Name: Strawberry Danish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash); Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

These Strawberry Danish are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry and a creamy, sweet filling. Topped with fresh, juicy strawberries, they offer a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast or a sweet treat, these pastries will surely brighten your day with their rich taste and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making these Strawberry Danishes because they’re not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also so easy to prepare. The puff pastry provides that perfect crispy, golden texture, while the cream cheese filling adds a smooth, rich taste that complements the fresh strawberries beautifully. The best part? It’s all ready in under 40 minutes! These pastries are perfect for impressing guests at a brunch or indulging in a treat for yourself. Plus, the egg wash gives them that beautiful golden color and shine that makes them look as good as they taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 egg (for egg wash)

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into 4 equal squares or rectangles, depending on the shape you prefer.

In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges.

Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling. Sprinkle with granulated sugar to bring out the sweetness.

Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, creating a rectangular or square shape, and press the edges gently to seal.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create the egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastries with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.

Once baked, allow the Strawberry Danishes to cool for a few minutes before dusting them with powdered sugar, if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade treat!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Fruit Options: You can easily swap the strawberries for other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. For a more tropical twist, try adding sliced mango or pineapple.

Pastry Shape: If you want to get creative, you can fold the puff pastry into triangles or crescents instead of squares. This gives a fun, unique twist to the presentation.

Cream Cheese Filling: Try adding a little lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor. You could also swap out the cream cheese for mascarpone for a richer filling.

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free puff pastry and a non-dairy cream cheese alternative to make a vegan version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

These Strawberry Danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore the flaky texture. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before baking. Just wrap the prepared pastries tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Related Recipes:

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly! Just be sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling it out.

How do I prevent the filling from spilling out while baking?

Make sure to leave a small border around the edges of the pastry when adding the cream cheese mixture. Press the edges down firmly after folding them to seal the pastries securely.

Can I make these Strawberry Danish ahead of time?

You can prepare the pastries up until the point of baking, then refrigerate or freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if the pastries are cold from storage.

How can I make these Strawberry Danish even sweeter?

If you like your pastries extra sweet, drizzle some icing over them after baking. A simple mix of powdered sugar and a bit of milk or cream works well for this.

Can I add a glaze on top of the Danishes?

Yes, a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over the top after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Danish are the perfect balance of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh fruit, making them a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to impress with their flavor and presentation. I love how easy they are to prepare, and I’m sure you will too. Try them today and bring a little sweetness to your day!

📖 Recipe: