Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Using store-bought puff pastry simplifies the process, allowing you to prepare these pastries with minimal effort.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of creamy cheese, sweet strawberries, and flaky pastry creates a harmonious and indulgent treat.
- Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these pastries are suitable for various occasions.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh Strawberry Filling:
- Fresh sliced strawberries
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Puff Pastry:
- Store-bought or homemade puff pastry sheets
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Additional sugar for topping
- Optional Toppings:
- Strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Thaw the puff pastry sheets at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In another bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Mix until the strawberries are well coated; let sit for 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut each sheet into six smaller rectangles.
- Score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle without cutting through.
- Place a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle, staying within the borders.
- Top the cream cheese with sliced strawberries.
- Bake:
- Brush the edges of the pastries with a lightly beaten egg.
- If the puff pastry has become warm or sticky, chill the assembled pastries in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pastries are light golden brown.
- Add Toppings:
- Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Top each pastry with warm strawberry jam or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- For a vanilla glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled pastries.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 6 pastries
Variations
- Fruit Options: Substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for different flavors.
- Jam Filling: Use your favorite fruit jam instead of fresh fruit for a quicker preparation.
- Lemon Glaze: Add lemon zest or juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
What is a Danish pastry?
A Danish pastry is a multilayered, laminated sweet pastry in the viennoiserie tradition, typically filled with fruits, cream cheese, or custards.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for this recipe to prevent excess moisture, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cream cheese filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the strawberries are not overly juicy and consider chilling the assembled pastries before baking to help the pastry puff up properly.
Can I freeze the baked pastries?
It’s not recommended to freeze these pastries, as the texture may become compromised upon thawing.
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
Puff pastry provides the best flaky texture, but crescent roll dough
Strawberry Danish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and fresh strawberries, topped with a warm glaze or jam. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make treat delights with its irresistible flavor and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh Strawberry Filling:
- Fresh sliced strawberries
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Puff Pastry:
- Store-bought or homemade puff pastry sheets
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Additional sugar for topping
- Optional Toppings:
- Strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry:
- Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Prepare Strawberries:
- Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch; let sit for 15 minutes.
- Assemble Pastries:
- Cut puff pastry into rectangles and score a ¼-inch border.
- Add cream cheese filling and strawberries within the borders.
- Bake:
- Brush edges with egg wash. Chill assembled pastries if needed.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add Toppings:
- Cool pastries slightly before adding strawberry jam or glaze.
Notes
- Substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for variety.
- Chill assembled pastries before baking to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, European