If you have ever wanted to impress your friends and family with a sweet, flaky, and utterly delightful pastry, this Strawberry Danish Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the buttery layers of puff pastry with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and the fresh brightness of strawberries, all glazed with a hint of lemon for that extra zing. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Danish Recipe lies in its simplicity. These few ingredients come together to create a luxurious taste, with every component adding its own special touch— from the flaky puff pastry to the sweet, fresh strawberries that provide vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: This forms the golden, flaky base that’s essential for the classic Danish texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth and tangy filling that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma that elevates the filling’s flavor profile.
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped: Offers fresh, fruity brightness and a lovely pop of red color on each Danish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Gives the strawberries a zesty lift, making the flavor more vibrant.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Helps achieve a shiny, golden finish on the pastry’s surface.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping): Adds a delicate crunch and a sweet touch on top of each Danish.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your Danish pastries are ready to bake. A properly preheated oven ensures your pastry will puff up beautifully and become perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into four equal squares. These will be the base for each individual Danish, so keep the edges neat to help with a tidy, appealing finish after baking.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until it becomes smooth and creamy, free of lumps. This mixture will be the luscious center that makes the Danish absolutely dreamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border all around for folding. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with the lemon juice, then add a spoonful of this fruit mixture on top of the cream cheese. Carefully fold each corner of the pastry square towards the center, creating a charming envelope shape that securely holds your filling inside.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches and Bake
Brush each Danish with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden shine once baked. Sprinkle with granulated sugar for a subtle crunch and sweet finish. Bake the pastries for about 15 to 18 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Strawberry Danish Recipe with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey enhances its sweet appeal without overshadowing the fresh strawberry flavor. A few fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and complement the fruity notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Danish with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bright herbal tea to balance the richness of the cream cheese. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for lovely contrast in flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Danish on a pretty plate topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream for a decadent dessert twist. Alternatively, arrange several on a tiered pastry stand for an elegant brunch presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Danish Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry flaky and the cream cheese filling fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled Danish for up to a month. Simply place them on a baking sheet until hard, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive the flaky, warm texture of your leftovers, reheat the Danish in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they hold their shape and offer vibrant flavor, but if frozen is all you have, thaw and drain them well to avoid watery pastry.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese or can I substitute it?
Cream cheese provides the perfect creamy tang for this Danish, but mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work as alternatives, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How long does it take to make this Strawberry Danish Recipe from start to finish?
It’s quite quick—about 30 minutes total, including preparation and baking, making it an ideal last-minute treat that still looks impressive.
Can I make the Danish smaller or larger?
Absolutely! You can cut the puff pastry into smaller or larger squares depending on your preference, just adjust the filling accordingly to keep the perfect balance.
What if I don’t have puff pastry on hand?
Puff pastry is the key for the signature flaky texture, but if you don’t have it, croissant dough or phyllo could be interesting alternatives, though results will vary in texture.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite sweet treats to share because it offers such a delightful mix of textures and flavors with minimal effort. It’s a perfect way to brighten up any morning or impress guests with something homemade yet stunning. I encourage you to try it soon—you might find it becoming a staple in your baking repertoire, just like it is in mine!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Strawberry Danish pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and fresh, tangy strawberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these Danish pastries combine a crisp, golden crust with creamy filling topped with fresh fruit and a touch of sweetness.
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
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 prepare for baking the Danish pastries, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares, typically four equal squares from the sheet, creating individual bases for your Danish pastries.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, forming the rich filling that will complement the strawberries.
- Assemble the Danish: Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border around the edges for folding.
- Add Strawberry Mixture: In another bowl, gently combine the chopped fresh strawberries with the lemon juice. Spoon this strawberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese filling on each pastry square.
- Fold Pastry Corners: Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, overlapping slightly to form an envelope shape that encloses the filling, helping keep it intact during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the folded pastry corners gently with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish, then sprinkle the granulated sugar on top for a sweet, slightly crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set and avoid burns.
Notes
- For best results, ensure puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold to handle easily.
- Fresh strawberries can be substituted with frozen, but be sure to drain excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
- The lemon juice brightens the strawberries and enhances their flavor but can be adjusted to taste.
- These Danish pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Egg wash is optional but recommended for a glossy finish and better browning.
