Strawberry Danish Recipe
Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry with a lusciously creamy center and a crown of sweet, juicy strawberries – that’s exactly what you get with this Strawberry Danish Recipe. This treat combines the irresistible tang of cream cheese, the natural sweetness of strawberries, all nestled in buttery puff pastry and finished with a hint of vanilla glaze or jam. It’s the kind of bakery-style pastry you’d pay dearly for, yet with a handful of simple ingredients, you can bring this spectacular Strawberry Danish Recipe right from your own oven to your breakfast table (or afternoon snack plate). Ready to welcome a new favorite?
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Strawberry Danish Recipe is how such familiar, accessible ingredients weave together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays an important role: from the creaminess of the filling to the bright pop of fruit and the crisp, golden shell.
- Strawberries (4 cups, sliced): Go for ripe, juicy berries for the sweetest, most vibrant flavor and beautiful color.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): This helps just slightly thicken the strawberry juices, so your danishes aren’t soggy.
- Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon): Brings out the strawberries’ natural sweetness without overpowering them.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz., room temperature): The key to classic danish filling—make sure it’s room temp for easy mixing and ultimate creaminess.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup + 1 cup): Adds sweetness and smooth texture to both the filling and glaze.
- Vanilla Extract (1 + ½ teaspoons): A little splash in both filling and glaze infuses layers with the warmth of vanilla.
- Puff Pastry Sheets (2, thawed): These bring the signature flaky layers—store-bought sheets make it quick and easy.
- Large Egg (1, beaten with 1 tsp water): An egg wash gives your danishes that gorgeous glossy finish.
- Sugar for topping (2 – 3 tablespoons, optional): A sprinkle for extra sparkle and crunch on top.
- Strawberry Jam (¼ cup, optional): Brushed on warm, this delivers extra shine and another hit of berry flavor.
- Milk (2 – 3 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze to just the right drizzling consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dough and Oven
Set yourself up for effortless assembly by thawing your puff pastry at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes—it should be cool but pliable. At the same time, preheat your oven to 400 F (204 C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure the bottoms of your danishes bake up crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
In a mixing bowl, toss your cleaned, sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Gentle mixing ensures each berry is coated, helping the filling set as it bakes. Let this juicy mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes—enough time for the fruit to macerate and release its flavor.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until ultra-smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the filling is creamy, sweet, and subtly fragrant. Give it a taste and tweak with a touch more vanilla or sugar if desired.
Step 4: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry
Gently unfold one puff pastry sheet to create a square. Following the fold lines, cut into three long rectangles, then halve each to make six smaller rectangles in total. With a small, sharp knife, score a border about ¼ inch from the edges of each rectangle—be careful not to cut all the way through. This allows the edges to puff up around that decadent filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Strawberry Danish Recipe
Spread about one tablespoon of your luscious cream cheese filling into the center of each rectangle, carefully staying inside your scored border. Elegantly layer the sweetened strawberry slices on top. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash and, for extra shine and crunch, sprinkle with a little additional sugar if you like.
Step 6: Chill Before Baking
If your puff pastry has softened as you work, slide your baking sheets into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This quick chill helps the pastry puff up beautifully in the oven, so you get those irresistible crisp, flaky layers in every bite.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Transfer your trays to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastries are puffed and the edges are a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like a dream by this point!
Step 8: Cool and Finish with Toppings
Let the Strawberry Danish Recipe cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes, then move them to a cooling rack. Brush with a little warm strawberry jam for a glossy finish, or drizzle with vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. These little touches take your danishes from amazing to bakery-worthy!
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
A delicate dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of homemade vanilla glaze, or a brush of shiny strawberry jam all add a touch of elegance and flavor. If you want to be extra fancy, scatter a few fresh mint leaves or scatter finely chopped pistachios on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
For a brunch spread, offer your Strawberry Danish Recipe with fresh fruit salad, a bowl of Greek yogurt, or a simple green salad for contrast. Hot coffee, chai, or a glass of cold milk make perfect beverage partners for these sweet, creamy pastries.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve danishes on a wooden board for a cozy, rustic look, or plate each one individually with a swirl of glaze and extra berries. For parties, cut the pastries into smaller portions and arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for easy sharing. You can even tuck them into lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a delightful on-the-go treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Strawberry Danish Recipe in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage (up to three days), pop them in the fridge—just keep in mind the pastry won’t be quite as crisp as when freshly baked.
Freezing
Want to enjoy a taste of summer later? Freeze baked but unglazed danishes in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Warm gently and add glaze or jam just before serving.
Reheating
Recrisp your danishes by placing them in a 350 F (175 C) oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. This wakes up the pastry’s flakiness and warms the filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! While fresh berries offer the best texture, you can use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Danish Recipe. Thaw and drain them well, then proceed with the recipe as written—add a touch more cornstarch if the berries seem extra juicy.
Can I prepare these the night before?
You certainly can assemble the danishes up to the egg wash step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add the egg wash and bake as usual. This makes morning prep a breeze!
How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
Scoring the dough and keeping a neat border help, but the real key is chilling the assembled pastries before baking and using a hot oven. Both encourage that rapid puffing and create a crisp base.
Can I make these with other fruit?
Definitely! This Strawberry Danish Recipe is a template: try blueberries, raspberries, or even thin-sliced peaches—just adjust the sugar and cornstarch as needed based on the fruit’s juiciness.
What’s the best glaze for these danishes?
You can’t go wrong with a simple vanilla glaze—just whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until pourable. For even more strawberry flavor, try a thin drizzle of strawberry jam or preserve thinned with a splash of water.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking up a warm Strawberry Danish Recipe right at home. Every flaky, jammy, creamy bite feels like a celebration, no matter the time of year. If you haven’t tried making danish before, this recipe is the perfect place to start—delicious results are all but guaranteed. Give it a whirl, and let the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries and pastry fill your kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful Strawberry Danish pastry with a flaky puff pastry base, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry topping. This recipe is perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a lovely dessert.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pastry:
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional for topping)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prep: Make sure the puff pastry thaws at room temperature for 30-45 minutes and preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Strawberry Filling: Combine sliced strawberries, cornstarch, and sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Cut the Pastry: Unfold puff pastry, cut into rectangles, and score borders.
- Assemble: Spread cream cheese filling, top with strawberries, brush edges with egg, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: Chill if needed, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Cool on a rack, top with warm strawberry jam and powdered sugar, or drizzle with vanilla glaze.
Notes
- Chilling the pastries before baking helps the puff pastry rise beautifully.
- You can customize the toppings with different jams or glazes for variety.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Strawberry Danish, Pastry, Cream Cheese, Strawberry Filling, Dessert Recipe
