Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, topped with a sweet glaze or strawberry jam. Perfect for brunch or a delightful dessert, these danishes are easy to assemble and bake to golden perfection in just under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Puff Pastry and Topping
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping
Glaze
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry and Oven: Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for 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 ensure even baking.
- Make Strawberry Mixture: In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Allow this mixture to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so the strawberries release their juices and the cornstarch can thicken the filling during baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry, lay it flat, and cut along the fold lines. Then cut each long rectangle in half to create six smaller rectangles per sheet, giving a total of twelve.
- Score Puff Pastry Borders: Using a small knife, gently score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle without cutting through the dough. This allows the edges to puff up nicely while keeping the center stable for filling.
- Assemble Danishes: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling within the scored border on each puff pastry rectangle. Arrange the strawberry mixture decoratively on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Brush Edges and Add Sugar: Brush the edges of each pastry piece with the beaten egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar over the edges to add extra sweetness and crispness during baking.
- Chill if Needed: If the pastry becomes warm or sticky during assembly, place the sheet in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps the pastry maintain its shape and results in better puffing when baked.
- Bake the Danishes: Bake the prepared danishes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and puffed. Once baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add Final Toppings: Once cooled, spread a thin layer of warmed strawberry jam on top of each Danish for added flavor and shine. Alternatively, drizzle with a glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to taste.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
- Chilling the pastry if it becomes warm helps achieve the best puff and structure.
- You can customize the topping by either using strawberry jam or a simple powdered sugar glaze as desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
