There’s something undeniably delightful about the way a warm Strawberry Danish fills your kitchen with sweetness. As I rolled out the buttery, flaky puff pastry, I could already imagine the bright, tangy bites of strawberries and the luscious cream cheese filling drawing loved ones to the table. This recipe emerged on a busy Sunday morning when all I had on hand were a few simple ingredients and an insatiable craving for something comforting yet elegant.
The simplicity of this pastry belies its incredible flavor, making it an ideal choice whether you’re entertaining friends at brunch or simply indulging in a quiet moment of self-care. This Strawberry Danish not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also promises a quick and satisfying baking experience, ready in just 35 minutes. Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing treat that transforms everyday moments into something truly special!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Danish
- This Strawberry Danish is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- The combination of creamy filling and fresh strawberries creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
- Its versatility means you can swap in your favorite fruits or jams, making it customizable for any season or occasion.
- Visually, this pastry is stunning, with its golden-brown crust and vibrant toppings that are sure to impress your guests.
Strawberry Danish Ingredients
This Strawberry Danish is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a beautiful pastry!
For the Pastry
• Puff pastry – thinned out for a flaky, golden crust that puffs to perfection.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
• Cream cheese – softened for easy blending and a rich texture in the filling.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness to balance the creaminess of the cheese.
• Vanilla extract – brings warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor.
For the Topping
• Strawberry jam – provides a sweet, fruity layer that complements the fresh strawberries.
• Fresh strawberries – sliced to add a juicy, tart contrast that brightens every bite.
For the Glaze
• Powdered sugar – sweetens the glaze for a delightful finish.
• Milk – thins the glaze to a drizzlable consistency.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor of the glaze with a hint of sweetness.
For the Egg Wash
• Egg – beaten for a golden and glossy finish on the pastry.
• Milk – combined with the egg for a richer wash and extra sheen.
• Turbinado sugar – sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture and added sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Danish
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your Danish will bake evenly and won’t stick!
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Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious filling for your pastries.
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Roll Pastry: Gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into your desired shapes, whether squares or rectangles, to create the base for your delightful Danish.
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Spread Cream Cheese: For the Filling: Generously spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry piece. Leave a little border around the edges to allow for puffing.
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Add Toppings: Top each pastry piece with a spoonful of strawberry jam and a few slices of fresh strawberries. This adds an irresistible fruity layer that will shine through once baked.
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Fold Edges: Carefully fold the edges over the filling slightly, or opt for a decorative lattice pattern. This gives your pastry a beautiful look while containing all that delicious filling.
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Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush this mixture over the folded edges of each pastry for a golden, glossy finish.
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Sprinkle Sugar: Generously sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of each Danish. This adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the filling.
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Bake Pastries: Place the pastries in your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye for that perfect color!
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Make Glaze: While your Danish is baking, mix powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl to create a smooth glaze for drizzling.
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Drizzle Glaze: Once the Danish have cooled slightly, take your glaze and drizzle it over the top of each pastry. This final touch adds an irresistible sweetness that completes your treat.
Optional: Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Danish Variations
Feel free to put your personal twist on this delightful treat and make it truly your own!
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Fruit Fusion: Swap fresh strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a vibrant twist. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor, adding a delightful variety to your Danish.
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Cheesecake Style: Mix in a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing cheesecake flavor. This brightens the entire pastry and introduces a zesty undertone to each bite.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. It offers the same flaky texture without the gluten.
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Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts, like almonds or pistachios, to the cream cheese filling for a delightful crunch. This extra layer not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the overall texture.
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Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the cream cheese filling before adding the strawberries. This warming spice complements the sweetness impeccably and adds a cozy touch.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream, for a lighter version. It maintains the creamy texture while catering to a dairy-free diet.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent treat, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the glaze. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the strawberries, creating a luscious dessert.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling to give your Danish a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. This bold flavor combination is sure to be a conversation starter!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Danish are a fabulous option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors with minimal fuss. You can prepare the cream cheese filling and the strawberry toppings up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep them covered in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. For an even simpler experience, you can also assemble the Danish (without baking) and refrigerate them overnight; just remember to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, then pop them in the oven as directed. This way, you’ll have warm, flaky Strawberry Danish ready to impress at a moment’s notice!
What to Serve with Strawberry Danish?
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh pastries filling the air, inviting loved ones to gather around the table.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Danish and enhances the overall breakfast experience.
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Puffed-Up Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup can complement the sweet and tart notes of strawberry, creating a delightful brunch spread.
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Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and berries, yogurt provides a creamy tanginess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the Danish.
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Mimosa: A sparkling drink made with chilled champagne and orange juice contrasts the pastry’s richness while adding an air of celebration to your gathering.
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Herbal Tea Selection: Choose a light mint or chamomile tea to balance the sweetness, inviting relaxation as you savor your Danish.
For a heartwarming dessert, serve this alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, as the melty creaminess pairs perfectly with the crispy, buttery pastry.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Danish
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Strawberry Danish at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain its flaky texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure they are wrapped well to prevent dryness and absorb any odors.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each cooled pastry tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can last up to 2 months frozen and taste great when reheated.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the pastry soggy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making your Strawberry Danish, ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing, as this creates a smooth and creamy filling.
- Avoid over-filling the pastries to prevent them from leaking during baking; stick to the recommended amounts of jam and strawberries.
- For an added touch, consider creating a decorative lattice with the edges of your puff pastry instead of simply folding them over.
- Keep an eye on your Danish while baking, as ovens can vary; aim for a golden brown color, which typically takes around 15–20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Strawberry Danish Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red, firm to the touch, and have a sweet aroma. Avoid berries with dark spots or ones that feel mushy. The sweetest strawberries will typically have a vibrant color and green, healthy tops.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Danish?
For room temperature storage, you can keep your leftover Strawberry Danish in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This prevents them from drying out and helps keep their delicious flavor intact!
Can I freeze Strawberry Danish?
Definitely! To freeze, wait until your Danish have fully cooled. Then, wrap each pastry tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best results.
What should I do if my puff pastry doesn’t puff up?
Very! If your puff pastry doesn’t puff up as expected, it might be due to it being too warm or not rolled out evenly. Ensure your dough is chilled before baking and try to keep it as cold as possible while you prepare. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—the pastries need space to expand.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can absolutely make this Strawberry Danish nut-free! This recipe is naturally free from nuts, so all you need to do is ensure that the ingredients you choose, such as the puff pastry and cream cheese, are also nut-free. This way, you can enjoy this delicious treat while keeping dietary restrictions in mind.
How do I prevent my filling from leaking during baking?
I often recommend not overfilling your pastries to avoid leaking. Spread the cream cheese mixture and any toppings like jam in moderation, leaving enough border around the edges. You might also consider adding an extra pinch of cornstarch to the filling, which can help absorb moisture during baking and keep everything contained!
Strawberry Danish
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff pastry thinned out
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar adds sweetness
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract for flavor
- 1/4 cup Strawberry jam for spreading
- 1 cup Fresh strawberries sliced
- 1 cup Powdered sugar for sweetness
- 1 tbsp Milk to thin the glaze
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla extract to enhance flavor
- 1 large Egg beaten
- 1 tbsp Milk to combine with egg
- 2 tbsp Turbinado sugar for sprinkling
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into desired shapes.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each pastry, leaving a border.
- Top with a spoonful of strawberry jam and slices of fresh strawberries.
- Fold the edges over the filling slightly or create a lattice pattern.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk for the egg wash, then brush it over the pastry edges.
- Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of each Danish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Mix powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danish once cooled slightly.
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