Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Nothing brightens up a weekend morning like the aroma of fresh strawberry danishes baking in the oven. This recipe brings together buttery puff pastry tender cream cheese filling and juicy strawberries in a treat that looks as impressive as it tastes but is surprisingly easy to whip up with just a few pantry ingredients.

The first time I made these for my nieces they could not believe they were homemade. Now this is my go to anytime I want to share something sweet and impressive without fuss.

Ingredients

• Strawberries: Sliced fresh strawberries are best for vibrant color and juiciness to the filling
• Cornstarch: Helps the fruit filling thicken so it stays put in the pastry
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to enhance the berry sweetness without overpowering it
• Cream cheese: Use full fat and bring it to room temperature for smooth blending
• Powdered sugar: Gives the filling a velvety consistency and sweetens the glaze
• Vanilla extract: Adds classic bakery style aroma be sure to use pure vanilla for full flavor
• Puff pastry sheets: Opt for a quality all butter frozen puff pastry for best lift and flakiness
• Egg: Plus a little water for an easy egg wash that creates a golden crust
• Strawberry jam: Optional but brings extra shine and concentrated berry flavor on top
• Milk: For making the vanilla glaze use whole milk if possible for richness

Instructions

Thaw Puff Pastry:

Place the puff pastry out at room temperature for at least thirty to forty five minutes until it is soft but still cool to the touch

Prepare Strawberry Filling:

Mix the sliced strawberries with cornstarch and sugar in a bowl ensuring every piece is evenly coated then set aside for fifteen minutes to let the juices develop

Make Cream Cheese Mixture:

Blend softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy then mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract taste and adjust for perfect sweetness

Shape and Score Pastry:

Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut into six even rectangles using the natural fold lines score a small border around each rectangle being careful not to cut all the way through so the edge puffs up during baking

Fill and Assemble:

Spread a generous spoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry keeping inside the borders arrange strawberries on top for a decorative pop of color

Egg Wash and Sugar:

Brush the pastry borders gently with the whisked egg and sprinkle with sugar if desired for sparkle and crunch

Chill if Needed:

If the pastry feels sticky let the assembled danishes chill in the fridge for around fifteen minutes this helps them puff beautifully

Bake:

Arrange on parchment lined trays and bake in a four hundred degree oven for twenty to twenty five minutes until golden brown and the fruit is bubbling

Cool:

Leave danishes to cool on the tray for five minutes then move to a wire rack to finish cooling so the bottoms stay crisp

Add Toppings:

Warm a little strawberry jam and brush it over the strawberries for shine or mix a simple vanilla glaze with powdered sugar vanilla and milk to drizzle all over the cooled danishes

There is just something about the combination of strawberries and cream cheese that reminds me of family holiday brunches. That cream cheese layer always makes people ask for seconds every time.

Storage Tips

Store cooled danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They are best eaten at room temperature or lightly warmed in the oven or toaster to keep the pastry flaky. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out strawberry jam for apricot or raspberry for a fun twist. If you are out of fresh strawberries try thinly sliced peaches or blueberries. Dairy free cream cheese works fine for a lactose free version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve danishes as the highlight of brunch or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. They also make a delightful dessert paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra decadent treat dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Cultural and Seasonal Context

The danish pastry tradition has roots in Scandinavian baking and has become a staple in bakeries worldwide. In spring and summer fresh strawberries make these especially special but you can adapt the filling with other seasonal fruit for year round appeal.

Seasonal Adaptations

Try using thinly sliced peaches for late summer Blueberries or raspberries are great in early summer In fall thinly sliced apples with a touch of cinnamon can make a cozy variation

Success Stories

I shared this recipe with my neighbor who swears by store bought treats and she was amazed by how easy and delicious homemade danish can be. My family always expects these at gatherings and leftovers hardly ever make it to the next day.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare and bake the danishes as directed then let them cool completely. Wrap each individually and freeze in containers for up to one month. To serve thaw at room temperature or reheat in a low oven for best texture.

Enjoy these easy homemade strawberry danishes fresh from the oven or save a batch for later—either way they are sure to bring smiles to your table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the puff pastry crisp?

Chill the assembled pastries before baking to ensure flaky, puffed layers. Bake on parchment-lined trays until deeply golden.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for texture, but thawed frozen berries can be used if well drained to limit excess moisture.

→ Is there an alternative to cream cheese filling?

Yes, you can substitute with mascarpone, sweetened ricotta, or skip the cheese for an all-fruit filling variation.

→ What’s the ideal serving temperature?

These pastries are delicious slightly warm, but also enjoyable at room temperature within a few hours of baking.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Place cooled pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving for best flavor.

→ Can I prepare them in advance?

You can prep the fillings and slice the pastry ahead of time, assembling and baking just before serving for freshness.