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
Scale
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.
