
How do I prevent the edges of the puff pastry from burning?
Keep an eye on the baking time and consider covering the edges with strips of foil halfway through baking if they start to brown too quickly.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan puff pastry, a plant-based cream cheese substitute, and a non-dairy milk wash instead of egg for the glaze.
What other fruits pair well with this Danish?
Blueberries, raspberries, or peach slices make fantastic alternatives or additions if you want to experiment with flavors beyond strawberries.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish Recipe is one of those special treats that’s as rewarding to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a charming brunch dish, these pastries bring a burst of sweetness and homemade comfort. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first flaky, fruity bite.
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture topped with fresh strawberries for a delightful homemade pastry perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the Danish pastry.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into squares, typically four equal pieces. Place the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich, sweet filling for the pastry.
- Assemble the Danish: Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border around the edges to allow for folding.
- Add the Strawberry Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with lemon juice to brighten their flavor. Spoon this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer on each pastry square.
- Fold the Pastry: Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, forming an envelope shape to encase the filling without sealing it completely, allowing steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish. Sprinkle the top with granulated sugar for added sweetness and slight crunch.
- Bake the Danish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your fresh homemade strawberry Danish warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is completely thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust sugar amounts to taste, especially if strawberries are very sweet or tart.
- The lemon juice prevents the strawberries from browning and adds a bright note.
- Egg wash creates a shiny and appealing golden crust.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
