Strawberry Danish Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for flaky, fruity pastries, this Strawberry Danish Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine the perfect marriage of buttery puff pastry, luscious cream cheese, and juicy strawberries all coming together in one heavenly bite. Whether it’s a special weekend breakfast, a delightful brunch treat, or a stunning pastry to impress guests, this recipe is simple to master and wonderfully rewarding. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, irresistible aroma of freshly baked danishes that everyone will be asking for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, but each plays a crucial role. From the fresh strawberries that bring vibrant color and sweetness to the cream cheese that adds silky richness, everything works in harmony to create the perfect texture and flavor balance in your Strawberry Danish Recipe.

• 4 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh and juicy strawberries are the star of the show, providing that natural fruity sweetness and bright red color.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry juices to prevent soggy pastry bottoms.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the strawberries, enhancing their natural flavor.
• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature: Creamy and smooth, this forms the luscious filling base.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling gently without graininess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes to both the cream cheese filling and glaze.
• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed: The flaky, buttery canvas for your danishes—make sure they’re fully thawed for best results.
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water): Creates a gorgeous golden finish and helps seal the pastry edges.
• 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional): Sprinkle on top for extra sparkle and sweetness.
• ¼ cup strawberry jam (optional for topping): Adds a glossy shine and an extra hit of strawberry flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the optional vanilla glaze topping.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with delicate flavor.
• 2 – 3 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry and Oven

Begin by letting your puff pastry thaw at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes; this is essential for workable dough that puffs nicely. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your danishes don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Combine the freshly sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Toss everything gently so each berry is coated well—the cornstarch will thicken any excess juice during baking, ensuring the pastry base stays crisp. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to intensify the flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk the room temperature cream cheese until perfectly smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting sweetness to your taste. This creamy filling will complement the strawberries with a mild tang and luscious texture.

Step 4: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry

Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut it along the fold lines to make rectangles. Then cut each long rectangle in half to create six smaller rectangles per sheet. Using a small pairing knife, gently score a border approximately ¼ inch from the edges of each rectangle without cutting all the way through. This scoring allows the pastry edges to puff up beautifully around the filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Danishes

Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, keeping it inside the scored border. Carefully layer the macerated strawberries on top of the cream cheese. Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg wash — this will give your danishes that irresistible golden color when baked. Optionally, sprinkle a little sugar over the top for a sparkling finish.

Step 6: Chill and Bake

If your assembled danishes feel a bit soft or sticky, pop the baking sheet into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes before baking. This step helps the puff pastry hold its shape and puff up nicely in the oven. Bake your strawberry cream cheese danishes for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown—the aroma at this stage is pure happiness!

Step 7: Cool and Add the Finishing Touches

Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For that classic shine and extra flavor burst, warm strawberry jam can be brushed on top. Or if you prefer a sweeter glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until drizzling consistency and artistically drizzle it over each danish. The result is bakery-quality deliciousness right from your own kitchen!

How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely finish. A brush of warmed strawberry jam not only makes the danishes glisten beautifully but also amplifies the fruity sweetness, making each bite irresistible.

Side Dishes

These danishes pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for a perfect breakfast experience. For an elegant brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the pastry.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your danishes on a rustic wooden board for a charming look or serve them on individual plates adorned with edible flowers for a festive touch. You can also create mini danishes using smaller puff pastry squares and individual baking molds to delight your guests with bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover danishes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigerating if possible, as this can cause the puff pastry to lose its crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled danishes by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to enjoy fresh-baked goodness anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy rather than flaky and delightful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are ideal because they maintain better texture and flavor in the danish, but if you only have frozen, thaw and drain them well before use to avoid excess moisture that can soggy the pastry.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I am lactose intolerant?

Try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or a thick coconut cream for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor that works beautifully in this recipe.

How long can these danishes be left out at room temperature?

Since they contain cream cheese and fresh fruit, it is best to enjoy them within a few hours of serving or keep them refrigerated if left out longer to ensure freshness and food safety.

Can I make the glaze without vanilla extract?

Absolutely! The glaze will still be sweet and tasty without vanilla, but adding it really enhances the flavor and gives a lovely aromatic touch.

Is there a way to make these danishes more tart?

Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the strawberry mixture or swapping half the sugar for a tart fruit like raspberries can give your Strawberry Danish Recipe a more tangy, vibrant twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about homemade pastries, and this Strawberry Danish Recipe is a shining example. It’s approachable, delicious, and undeniably impressive—that perfect trifecta you want in a go-to recipe. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of fresh strawberries and warm pastry, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a little slice of pastry heaven.

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