If you have a soft spot for tender, flaky pastries bursting with fresh, fruity goodness, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe. It’s a delightful treat where buttery puff pastry cradles a rich cream cheese filling complemented by juicy strawberries and a hint of lemon zest. Every bite melts in your mouth, balancing sweet and tangy flavors with a perfect crispy edge. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast surprise, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role in the final flavor and texture. From the flaky puff pastry to the fresh strawberries, every element contributes to creating a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy notes that make these pastries impossible to resist.
- Puff pastry sheet: The foundation of the Danish that provides a light, airy, and buttery crispness.
- Cream cheese: Softened to perfection, it adds a smooth and tangy richness to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese just enough without overpowering the fresh fruit.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and depth to enhance the cream cheese mixture.
- Fresh strawberries: Bright, juicy, and ripe for the picking, chopped for a burst of fruity freshness in each bite.
- Lemon juice: Adds a subtle zing that brightens up the strawberries and balances the richness.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on the pastry for a glossy golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Granulated sugar (for topping): Sprinkled lightly to add a delicate crunch and a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by softening the cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Mix it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything is well combined — this creates the rich, dreamy base that contrasts beautifully with the fresh strawberries.
Step 2: Prep the Strawberries
Chop fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them with lemon juice. This simple step prevents browning and gives the fruit a subtle pop of brightness that’s absolutely essential to the Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth the creases. Cut the pastry into four equal squares – these will be your pastry bases to hold the delicious fillings.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastries
Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, then top with a mound of the lemon-kissed strawberries. Fold up the corners for a rustic look or leave edges open for a more classic Danish shape.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Topping
Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg to encourage a golden, shiny finish during baking. Finally, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a delicate sparkle and crunch that makes these treats extra irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place your assembled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes until puffed, golden, and absolutely heavenly. Let cool slightly before serving so the filling sets just enough to enjoy without spilling over.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey takes the presentation and flavor up a notch. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra sliced strawberries on top add visual appeal and a refreshing note that complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pastry pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte for a familiar café vibe. Alternatively, serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries or a simple green salad for a brunch that feels both elegant and satisfyingly fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange the pastries on a tiered cake stand surrounded by edible flowers or fruit slices. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone on the side, turning your Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe into a show-stopping centerpiece everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Danish pastries, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their flaky texture. Avoid refrigeration unless absolutely necessary, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe pastries by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your pastries warm after storing, reheat them briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their flaky layers and soft filling. This trick restores that freshly-baked taste and texture better than a microwave ever could.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for a vibrant texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture well to avoid soggy pastries.
Is puff pastry difficult to work with?
Not at all! Puff pastry is surprisingly user-friendly. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to use and handle it gently to prevent tearing. It’s designed to puff up beautifully during baking with minimal effort.
Can I make these pastries vegan?
With a few swaps, absolutely. Use vegan puff pastry, replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and substitute the egg wash with a mix of plant milk and maple syrup for a golden finish.
How long does it take to prepare this Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe?
The prep is quite quick — about 10 minutes to assemble — plus 20 minutes of baking. This makes it a perfect recipe for a delicious homemade treat without a long wait.
What’s the best way to serve these pastries warm?
Reheat your Danish pastries in a conventional oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave for 5-7 minutes to keep that flaky crispness and melty filling intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably magical about creating a bakery-worthy treat at home, especially when it’s as charming and delicious as this Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe. With just a handful of accessible ingredients and a bit of care, you can fill your kitchen with tempting aromas and bring joy to breakfast or brunch. So don’t hesitate—grab those strawberries and puff pastry, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
Print
Strawberry Danish Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Danish pastries
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweet cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, topped with a light egg wash and sugar for added crunch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, these pastries are easy to make and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the strawberries: In another small bowl, mix chopped fresh strawberries with lemon juice to enhance flavor and prevent browning. Set aside.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares.
- Assemble the Danish: Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with a spoonful of the lemon-coated strawberries.
- Shape the Danish: Fold the corners of each square toward the center over the filling, leaving some filling visible in the middle.
- Egg wash and topping: Brush the beaten egg over the pastry edges and exposed pastry to give a golden finish. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a sweet crunch.
- Bake: Place the prepared Danish pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed for easy handling and best puffing in the oven.
- Do not overfill the pastry to prevent leaking during baking.
- For a glossier finish, you can brush the Danish with additional egg wash before the sugar topping.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for optimal flavor and texture.
- These Danish pastries can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and warmed before serving.
