Description

This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry topped with a smooth cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, baked to golden perfection. A delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, finished with an optional strawberry jam glaze or a vanilla glaze drizzle, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Filling

4 cups sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar

Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Puff Pastry

2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)

Glaze Topping (Optional)

¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk

Instructions

Prep: Pull the puff pastry sheets out to thaw at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Strawberries: In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned and sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Toss well to coat all the strawberries evenly and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to develop flavor and thicken.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut along the fold lines to create long rectangles. Cut each rectangle in half to form six smaller rectangles total. Using a small paring knife, gently score a ¼ inch border around the edge of each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
Assemble Danishes: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling inside the scored border on each puff pastry rectangle. Arrange the coated strawberries decoratively on top of the cream cheese filling. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the lightly beaten egg wash and optionally sprinkle the entire pastry with sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
Chill: If the puff pastry starts to get warm or sticky, place the assembled danishes on the baking sheet into the refrigerator to chill for 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps the pastry maintain its shape and puff beautifully during baking.
Bake: Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and a light golden brown color.
Cool & Glaze: Allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For serving, optionally warm strawberry jam and brush over the danishes or whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to make a smooth vanilla glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure puff pastry is adequately chilled before baking to achieve a flaky texture.
Use day-old cream cheese or bring it to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Strawberry jam glazing adds a fruity shine, but vanilla glaze offers a sweet creamy contrast.
Slicing your strawberries evenly ensures consistent baking and presentation.
For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and milk with plant-based milk.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry danish recipe, cream cheese danish, puff pastry dessert, homemade danish, strawberry pastry