Strawberry Danish Recipe
Bite into a Strawberry Danish and you’re instantly transported to a cozy bakery, where flaky golden pastry meets dreamy cream cheese and ribbons of sweet strawberry. This recipe brings classic pastry-shop charm home with just a handful of simple ingredients and a foolproof, irresistible method. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or simply want to brighten up your morning coffee break, there’s nothing quite like making your own Strawberry Danish – and trust me, you’ll savor every buttery, jammy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, high-quality ingredients are all you need to create these show-stopping Strawberry Danish treats. Each element, from the creamy cheese to the fruit glaze, shines together to deliver that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crisp. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Frozen puff pastry, thawed: This is your shortcut to bakery-style flakiness without hours of work – just thaw and you’re ready to go!
- Cream cheese, softened: Creamy and tangy, it forms the luscious base for your filling and complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness amplifies both the cream cheese filling and the strawberries.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle floral note to the creamy filling, making every bite feel extra special.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: Intensifies the strawberry flavor with a glossy, slightly tart layer that pairs perfectly with fresh berries.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: Bright, juicy slices make each Strawberry Danish pop with color and freshness.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Brushing the pastry edges helps create that beautiful, shiny, golden finish.
- Water: Combine it with your egg wash for even, glossy coverage on the pastry.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A light sprinkle at the end makes your danishes look bakery-worthy and adds just a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Danish
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) – getting the temperature just right ensures your Strawberry Danish will puff up golden and crisp. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which is a must for easy cleanup and preventing the pastries from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and luscious. This creamy blend will spread easily onto your pastry, giving every bite a sweet, tangy base that makes the whole Strawberry Danish sing.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into four even squares. This step is surprisingly fun, and don’t worry if your squares aren’t absolutely perfect – the finished result will still look impressive! Score a smaller square inside each piece, being careful not to cut all the way through; this little trick helps create that signature raised edge once baked.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon a generous dollop of your cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, staying inside the scored border. Add a spoonful of strawberry jam right on top, then finish with a few pretty slices of fresh strawberries. The combination of jam and fruit gives maximum flavor and that beautiful, mouthwatering look every Strawberry Danish deserves.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together the egg and water to make your egg wash, then use a pastry brush to gently brush it along the edges of each pastry. This is the secret to a deeply golden, glossy crust. Pop your assembled danishes into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, watching as they puff up and turn perfectly golden and irresistible.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Let your Strawberry Danish cool slightly before transferring to a serving plate. If you’re in the mood for a little extra flair, dust each one with powdered sugar – it’s optional, but that sweet white cloud takes the bakery vibes to a whole new level. Serve them warm if you can, or at room temperature for a treat any time of day.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, try garnishing your Strawberry Danish with a few mint leaves, a light drizzle of extra strawberry jam, or even an elegant sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds. The contrast of green and red is gorgeous, and little touches make the presentation truly memorable!
Side Dishes
Pair your danishes with a creamy latte, hot tea, or a tall glass of ice-cold milk for a fantastic midday pick-me-up. For brunches, offer a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt alongside – the light and tangy flavors balance the rich, sweet Strawberry Danish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little special, serve each Strawberry Danish on individual dessert plates scattered with fresh strawberry halves. You can also slice each into smaller triangles and arrange on a platter for a cheerful brunch spread or party tray. A final dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream turns any serving into a bakery-style showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, allow your Strawberry Danish to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking, and keep at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious with just a touch of crispness.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze baked danishes! Cool them completely, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, there’s no need to thaw overnight – they reheat beautifully straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked taste and texture, place your Strawberry Danish on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The pastry will re-crisp, and the filling will become soft and creamy again. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave works, though you’ll miss a bit of the pastry’s crunch!
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in my Strawberry Danish?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches work beautifully in this recipe. Simply swap them for the strawberries or try a mix for a custom fruit danish.
Can I make a Strawberry Danish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble your danishes, place them on the baking sheet, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake them fresh in the morning for warm, irresistible pastries without the rush.
My puff pastry didn’t rise – what went wrong?
The most common culprits are warm pastry or a too-cold oven. Make sure your puff pastry stays cold until you’re ready to bake, and that your oven is fully preheated for the best rise and flakiness.
Can I make mini versions for a party?
Definitely! Cut your puff pastry into smaller squares or even bite-size rounds, and reduce the baking time slightly. These mini Strawberry Danish bites are perfect for brunch buffets or dessert tables.
Is there a vegan version of Strawberry Danish?
Yes, you can use vegan puff pastry, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based milk instead of the egg wash. The process is the same, and you’ll still get a beautiful, delicious result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones, give this Strawberry Danish recipe a whirl. It’s the kind of easy, joy-filled baking that turns any day into something special – and once you taste that flaky, berry-topped goodness, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 danishes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a homemade Strawberry Danish made with flaky puff pastry, creamy cream cheese, sweet strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries. This easy dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed;
Cream Cheese Filling:
4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract;
Strawberry Filling:
½ cup strawberry jam or preserves; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced;
Egg Wash:
1 egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon water; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, cut the puff pastry into squares and score a smaller square inside each.
- Assemble Danishes: Spread cream cheese mixture inside the border, add strawberry jam, fresh strawberries, then brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and puffy.
- Finish and Serve: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberries or raspberries.
- Prepare ahead by assembling and refrigerating unbaked danishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
