This Strawberry Danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Enjoy it warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful bakery-style experience at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: Uses store-bought puff pastry for effortless preparation.
- Flaky & Buttery: The perfect balance of crisp pastry and creamy filling.
- Fresh & Fruity: Sweet strawberries add a burst of fresh flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut it into 4 equal squares.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fill the Pastry: Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border around the edges.
- Prepare the Strawberries: In another bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and lemon juice. Gently spoon the strawberries over the cream cheese filling.
- Shape the Danish: Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, forming an envelope shape. Brush the edges with the beaten egg to seal and create a golden crust.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Sprinkle granulated sugar over the tops of the pastries.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool & Serve: Let the Strawberry Danish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 pastries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Berry Mix Danish: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Chocolate Strawberry Danish: Add chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Danish: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts over the top before baking for extra crunch.
- Lemon Drizzle: After baking, drizzle with a lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Jam-Filled Danish: Replace fresh strawberries with strawberry jam for an easier filling option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the pastry.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them the night before, store them in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use crescent roll dough or homemade pastry dough as an alternative.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to leave a border when spreading the filling and press the edges firmly when folding.
Can I make mini Danish pastries?
Yes! Cut the pastry into smaller squares and reduce baking time by a few minutes.
Do I have to use an egg wash?
No, but it helps give the pastry a golden, glossy finish. You can substitute with milk or melted butter.
Can I add cinnamon to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sprinkle cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture or over the top for extra flavor.
What other fillings can I use?
Try apple slices, peach slices, Nutella, or sweetened ricotta cheese for a variation.
Can I make this without sugar?
Yes! Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free sweetener for a lower-sugar version.
How do I serve this Danish?
Serve warm on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Danish is a quick and easy way to enjoy a bakery-style pastry at home. With flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, it’s a delicious treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, homemade pastry in just 30 minutes!
Print
Strawberry Danish
This Strawberry Danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries. Made with store-bought puff pastry, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Enjoy a bakery-style treat at home in just 30 minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 pastries
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
- Spread a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square, leaving a border around the edges.
- In another bowl, mix chopped strawberries and lemon juice. Spoon the strawberries over the cream cheese filling.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, forming an envelope shape.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Brush the edges with beaten egg and sprinkle granulated sugar over the tops.
Step 6: Bake & Serve
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts on top before baking.
- For a lemon drizzle, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over the Danish after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
