If you have a sweet tooth and a love for flaky, buttery pastries, you are going to adore this Strawberry Danish Recipe. It combines the crisp, golden layers of puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese filling and fresh, juicy strawberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. Whether you’re craving a special breakfast treat, a delightful afternoon snack, or a charming dessert, this recipe brings the bakery experience right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Strawberry Danish Recipe are a handful of pantry staples and fresh strawberries, each chosen to ensure the perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color. These ingredients are essential to achieving that perfect flaky crust paired with a creamy, fruity center that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Puff pastry sheet: The foundation of your Danish, providing that irresistible flaky and buttery texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened to create a smooth, tangy filling that complements the sweet strawberries beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps to smooth the cream cheese filling.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth into the cream cheese mixture.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the cream cheese and enhances the strawberry flavor.
- Fresh strawberries: Sliced for a juicy burst of color and natural sweetness atop the Danish.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled over the strawberries to create a gentle caramelized sweetness as it bakes.
- Egg and milk: Combined for an egg wash that gives the Danish a glossy, golden finish.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a light dusting that adds a touch of elegance when serving.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into four equal pieces. Whether you choose squares or rectangles, this step sets the stage for perfectly portioned Danish pastries.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of your Danish, adding richness and a hint of tang that balances the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture right in the center of each pastry piece, making sure to leave a border around the edges. Top this with fresh sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of granulated sugar to create a lightly caramelized finish. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, gently pressing the edges to seal the parcels.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk the egg with milk to create an egg wash and carefully brush it over the edges of your Danish pastries. This step is what gives your Danish that tempting, shiny golden crust. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until puffed and perfectly golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your Danish to cool slightly on a rack. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation flair. Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible layers of crisp, creaminess, and freshness that only the Strawberry Danish Recipe can offer.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate finish, making your Danish look as delightful as it tastes. For a fresh touch, consider adding a few mint leaves or an extra sliced strawberry on top, which brings vibrant color and a fresh aroma with every bite.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Danish pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for brunch or a cozy afternoon break. Light fruit salads or a dollop of whipped cream can complement the pastry nicely, keeping the experience fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange several Danish pastries on a decorative platter for a brunch table centerpiece. You can also drizzle a little honey or melted dark chocolate over them for an extra flavor dimension that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The Danish pastries maintain their flaky texture and fresh filling best when not refrigerated, though they can be stored in the fridge if your kitchen is warm.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Danish by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time to ensure they’re golden and cooked through.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen Danish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes to restore that irresistible crispiness. Avoid the microwave to keep the puff pastry flaky and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Danish Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries once they’ve been fully thawed and drained of excess moisture. Be cautious not to add too much liquid to maintain the pastry’s crispiness.
Is it possible to make this Danish recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and using a vegan puff pastry, as well as replacing the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup, you can create a delicious vegan version of this recipe.
Can I prepare the Danish the night before?
You can assemble the Danish pastries the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator. However, wait to add the egg wash until just before baking to maximize flakiness and browning.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to leave a border around the filling on your pastry and avoid overloading with wet ingredients. Also, baking at the right temperature helps the pastry puff up and become crisp rather than soggy.
Can I add other fruits or fillings instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile—you can swap out strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even apple slices. Feel free to experiment with different jams or nut butters for the filling to customize your Danish.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish Recipe is truly a gem to have in your culinary repertoire. It’s a simple yet luxurious way to brighten any day with flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fruity sweetness all coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a little bakery magic home. So, go ahead and try it—you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, baked to golden perfection. A delightful and elegant treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, topped optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Toppings
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional Garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares or rectangles, according to your shape preference.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Danish: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry piece, leaving a border around the edges to fold.
- Add Strawberries: Top the cream cheese layer with sliced strawberries and sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness and caramelization.
- Fold Pastry: Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling to form a neat square or rectangle, pressing the edges gently to seal and encase the filling.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and milk, and brush this egg wash along the edges of the folded pastry to help achieve a beautiful golden color.
- Bake: Place the assembled Danish on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and a lovely golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the Danish to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a decorative and sweet finish.
- Serve: Serve the Strawberry Danish warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your delightful homemade pastry!
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry to ensure a flaky texture.
- Fresh strawberries are preferable for best flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
- Brush the edges well with egg wash to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for fresh crispiness.
