If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Strawberry Danish Recipe is exactly what you need. Buttery, flaky puff pastry combines with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and juicy, vibrant strawberries for a dessert or breakfast pastry that tastes as amazing as it looks. With its perfect balance of crispiness and softness, plus that lovely pop of strawberry brightness, this recipe is sure to become a beloved go-to whenever you want something special but still simple to whip up in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Danish Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that are easy to find yet essential to getting the perfect flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, from the buttery puff pastry providing flaky layers to the cream cheese lending richness and smoothness, complemented by the fresh strawberries’ natural sweetness and a hint of vanilla to tie it all together.
- Puff pastry sheets: These create the flaky, golden base and delicate layers that make this Danish irresistible.
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings creamy texture and subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly without overpowering the fruit.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall taste.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the filling and helps give the pastry a lovely golden sheen when brushed.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: The star ingredient offering juicy, bright fruitiness with every bite.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting, adding a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by thawing the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions. This step is crucial to ensure the pastry is pliable enough to roll out smoothly without cracking or tearing.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Danish will cook evenly and not stick to the surface.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the egg and stir until it’s well incorporated – this creates a rich, cohesive filling that bakes beautifully.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into approximately 8 by 8-inch squares. This uniform size helps ensure the danishes bake evenly and hold their shape.
Step 5: Add Filling and Strawberries
Divide the cream cheese filling evenly between the two pastry squares, spreading it across the center. Next, arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese, layering them just right to maximize that fresh fruit flavor.
Step 6: Fold the Edges and Bake
Fold the edges of each pastry square over the filling to create a border that prevents the filling from oozing out. Then bake your assembled danishes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is wonderfully golden brown and puffed up.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Once baked, allow the danishes to cool slightly on the baking sheet so the filling can set a bit. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar for that stunning, sweet finish just before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Danish Recipe experience, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey. These small touches add refreshing color and flavor contrast that brighten the richness of the cream cheese and pastry.
Side Dishes
This Danish pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bright fruit smoothie for breakfast. It also works as a lovely complement to light salads or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream when served as dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch table, plate your danishes on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh strawberries and edible flowers. Another fun idea is to serve mini versions in colorful paper liners, perfect for parties or sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry flaky and prevents the strawberries from becoming mushy.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked danishes by assembling them and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring your danishes back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This restores the crispness of the puff pastry without drying out the creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
You could try mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different but still creamy filling. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free puff pastry in specialty stores or online. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple swap to make this dessert allergy-friendly.
How long does the pastry need to thaw before rolling out?
Typically, you’ll want to let the puff pastry thaw at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. The goal is for it to be soft enough to roll without cracking but still cool and firm so it puffs properly when baked.
Can this Danish be made vegan?
To make a vegan Strawberry Danish Recipe, use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan puff pastry, a flax egg or similar egg substitute, and plant-based sugar. The flavor will stay delightful, and it’s a great option for those avoiding animal products.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish Recipe is pure joy wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry. Whether you’re treating yourself for breakfast, impressing friends at brunch, or craving a sweet dessert, these danishes hit the perfect note every time. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into such a special, mouthwatering delight.
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 large danishes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese base topped with fresh strawberries. Baked until golden and dusted with powdered sugar, these danishes make an elegant breakfast treat or a delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry sheets
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions to ensure they are pliable and ready to use.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg: Incorporate the egg into the cream cheese mixture and mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Roll Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets into approximately 8×8-inch squares for even-sized danishes.
- Fill Pastry: Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between the two pastry squares, spreading it in the center of each square, leaving enough border for folding.
- Add Strawberries: Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling on each pastry square for a fresh fruity flavor.
- Fold Edges: Fold the edges of the pastry squares over the filling, creating a neat border to encase the filling during baking.
- Bake: Bake the strawberry danishes in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet to firm up slightly for easier handling.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the warm danishes with powdered sugar for an elegant and sweet finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the delicious homemade strawberry danishes warm or at room temperature as a delightful breakfast treat or dessert.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
- For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and egg with plant-based alternatives.
- These danishes are best enjoyed the day they are made as puff pastry loses crispness over time.
- Freezing unbaked danishes is possible; bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes of cooking time.
