If you love the perfect balance of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh, fruity bursts, then you are going to adore this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe. It combines buttery puff pastry layered with luscious cream cheese and sweet strawberries that bake up golden and irresistible. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special treat to share, this recipe delivers an approachable yet impressive pastry that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to create perfect texture, flavor, and color. Each element plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor and that delicate, flaky finish.
- 4 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh and juicy, these provide the vibrant color and natural sweetness that make the danish shine.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry mixture so it doesn’t get soggy inside the pastry.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to enhance the berries without overpowering them.
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature: Provides the smooth, tangy filling that complements the fruit perfectly.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling to balance the tartness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes to both the filling and the glaze.
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed: The flaky, buttery base that makes this pastry dreamy and light.
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water: A simple egg wash that creates a golden, shiny crust.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional): Adds a tiny crunch and sparkle to the edges.
- ¼ cup strawberry jam (optional): Adds a glossy, fruity finish on top after baking.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze): These form a luscious glaze to drizzle for that picture-perfect touch.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pastry Base
Start by letting your puff pastry sheets thaw at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. This makes them easy to work with and ready to puff up beautifully. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your pastries won’t stick.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
Combine fresh sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes—this step softens the berries slightly and activates the cornstarch to thicken the juices, preventing soggy pastries.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Mix room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat together until fully combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla as you like. This smooth filling adds the perfect creamy contrast to your fruity topping.
Step 4: Cut and Score Puff Pastry
Gently unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut along the folded lines to create six rectangles per sheet. Using a small knife, carefully score a ¼-inch border inside each rectangle—this helps the edges puff up around the filling and keeps everything nicely contained.
Step 5: Assemble the Danish Pastries
Place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle, staying within the scored borders. Then artfully arrange the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese for a lovely presentation. Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish, and sprinkle with sugar if you want a little crunch.
Step 6: Chill and Bake
If your assembled pastries start to feel sticky or warm, pop them in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes—this extra chill time helps them puff up perfectly when baked. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until each danish turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
Once cooled, brush the tops gently with warm strawberry jam for shine and extra burst of flavor, or drizzle with the vanilla glaze made by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This final step brings a lovely sweetness and beautiful finish to your creation.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of additional powdered sugar make simple yet elegant garnish options. The fresh mint adds a pop of green and a hint of refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the berries.
Side Dishes
Serve these danishes alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to start your morning right. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to keep the meal light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a brunch or gathering, stack the pastries on a tiered cake stand or arrange them on a platter lined with edible flowers or fresh strawberry slices. This makes for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their flakiness. For best results, avoid refrigeration as it can make the pastry soggy and lose its crisp texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled danishes by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method lets you enjoy fresh pastries on demand!
Reheating
When reheating, warm the danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 8 minutes to bring back their crispy, buttery texture. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make puff pastry tough or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe?
While fresh strawberries work best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen if fresh are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the pastry soggy.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the filling?
Yes, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be used as alternatives for a slightly different taste and texture but still creamy and delicious.
Can I make these pastries vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt the recipe, look for dairy-free cream cheese and puff pastry options, and substitute the egg wash with plant-based milk or beaten flaxseed for a vegan-friendly version.
How long do the danishes last after baking?
They are best enjoyed within two days of baking. Past that, the pastry starts to lose its crunch and freshness.
Can the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe be made smaller or larger?
Absolutely! You can adjust the size by cutting the puff pastry into different sized rectangles. Just remember to adjust the filling amount accordingly and monitor baking time to avoid over or under baking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe is such a joyful experience, and the reward is absolutely worth it. The combination of flaky pastry, smooth cream cheese, and bright strawberries is a little slice of heaven perfect for sharing with loved ones. I promise once you try it, these danishes will become a favorite go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 danishes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful Strawberry Danish recipe featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy vanilla-flavored cream cheese and fresh sliced strawberries. Finished with an optional strawberry jam glaze or a simple powdered sugar glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)
Glaze/Topping
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare puff pastry and preheat oven: Thaw the puff pastry sheets at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Let this mixture rest at room temperature for 15 minutes so the juices meld and the cornstarch thickens the filling slightly.
- Make cream cheese filling: In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla if desired.
- Cut puff pastry sheets: Unfold one thawed puff pastry sheet into a square. Cut along the folded lines, then cut each long rectangle in half, creating six smaller rectangular pieces per sheet.
- Score pastry borders: Using a small knife, lightly score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle without cutting through the dough. This helps the edges puff up while creating a raised border.
- Fill pastries: Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry rectangle, staying within the scored border.
- Top with strawberries and egg wash: Arrange the sliced strawberries decoratively over the cream cheese filling. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle the edges with sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Chill if needed: If at any point the pastry feels warm or sticky, chill the assembled danishes in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure the pastry puffs properly during baking.
- Bake the danishes: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Glaze and serve: Transfer the danishes to a wire rack. While still warm, top them with warm strawberry jam if using, and dust with powdered sugar. Alternatively, drizzle with a glaze made by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a smooth finish. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry thoroughly but keep it cool to maintain its structure during handling.
- Cornstarch helps the strawberry mixture thicken so the filling isn’t watery.
- You can substitute other berries or fruits depending on seasonality or preference.
- The egg wash helps to achieve a beautiful golden crust on the puff pastry.
- Glazing with strawberry jam adds a glossy and sweet finish to the danishes.
- Chilling the pastries before baking helps them puff up nicely in the oven.
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently before serving.
