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
Scale
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.
