Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

If you love starting your day with a sweet, flaky treat that feels like a hug in pastry form, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe. Combining buttery puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese filling and fresh, juicy strawberries, it’s the kind of dessert that makes breakfast feel extra special or turns any afternoon coffee break into a delightful occasion. The tartness of the lemon and the hint of vanilla in the cream cheese balance perfectly with the natural sweetness of the fruit, creating layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential for achieving that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and flaky in your pastry. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery puff pastry that puffs up crisply to the fresh strawberries that bring vibrant color and brightness to the dish.

• 1 sheet puff pastry: Store-bought works just fine for ultimate convenience, giving you those beautifully flaky layers.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that brings richness and a slight tang to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese smoothly without overpowering it.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the cream cheese mixture.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A touch of acidity brightens and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: Fresh, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they’re the star fruit in this recipe.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sprinkled over strawberries for a delicate sparkle and sweetness.
• 1 egg (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden finish on the puff pastry edges.
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash): Lightens the egg wash to ensure an even, glossy crust.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): A pretty finishing touch that’s perfect for presentation and adding a little extra sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those delicate pastries from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This sets the stage for perfectly baked Danish pastries that have a beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cutting it into four equal squares or rectangles is perfect for individual pastries. This step is key to ensuring each Danish is the perfect size for serving and baking evenly.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what gives the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe its signature rich and tangy flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Danish

Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, carefully leaving a border all around. This helps the filling stay in place while the pastry bakes and keeps the edges beautifully puffed.

Step 5: Add the Strawberries and Sugar

Top each cream cheese layer with a mound of sliced strawberries, then sprinkle with granulated sugar. The sugar will caramelize slightly during baking, enhancing the natural sweetness and adding a bit of crunch.

Step 6: Fold and Seal the Pastry

Gently fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling to form a neat square or rectangle. Press the edges lightly to seal, so the filling stays put but still allows the pastry to puff nicely.

Step 7: Egg Wash for Shine

Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this mixture onto the edges of the pastry. This simple step will give your Danish that gorgeous, golden shine that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the pastries for 15 to 20 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden and puffed up beautifully. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly, and that’s the signal it’s almost time to indulge!

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Let the Danish cool for a few minutes once out of the oven, then optionally dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness that’s just irresistible.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe warm for the best texture and flavor, and watch as everyone’s face lights up with the first bite.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and charming, adding just a touch of sweetness and a delicate look. If you want to get fancy, a small sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate the presentation even more.

Side Dishes

Pair your Danish with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea for a comforting breakfast or brunch. It also goes beautifully alongside a crisp, citrusy fruit salad or a bowl of creamy yogurt to keep things balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Danish on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh strawberries and edible flowers around it for a charming brunch table centerpiece. Alternatively, stack a few Danish pastries on a tiered stand to impress guests at a gathering or special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Danish can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry from becoming soggy while preserving the fresh flavors of the cream cheese and strawberries.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled Danish pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed for fresh-from-the-oven goodness anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked taste, reheat the Danish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the pastry crisp and flaky rather than soft.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry works wonderfully as long as it’s fully thawed before you start assembling your Danish. This makes the recipe even more accessible and convenient.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for that natural bright flavor and texture, you can substitute with thawed frozen strawberries or even blueberries for a delicious twist. Just be mindful that frozen berries may add more moisture.

Can I make these Danish pastries vegan?

To adapt this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe for a vegan diet, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative, vegan puff pastry, and a flax or chia egg wash. The taste and texture will be just as delightful!

Is it possible to prepare the Danish ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! Assemble the Danish pastries ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This is great for planning breakfast or brunch ahead and having fresh, hot pastries right when you want them.

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from becoming watery?

Using softened, not melted cream cheese and properly draining sliced strawberries can help prevent excess moisture. Also, the lemon juice helps keep the filling set by adding a bit of acidity.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much joy in creating something as delightful as this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe from scratch, and even better in sharing it with loved ones. Its perfect blend of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh fruit makes it a truly unforgettable treat. Give it a try soon and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to sweet pastries for any time of day!

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