If you’re dreaming of a buttery, flaky pastry bursting with sweet cream cheese and luscious strawberries, the Strawberry Danish Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This delight is surprisingly easy to whip up at home with simple ingredients, yet delivers bakery-style flavor that shines through every layer. Perfect for brunches, special occasions, or any moment that needs a touch of sweetness, this Strawberry Danish Recipe brings together tangy cream cheese, vibrant strawberries, and glossy icing in a package that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend kitchen explorer, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this recipe comes together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in creating the magic of this Strawberry Danish Recipe. Each item brings unique flavor, richness, or texture, turning a few staples into something truly show-stopping.
- Frozen Puff Pastry: Delivers a wonderfully light and flaky base that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—store-bought puff pastry keeps things quick and simple.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The creamy foundation for your filling, offering that signature tang and silky texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Gives the cream cheese filling its sweet finish and a hint of sparkle.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Lemon Zest: Freshens and brightens the filling, while a subtle citrus note cuts through the richness.
- Strawberry Jam: Provides an intense berry flavor and beautiful color in every bite.
- Fresh Strawberries (sliced): Bring juicy bursts of fruit and a pop of vibrant color on top.
- Egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water): Used as an egg wash for that irresistible glossy, golden finish.
- Powdered Sugar: For mixing up a quick, sweet glaze that sets these danishes apart.
- Milk: Just a splash transforms powdered sugar into the perfect drizzling consistency for your glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roll out your thawed puff pastry slightly on a floured surface, then cut it into 6 equal squares. This step gives your pastries enough room to puff up and separate into those classic, flaky layers. Each square is the perfect individual serving and will bake up beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whip until this mixture is creamy and smooth—it should look light and fluffy, with flecks of bright lemon zest peeking through. This filling is what makes any Strawberry Danish Recipe irresistible, balancing sweetness, tang, and aromatic vanilla.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Carefully top with a small spoonful of strawberry jam, then layer on a few slices of fresh strawberries for fruity freshness. Gently fold the corners of each pastry in toward the center, overlapping slightly to create that charming, rustic shape we all love in a homemade Danish.
Step 4: Add Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the exposed pastry edges with your egg wash. This simple trick guarantees a golden, glossy finish and helps the pastries bake up crisp. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. The Strawberry Danish Recipe will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas as the pastry puffs and the filling bubbles. Bake until each danish is gorgeously golden and puffed.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Once the danishes are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. While they’re cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle this over your cooled pastries; as it sets, it leaves a sweet, eye-catching finish. Now your Strawberry Danish Recipe looks just as delicious as it tastes!
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Give your strawberry danishes the star treatment with beautiful garnishes. Try a dusting of extra powdered sugar, a few more slices of fresh strawberries, or even a sprig of mint for a pop of green. For an added bakery-style shine, brush the warm pastries with a little warmed apricot jam just before serving.
Side Dishes
The Strawberry Danish Recipe shines at breakfast or brunch alongside a bowl of fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt, or a steaming cup of coffee. If you’re planning a bigger spread, consider serving it with savory options like scrambled eggs or a mild cheese platter to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking your danishes on a tiered cake stand for a stunning brunch centerpiece, or wrap them individually in parchment for an easy breakfast-to-go. For celebrations, assemble the danishes in a circular pattern on a platter and garnish with edible flowers—your guests will swoon over both the look and flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Strawberry Danish Recipe pieces, let them cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days, and you can always refresh them with a quick reheat for that just-baked taste.
Freezing
The danishes freeze beautifully! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To bring leftover danishes back to life, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–8 minutes until the pastry is crisp and the filling is lightly warmed. If reheating from frozen, add another 2–3 minutes to the bake time; avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits or jams in this Strawberry Danish Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can easily swap in raspberries, blueberries, apricot jam, or even a mixed berry preserve for a fun twist. Just make sure to keep the proportions the same for a perfect result every time.
Do I need to thaw the puff pastry completely before using?
Yes, letting the puff pastry thaw until it’s pliable is crucial. If it’s too cold, it’ll crack when you try to roll or cut it; if it’s too soft, it might get sticky and hard to handle. Thaw according to package instructions for best results.
How do I keep the bottoms of my danishes from getting soggy?
Baking on a fully preheated oven and using parchment paper will help the bottoms stay crisp. Also, try to avoid adding too much filling or spreading it all the way to the edges of the pastry to prevent excess liquid from seeping under the crust.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before assembling your Strawberry Danish Recipe to make sure it’s soft, smooth, and easy to work with.
Is this Strawberry Danish Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
It sure is! As long as your puff pastry and cream cheese are vegetarian-friendly (most are, but check labels if you’re uncertain), these danishes fit easily into a vegetarian diet without any modifications.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of this Strawberry Danish Recipe is pure joy, and sharing them with friends or family makes the whole experience even sweeter. Whether you indulge at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, you’ll love how simple ingredients can create something so gorgeous and delicious. Give this recipe a try, and let a little berry bliss brighten your kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and fresh strawberries with this easy-to-make Strawberry Danish recipe. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these pastries are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface and cut into 6 equal squares.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, top with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries. Fold over the corners slightly toward the center.
- Bake: Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze and drizzle over the cooled danishes before serving.
Notes
- For extra shine, brush with warmed apricot jam.
- Substitute other fruit jams or berries for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
