Strawberry Danish Recipe
If you’re looking to dazzle at brunch, impress your family, or simply indulge in a cozy baking afternoon, this Strawberry Danish Recipe will steal the show every time. Imagine flaky puff pastry, creamy sweet cheese, and luscious berries all mingling together—it’s pure joy in every bite! This is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and earns you big smiles. It’s so easy but feels oh-so-special, and turning fresh strawberries into a bakery-worthy treat is about as delightful as it gets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but purposeful, each one adding its own magic touch. From the richness of cream cheese to the vibrant pop of fresh strawberries, every element is carefully chosen for taste, texture, and irresistible color.
- Strawberries: Fresh, sliced berries bring juicy sweetness and that signature strawberry flavor. Pick the ripest you can find!
- Cornstarch: Just a tablespoon thickens the strawberry juices and keeps the filling from getting soggy.
- Sugar: A hint of sugar brings out the natural fruitiness and balances any tartness in the berries.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates the luscious, tangy base that offsets the sweet strawberries beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds smooth sweetness to both the cream cheese filling and the optional glaze for a bakery-worthy finish.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor of the filling and the glaze, making everything taste a little more special.
- Puff Pastry Sheets: Flaky, buttery, and irresistibly light—store-bought makes things wonderfully easy.
- Egg: Lightly beaten with water, the egg wash creates gorgeously shiny, golden edges on your Danish pastries.
- Sugar for Topping (Optional): A simple sprinkle before baking adds sparkle and crunch to the pastry.
- Strawberry Jam (Optional): A glossy spoonful brings extra strawberry kick and an eye-catching finish.
- Powdered Sugar (for Glaze): Brings that classic sweet drizzle that takes these pastries over the top.
- Milk: Mixed into the glaze for perfect texture—smooth, pourable, and shiny.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Puff Pastry and Oven
First things first: set your puff pastry out to thaw at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, so it’s pliable but still cool. While you wait, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two big baking sheets with parchment paper. This way, everything’s ready for smooth assembling later!
Step 2: Macerate Your Strawberries
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with a tablespoon each of sugar and cornstarch. Give it all a good mix so the berries are evenly coated. Let them sit out for about 15 minutes; this draws out their juices, thickens up the filling, and intensifies that sweet berry flavor.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat your room-temperature cream cheese until it’s velvety smooth. Blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything’s beautifully combined and creamy. Give it a little taste—you want it tangy and sweet, with just the right vanilla hint.
Step 4: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry
Take one sheet of thawed puff pastry and open it into a square. Use the natural fold lines as your guide and cut the pastry into rectangles—then halve those to get six smaller pieces. With a paring knife, gently score a border about 1/4 inch from the edges (don’t cut all the way through!). This helps puff those edges up dramatically as they bake.
Step 5: Assemble Your Danish Pastries
Spoon about a tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, spreading it gently within the scored borders. Layer the juicy strawberry slices on top in a pretty pattern—think bakery-chic. Brush the edges with your beaten egg wash, and if you like extra crunch and shine, sprinkle some sugar across the whole Danish.
Step 6: Chill, Then Bake
If your puff pastry is getting too soft or sticky, pop the prepared trays in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling ensures that signature flaky rise when you bake them. Once chilled, slide your trays into the oven. Bake the Strawberry Danish Recipe pastries for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbly.
Step 7: Cool and Add a Finishing Touch
Let your Strawberry Danish cool on the baking tray for five minutes, then move them to a rack to finish cooling. For a classic sheen, brush each with warm strawberry jam. Or, for a bakery-style icing, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a smooth glaze and drizzle over the cooled Danishes. Every bite will taste like pure joy!
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make these pastries sing. Try dusting them with a cloud of powdered sugar, a glossy sweep of strawberry jam, or a drizzle of dreamy vanilla glaze. For even more color, tuck a few fresh mint leaves on the side, or sprinkle with finely grated lemon zest for a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Danish Recipe with a big mug of coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or even a pot of brunch tea. They’re lovely alongside a simple fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or crispy bacon on a big brunch spread. Everyone will go back for seconds—or thirds!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, display your Danish pastries on a tiered cake stand or nestle each on parchment squares in a rustic bread basket. You can cut the pastries into smaller bites for a brunch buffet, or even serve individually plated with extra strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream. The possibilities feel endless—and so inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Danish pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate them for two to three days. The puff pastry stays yummiest fresh but will still be delicious for a couple of days if you reheat them gently.
Freezing
If you want to make your Strawberry Danish Recipe in advance, you can freeze the fully baked (and cooled) pastries. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep nicely for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up again.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm your pastries in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or just until the puff pastry crisps up and the filling is gooey again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the crust a little soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for this Strawberry Danish Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the berries very well, then pat them dry. Excess moisture can make the pastry soggy, so dry is best for a crisp, flaky result.
Is it okay to use a homemade puff pastry?
Totally! If you have the time and want an even more homemade touch, go ahead and swap in your favorite puff pastry recipe. The directions remain the same—just remember to keep the dough chilled until ready to use.
Can I make these Danish pastries without the cream cheese filling?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a lighter version, simply skip the cream cheese and layer the strawberries directly onto the pastry. Consider adding a bit more jam to keep things juicy and flavorful.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Be sure to macerate the strawberries as directed and use the cornstarch, which helps thicken the juices. Scoring a border also ensures that the filling stays contained and the edges puff up crispy.
Can I double or halve this Strawberry Danish Recipe?
Definitely! It’s easy to scale up for a big group or cut down for a smaller batch. Simply adjust the ingredient amounts, and be mindful of your oven space when baking a bigger batch.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish Recipe is a little slice of happiness, perfect for sharing with people you love—or keeping all to yourself with a second cup of coffee. Flaky, creamy, fruity, and so much fun to make, I can’t wait for you to try these at home. Trust me, it’s the kind of recipe that turns any day into a special occasion!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Strawberry Danish Recipe. Fresh strawberries and creamy cheese filling nestled in flaky puff pastry make for a perfect treat.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Others:
- 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
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prep: Make sure to pull the puff pastry to thaw at room temperature for about 30 – 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 F (204 C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix: Add the cleaned and sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch to a mixing bowl. Mix well and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Mix: In another bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cut: Unfold puff pastry and cut into smaller rectangles. Score a border around each rectangle.
- Assemble: Spread cream cheese filling, layer strawberries, brush edges with egg, and sprinkle sugar.
- Bake: Chill if needed, then bake at 400 F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Cool danishes, top with warm strawberry jam or vanilla glaze, and enjoy!
Notes
- Chilling the assembled danishes before baking helps puff pastry rise better.
- You can customize by adding various toppings like nuts or chocolate drizzle.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Strawberry Danish, Pastry, Dessert, Cream Cheese, Strawberries
