If you’re craving a delightful and impressive pastry that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, this Strawberry Danish Recipe is the perfect answer. Flaky, buttery puff pastry paired with a luscious cream cheese filling, topped with tangy fresh strawberries, creates a mouthwatering treat that feels both indulgent and fresh. Whether for brunch, a snack, or a special occasion, this recipe hits all the right notes and is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze with this Strawberry Danish Recipe since each component plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and bright color. From the flaky puff pastry that provides structure and crispness to the creamy, slightly sweet filling, every ingredient shines through.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: This ready-made base ensures flakiness without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a rich and smooth filling that complements the freshness of the strawberries.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without graininess for a delicate texture.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note to the cream cheese mixture.
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped: Adds juicy brightness and natural sweetness, essential for the signature flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances the fruit’s sweetness with a touch of zesty tanginess.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a glossy, golden finish on the pastry once baked.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping): Sprinkled on top to add a subtle crunch and sparkle to each Danish.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to ensuring your puff pastry puffs up beautifully and gets that perfect golden color. While the oven warms, you can prepare the other ingredients to keep things moving smoothly.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into four equal squares. These squares form the base for your Danish and should be handled gently to keep their delicate layers intact.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip them together until smooth and creamy. This filling is the rich heart of the Danish and will pair perfectly with the strawberries.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
On each puff pastry square, spread a generous spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Then, in a separate bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with lemon juice, and spoon this mixture over the cream cheese layer. Finally, fold each corner of the pastry square towards the middle to create a charming envelope shape. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar over each Danish to add shine and sweetness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled Danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Danish Recipe, consider dusting a little powdered sugar on top after baking, or adding a small dollop of whipped cream on the side. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and refreshing flavor.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Danish with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea makes for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. For a fuller brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to complement the richness of the pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the Danishes on a decorative platter surrounded by strawberry slices and sprigs of mint. You can also drizzle a little honey or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra shine and sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there are any Danishes left over (though that rarely happens), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their crispness. Avoid refrigeration if possible to maintain that flaky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled Danishes by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. This is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh Danishes anytime.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness of leftover Danishes, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for this Strawberry Danish Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for maintaining texture and brightness, you can use frozen if needed. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the pastry soggy.
Is cream cheese the only filling option?
Cream cheese provides a perfect creamy base, but you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to sweeten and flavor it similarly for balance.
Can I make smaller or larger Danishes?
Absolutely! Just adjust the amount of filling and fruit accordingly, and keep an eye on baking time as smaller pastries may bake faster and larger ones may need a bit longer.
Is puff pastry difficult to work with?
Puff pastry is surprisingly easy to work with when handled gently and kept cold. Just avoid overworking the dough and keep it chilled until ready to assemble for best results.
How long does this Strawberry Danish Recipe take from start to finish?
This entire recipe takes about 30 minutes, including preparation and baking, making it a quick yet impressive treat that hardly feels like fuss at all.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish Recipe is a delightful way to impress friends and family with minimal effort but maximum flavor. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries hits the perfect note of indulgence and freshness. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—the smiles and happy sighs from anyone who tastes it are all the proof you need that it’s a winner.
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy-to-make Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh strawberries. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful brunch treat, these danishes bake quickly to golden perfection with a crunchy sugar topping.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Topping
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For 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 ensure it is ready for baking the Danish pastries perfectly.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and cut into four equal squares.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danish: Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border around the edges.
- Add Strawberries: In another bowl, mix the chopped strawberries with lemon juice. Spoon this mixture evenly over the cream cheese filling on each square.
- Fold the Pastry: Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, forming an envelope shape to encase the filling slightly.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the beaten egg over the exposed pastry surfaces to achieve a golden finish, then sprinkle granulated sugar on top for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the assembled Danish pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Danish to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of flaky pastry and sweet, creamy filling.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry stays cold until ready to bake for best puffing results.
- You can substitute strawberries with other fresh fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese alternative.
- The egg wash helps achieve a shiny, golden crust; skip if vegan.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
