These Strawberry Danish pastries are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. The puff pastry crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, buttery base that perfectly complements the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese and the juicy, slightly tart strawberries. Finished with a glaze or a touch of warm strawberry jam, these pastries are the perfect mix of rich, creamy, and fruity flavors in every bite.
Not only do these danishes look stunning, with their vibrant red strawberries nestled on top of a smooth cream cheese filling, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. This recipe is a wonderful option for breakfast, brunch, or dessert when you want to impress with minimal effort. Serve them warm from the oven for a cozy, comforting treat that feels bakery-fresh.
Full Recipe:
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Danish Pastry:
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)
- Toppings:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries, cornstarch, and sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Unfold one puff pastry sheet to form a square. Cut along the folded lines, then cut each long rectangle in half to make six smaller rectangles.
- Score a border about ¼ inch from the edges of each puff pastry rectangle. Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each rectangle.
- Layer the fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastries are a light golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Optionally, top with warm strawberry jam or a glaze made by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 danishes
Background and Origin of Danish Pastries
Danish pastries, often simply referred to as “Danish,” originated in Denmark. They are known for their flaky and buttery texture, similar to croissants, but with a sweeter and more decadent taste. This Strawberry Danish takes inspiration from the classic Danish, incorporating layers of puff pastry, a creamy filling, and fresh fruit. While traditional Danish dough requires a yeast-leavened dough that is folded multiple times with butter, this recipe simplifies the process by using ready-made puff pastry. This makes it accessible to home bakers looking for a quick yet impressive pastry.
Why This Recipe Works
- Convenience: This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry, making it quick and easy to prepare without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Versatility: While fresh strawberries are used in this recipe, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches depending on the season and your preference.
- Balance of Flavors: The cream cheese filling is sweetened just enough to complement the tartness of the strawberries, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s not overly sweet.
- Beautiful Presentation: The bright red strawberries and the golden, flaky puff pastry create a visually stunning dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Danish
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep the puff pastry as cold as possible until you’re ready to use it. This helps the pastry puff up properly in the oven, creating those signature flaky layers.
- Avoid Overfilling: While it may be tempting to add extra filling or more strawberries, overfilling can cause the pastry to become soggy or prevent it from puffing up properly.
- Chill Before Baking: If the puff pastry becomes too warm while preparing the danishes, place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. This step ensures that the pastry bakes up crisp and flaky.
- Optional Add-ins: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling or sprinkling a little cinnamon on top of the strawberries before baking.
- Serving Suggestions: These Strawberry Danish pastries are best served warm, either on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the components (the cream cheese filling and the strawberry mixture) a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the danishes and pop them into the oven.
- Storage: Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh the crispness of the pastry.
- Freezing: Although freezing is not recommended due to the fresh strawberries, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked danishes for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Possible Variations
- Lemon Glazed Strawberry Danish: After baking, drizzle the danishes with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice for a zesty finish.
- Braided Danish: Instead of individual pastries, create a large braided Danish by spreading the filling and strawberries in the center of a puff pastry sheet. Cut diagonal strips along the sides, then fold them over the filling in a crisscross pattern.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds or crushed pistachios on top of the danishes before baking for a nutty crunch that complements the sweet and creamy filling.
Health and Dietary Notes
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can use a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol in the cream cheese filling.
Interesting Facts
- Puff Pastry Magic: Puff pastry puffs up during baking due to the steam created by the layers of butter melting. This creates the flaky and airy texture that makes these danishes so irresistible.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Cream cheese adds a rich and tangy component to the danishes, balancing the sweetness of the fruit and the pastry.
Detailed Baking Tips and Techniques
- Puff Pastry Handling: When working with puff pastry, it’s crucial to maintain a cool environment. If your kitchen is warm, you might find the pastry becoming sticky. To counter this, keep the puff pastry refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the danishes. Use a floured surface and a sharp knife for cutting to ensure clean edges that will rise evenly during baking.
- Cream Cheese Consistency: To achieve the smoothest cream cheese filling, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If it’s too cold, it might clump and be difficult to mix with the sugar and vanilla extract. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer for a few minutes to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Perfect Strawberry Prep: For the best presentation and texture, select ripe but firm strawberries. Wash and dry them thoroughly before slicing to prevent excess moisture. Excess water can make the pastry soggy, so patting the strawberries dry after slicing is an important step. Mixing the strawberries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch helps to thicken their juices as they bake, creating a luscious, jam-like consistency.
- Egg Wash for Golden Finish: Brushing the edges of the puff pastry with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and a little water) before baking is key for a golden and glossy finish. Be careful to avoid the filling and only brush the pastry’s edges to prevent the egg wash from pooling around the pastries, which can cause them to stick to the baking sheet.
- Chilling Before Baking: After assembling the danishes, placing them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes helps the pastry firm up. This step is especially important if the pastry has become too soft while working with it. A quick chill helps the pastry layers puff up better and results in a crispier texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Breakfast Brunch: Serve these Strawberry Danish pastries alongside a variety of other breakfast items like scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, and a pot of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful brunch spread. Their flaky texture and creamy filling make them an indulgent treat that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
- Dessert Course: For a dessert option, serve the danishes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm pastry with the cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.
- Afternoon Tea: These danishes are also a perfect addition to an afternoon tea spread. Pair them with a selection of teas, especially fruity or floral teas like chamomile or Earl Grey, to complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the strawberry filling.
- Garnishing Ideas: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled danishes for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or extra slices of fresh strawberries for a pop of color and freshness.
Health and Dietary Considerations
- Low-Sugar Option: To reduce the sugar content, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in the cream cheese mixture. The natural sweetness of the strawberries means you can use less added sugar without sacrificing flavor.
- Lower-Fat Version: If you want to make a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat cream cheese. While full-fat cream cheese offers the richest flavor and texture, reduced-fat versions work well too, providing a slightly tangy and creamy filling.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: For those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative such as almond or coconut milk-based cream cheese. Also, use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
- Serving Size and Moderation: Each danish is relatively rich due to the puff pastry and cream cheese filling. Serve smaller portions if you’re looking to enjoy this treat in moderation. Pair with a serving of fresh fruit or a side salad to balance the richness of the pastry.
Creative Variations and Enhancements
- Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches to create different flavor profiles. You can even mix fruits for a mixed berry danish.
- Chocolate Strawberry Danish: For a more indulgent treat, add a few chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling before layering the strawberries. Chocolate and strawberries are a classic combination that adds a touch of luxury to the pastries.
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios on top before baking to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and flaky pastry.
- Herb-Infused Glaze: For a sophisticated twist, infuse the glaze with a hint of fresh herbs like basil or mint. Simply steep a sprig of the herb in the milk before making the glaze, then strain it out. The subtle herbal note adds a layer of complexity to the danish.
Making It a Family-Friendly Activity
These Strawberry Danishes are simple enough to make with kids. Invite children to help with tasks like layering the strawberries on the cream cheese filling or brushing the pastry with egg wash. This can be a fun way to introduce young ones to baking and enjoy a delicious reward together.
Conclusion
Strawberry Danish pastries are a delightful blend of flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. They offer a quick, easy, and versatile baking option suitable for breakfast, dessert, or a special brunch. By following a few simple tips, you can achieve bakery-quality pastries at home. Whether you serve them warm with a cup of coffee or as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream, these danishes are sure to impress with their rich flavors and stunning presentation.