Imagine biting into a buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese and topped with juicy strawberries. It’s the kind of pastry that feels indulgent yet comforting—a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Strawberry Danish with cream cheese is one of those classic recipes that look bakery-fancy but are surprisingly easy to make at home.
This recipe is all about combining simple ingredients to create a stunning result. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself on a slow morning, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Let’s dive into the process and discover how to make these irresistible pastries.
Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese
There’s so much to love about these danishes, from their texture to their flavor. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will become a favorite in your home:
- Buttery Layers: The puff pastry bakes up light, crisp, and golden, creating that classic bakery-style flakiness.
- Creamy Filling: The cream cheese adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.
- Fresh Strawberries: The fruit’s natural sweetness and tartness balance the richness of the pastry and cream cheese.
- Customizable: You can add glazes, jams, or even swap out the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries or peaches.
- Easy to Make: Using store-bought puff pastry means you’ll have bakery-quality pastries with minimal effort.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Strawberries
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
the Danish Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water for egg wash)
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar (optional for topping)
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes. This will make them pliable and easy to handle.
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Stir gently to coat, and let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This step helps the strawberries release their natural juices while thickening the filling.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Preparing the Pastries
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut the Puff Pastry: Unfold each puff pastry sheet into a square. Cut along the folded lines, then cut each rectangle in half to create six smaller rectangles. Repeat with the second sheet to make 12 rectangles in total.
- Score the Edges: Using a paring knife, lightly score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle. Be careful not to cut all the way through the dough—this border will puff up and create a frame for the filling.
Assembling the Danishes
- Add the Cream Cheese Filling: Spread about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle, staying within the scored border.
- Top with Strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries decoratively over the cream cheese. You can overlap them slightly for a prettier presentation.
- Egg Wash and Sugar: Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash to create a golden crust. Sprinkle the edges with sugar if you’d like a little extra sweetness and crunch.
Baking
- Chill if Necessary: If the assembled pastries feel warm or sticky, chill them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This step helps the puff pastry bake evenly and puff beautifully.
- Bake the Pastries: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Finishing Touches
- Cool the Pastries: Allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Toppings: For added shine, brush warm strawberry jam over the strawberries. To make a simple glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries for a finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- Handle Puff Pastry Gently: Puff pastry works best when it’s cold. If it becomes too soft, chill it briefly before cutting and assembling.
- Customize the Fruit: Swap the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of fruits.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the cream cheese filling and the strawberry mixture before assembling. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter pastry.
- Layer Flavors: Try adding a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy note that complements the strawberries.
- Reheat Properly: Rewarm leftover pastries in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness of the puff pastry.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Understanding the nutritional breakdown of these Strawberry Danish pastries can help you plan them into your meals or treats for the day. Here’s a deeper dive into the values:
- Calories: 280
These pastries are a moderate indulgence, providing enough energy to enjoy as a satisfying breakfast treat or dessert without overwhelming your calorie intake for the day. - Protein: 4g
The protein comes mainly from the cream cheese filling and puff pastry. While not a high-protein item, it offers a small boost that can help keep you feeling fuller for a bit longer. - Fat: 15g
The fat content, mostly from the puff pastry and cream cheese, gives the pastries their rich, buttery texture and creamy filling. It’s a mix of saturated fat from the butter and cream cheese and unsaturated fats from the puff pastry, depending on the brand used. - Carbohydrates: 30g
The carbohydrates come primarily from the puff pastry and the sugar in the filling and topping. This makes the pastry a good option for a quick energy boost, particularly in the morning. - Sugar: 12g
The sugar content is relatively moderate, thanks to the naturally sweet strawberries and the small amount of sugar added to the cream cheese and glaze. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the glaze or skip the sugar sprinkled on top. - Fiber: 2g
The fiber comes mostly from the fresh strawberries. While it’s not a high-fiber food, the strawberries contribute a small amount of fiber to support digestion.
Additional Nutritional Insights
- Vitamins and Minerals: Strawberries provide Vitamin C and antioxidants, while the puff pastry and cream cheese offer small amounts of calcium and iron.
- Sodium: Puff pastry and cream cheese contain some sodium, but the overall amount per serving is moderate, making this recipe suitable for most diets when enjoyed in moderation.
- Customization Tips: For a lower-calorie or reduced-fat option, consider using a reduced-fat cream cheese or a lighter puff pastry. You can also use less sugar in the filling and skip the glaze entirely to cut back on sugar.
These nutritional insights ensure that these pastries can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet while still feeling like an indulgent treat!
Why This Strawberry Danish is Perfect for Any Occasion
These Strawberry Danish pastries with cream cheese are so much more than a simple baked treat—they’re a true celebration of flavors and textures. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flaky, buttery pastry, tangy-sweet cream cheese filling, and juicy, fresh strawberries. They’re the kind of pastry that feels luxurious yet comforting, making them perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking to elevate a casual breakfast, impress guests at a brunch, or simply treat yourself to a little indulgence, these danishes fit the bill. The best part is that they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. By using store-bought puff pastry, you can create something that looks bakery-perfect without the stress of making dough from scratch.
These danishes are also incredibly versatile. You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences or the season—try swapping out the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. Add a citrusy glaze for a refreshing twist, or dust them with powdered sugar for a classic finish. No matter how you choose to personalize them, these pastries are sure to impress.
Another reason to love this recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the components in advance, assemble the pastries when you’re ready, and pop them in the oven for fresh-baked perfection. Leftovers, if you have any, reheat beautifully, making them just as delightful the next day.
So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these Strawberry Danish pastries are guaranteed to bring joy to your table. If you do make them, I’d love to hear about it! Share your creations by tagging me on social media or leaving a comment below. Seeing how others enjoy these pastries is one of the best parts of sharing this recipe. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these flaky, fruity, and creamy delights!
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Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese: A Delightful Pastry You’ll Love
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Danish pastries with cream cheese are flaky, buttery, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling complements the juicy strawberries perfectly. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re an easy way to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- For the Strawberries:
4 cups sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar - For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract - For the Danish Pastry:
2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
2–3 tablespoons sugar (optional for topping) - Optional Toppings:
¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for 30–45 minutes.
- Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut puff pastry into rectangles. Lightly score a ¼-inch border around each.
- Spread cream cheese filling in the center and top with strawberries.
- Brush the edges with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Cool slightly, then add strawberry jam or powdered sugar glaze if desired.
Notes
- Handle puff pastry gently and keep it cold for best results.
- Swap strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or peaches for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American