Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines flaky, golden puff pastry with a sweet, creamy filling and bursts of fresh strawberries. This treat is not only visually appealing but also irresistibly tasty, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack anytime. Imagine that first bite: the crunch of the pastry layered over the silky cream cheese, mingling with juicy strawberries. It’s a match made in heaven, reminiscent of your favorite bakery but made right in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
I first discovered this recipe during a lazy Sunday brunch with friends, and it quickly became a favorite. The balance of flavors is exquisite, and the fact that it’s simple to make makes it even better. With only 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 to bake, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy weekend mornings. Just one bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe is so special. I can’t wait for you to give it a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep this pastry in just 15 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy filling pairs flawlessly with fresh strawberries.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These danishes make any table look impressive.
- Flexible Serving: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Substitutions can be made for gluten-free options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry: Thaw according to package directions for flaky results. You can use store-bought pastry dough if needed.
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter alternative.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without overpowering it. Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling. Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- 1 pinch kosher salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors. Avoid table salt if possible.
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional): Brightens the flavors; use fresh lemon for the best results.
- 2 cups (332 g) fresh strawberries (sliced): Juicy and sweet; you can substitute with other berries or fruits like raspberries or blueberries.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: For sweetening the strawberries and enhancing their juiciness as they bake.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): For egg wash, giving the pastries a beautiful, glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mix with the egg wash for easy application.
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting): A light dusting adds a sweet touch for presentation.
- Strawberry Jam or Jelly (for brushing): Optional but recommended for a shiny finish.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of thawed puff pastry into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Cut each into 6 squares. You should have 12 total.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of kosher salt, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat the strawberries and set aside.
Assemble the Danishes: Place a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with a tablespoon of the strawberry filling.
Shape the Pastries: Gently fold the corners of the pastry square toward the center, creating a pocket for the filling. Pinch the corners to seal securely.
Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the tops of the danishes for a beautiful finish.
Bake: Place the danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
Finish the Danishes: While still warm, brush the tops with a little strawberry jam or jelly for a lovely shine. Allow to cool slightly before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Serve and Enjoy: These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed up later for a delightful treat!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will last for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overfilling the danishes to prevent spillage. Keep the filling modest for the best results.
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling—this step is crucial for texture.
- Use cold puff pastry; too warm can cause it to not rise properly while baking.
- Try adding other fruits for variety; peaches and blueberries pair beautifully as well.
- If you prefer, these danishes can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking—simply bake frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Fresh, flaky, and packed with flavor, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a true joy to savor. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tweaks you decide to make!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before mixing them with sugar and cornstarch. Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen ones are a convenient alternative when fresh aren’t available.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and take it out to bring to room temperature before using for easier spreadability.
What if I can’t find puff pastry?
If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough as an alternative. Layer a few sheets and brush with melted butter or oil for that flaky texture, although the result will be slightly different.
Can I bake these danishes as one large pastry?
While it’s possible to create a large raspberry cream cheese danish, be mindful to adjust your baking time as a single, larger piece will take more time to cook through. Make sure the center reaches the appropriate temperature and everything is perfectly golden.
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📖 Recipe Card
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish features a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, making it perfect for brunch or dessert. It’s simple to prepare and sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, (thawed according to package directions)
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, (softened)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest, (optional, but recommended)
- 2 cups (332 g) fresh strawberries, (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg, (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Confectioners’ sugar, (for dusting)
- Strawberry Jam or Jelly, (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut into 12 rectangles, each about 4 ½ × 3 inches.
- Arrange the rectangles on the baking sheets with space in between.
- Poke holes in the center of each rectangle with a fork, leaving the edges untouched.
- Mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Add lemon zest if desired.
- In another bowl, combine sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch, letting it sit for 5 minutes to drain excess liquid.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on each pastry rectangle and top with strawberries.
- In a bowl, whisk egg and water together. Brush the mixture on the edges of each pastry.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
- Allow cooling slightly after baking.
- Optionally dust with confectioners’ sugar and brush with warm strawberry jam or jelly for shine.
Notes
Make sure the puff pastry is completely thawed for best results.
For a sweeter option, consider adding a bit more sugar to the strawberries.
These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
