Flaky Strawberry Danish with Cream

Featured in Tasty Morning Favorites.

Quick and easy strawberry danish using puff pastry, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. Ready in 40 minutes, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ranah
Updated on Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:32:39 GMT
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These buttery strawberry danishes bring together delicate layers of flaky puff pastry filled with velvety cream cheese and fresh, sweet strawberries. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crispy pastry, creamy filling, and juicy fruit, finished with a glorious crown of warm strawberry jam or silky vanilla glaze.

I discovered this recipe during a spring brunch I hosted for my family. The moment I pulled these golden-brown beauties from the oven, their buttery aroma filled the kitchen, and they disappeared within minutes. Since then, they've become our Sunday morning tradition.

Essential Ingredients

  • Cream cheese: Choose full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, richest filling - I find Philadelphia cream cheese creates the most luxurious texture
  • Fresh strawberries: Look for bright red berries with a sweet fragrance, avoiding any with white or green patches
  • Puff pastry: While homemade is lovely, quality store-bought pastry works beautifully and saves precious time
  • Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth to both the filling and glaze
  • Powdered sugar: Its fine texture ensures a silky-smooth cream cheese filling
  • Cornstarch: Just a touch helps control the strawberry juices during baking
  • Egg wash: Creates that irresistible golden shine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the berries:
Gently mix sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch, allowing them to rest for 15 minutes to release their natural juices
Create the filling:
Beat room temperature cream cheese until fluffy, then blend in powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth
Prepare the pastry:
Cut thawed puff pastry into six rectangles, scoring a border around each piece
Assemble the danishes:
Spread cream cheese mixture within the borders, then arrange strawberry slices in an overlapping pattern
Add finishing touches:
Brush edges with beaten egg, sprinkle with sugar for extra sparkle
Chill:
Let assembled danishes rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to ensure maximum puff during baking
Bake to perfection:
Watch as they transform into golden-brown masterpieces over 20-25 minutes at 400°F

The Art of Perfect Pastry

Creating these danishes awakens memories of mornings spent in my grandmother's kitchen, where she taught me that patience makes perfect pastry. Each time I fold the cream cheese filling into the delicate puff pastry squares, I'm reminded of her careful hands crafting breakfast treats for our family.

Making Ahead & Storage Wisdom

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The beauty of these danishes lies not just in their taste but in their versatility for busy mornings. I've learned through countless batches that assembly can be done the night before - just keep them covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake. The aroma of fresh-baked pastries is worth the minor planning.

The Perfect Pairing

While these danishes shine on their own, I've found they reach new heights when served alongside a frothy cappuccino or fresh-squeezed orange juice. The citrus notes complement the sweet strawberries beautifully, creating a truly memorable breakfast experience.

My daughter's face lights up every time she spots strawberries in our kitchen, knowing these danishes might be in her future. There's something magical about how these berries transform into something so elegant yet comforting when nestled in buttery pastry.

Seasonal Adaptations

Throughout the year, I've experimented with various berry combinations. During peak strawberry season, I often add a few wild strawberries for intense flavor. In late summer, a mix of strawberries and blackberries creates an entirely new experience.

Troubleshooting Tips

Over time, I've learned that success lies in the details. If your pastry isn't rising properly, it's likely too warm - don't skip the chilling step. When the berries release too much juice, a light dusting of extra cornstarch works wonders.

After years of making these danishes, I'm still amazed by how such simple ingredients can create something so extraordinary. They're proof that with the right technique and a bit of love, home-baked treats can rival any pastry shop offering. Whether you're hosting a special brunch or simply wanting to make an ordinary morning special, these strawberry danishes never fail to bring joy to the table.

Mastering the Assembly

I've discovered that arranging strawberry slices in a slight overlap, like fallen dominoes, not only creates a stunning presentation but also ensures even baking. The berries protect each other from direct heat, maintaining their juicy texture while still cooking through perfectly.

Temperature Matters

After countless batches, I've learned the importance of ingredient temperatures:

The cream cheese must be perfectly softened - I leave it out for exactly 45 minutes

Strawberries should be room temperature for optimal sweetness

Puff pastry needs to be cold but pliable - about 30 minutes from frozen is perfect

The Magic of Glazing

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Easy Strawberry Danish | lifesugar.co

One secret I've discovered is double-glazing. After baking:

Brush warm strawberry jam on the fruit while the danish is still hot

Let cool for 30 minutes

Add vanilla glaze in a crisscross pattern for that professional bakery look

Additional Professional Tips

Create a parchment paper piping cone for precise glaze application

Use a pizza cutter for clean, straight cuts in the puff pastry

Keep a "sacrificial" danish - test this one for doneness to avoid opening the oven too often

Beyond Breakfast

These danishes have become my go-to for so many occasions:

Afternoon tea gatherings where they steal the show

Brunch potlucks where they're always the first to disappear

Holiday morning surprises that make everyone feel special

The Secret to Make-Ahead Success

For busy mornings, I've perfected this timeline:

Assemble danishes the night before

Cover with plastic wrap without touching the surface

Refrigerate overnight

Add egg wash just before baking

Bake straight from the fridge, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking

Easy Strawberry Danish Pastries

Buttery puff pastry filled with cream cheese and fresh strawberries, topped with a sweet glaze or warm strawberry jam.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Morning Favorites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 danishes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Strawberries

01 4 cups sliced strawberries
02 1 tablespoon cornstarch
03 1 tablespoon sugar

→ Cream Cheese Filling

04 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
05 ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Danish Pastry

07 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
08 1 large egg lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
09 2 - 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)

→ Toppings

10 ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional)
11 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
12 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
13 2 - 3 tablespoons (30 - 45 ml) milk

Instructions

Step 01

Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 04

Cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 rectangles. Score a border ¼ inch from edges.

Step 05

Spread cream cheese filling in center, top with strawberries. Brush edges with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Step 06

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes, then top with warm jam or vanilla glaze.

Notes

  1. Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days
  2. Best served warm or at room temperature within 2-3 hours of baking
  3. Can be made without cream cheese or as a braided danish

Tools You'll Need

  • 1-2 large baking sheets
  • 1-2 sheets parchment paper
  • 3 mixing bowls
  • 1 knife
  • 1 pastry brush (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (puff pastry)