Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a flaky, golden pastry filled with luscious cream cheese and bright, jammy strawberries, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is calling your name! It’s the kind of bakery treat that steals the spotlight at a brunch table and somehow disappears even faster than you can say “seconds, please.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish lies in a handful of super approachable ingredients that each bring their own unique spark—flaky pastry, rich cream cheese, and vibrant strawberries unite for a treat that wows with every luscious bite.

• Strawberries (4 cups, sliced): Fresh, juicy strawberries are the star, lending natural sweetness, a pop of color, and that iconic berry flavor that makes these Danishes unforgettable.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): A little cornstarch tossed with the berries thickens their juices as they bake—no soggy centers here!
• Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch sprinkled over the berries helps draw out their juices and balances their tartness.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz./226 g, room temperature): The heart of your filling, cream cheese brings velvety smooth, tangy richness to every bite.
• Powdered Sugar (½ cup + 1 cup, divided): Adds sweetness to both the creamy filling and the glaze without any unwanted grittiness.
• Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons, divided): Just a splash gives the filling and glaze their classic vanilla warmth.
• Puff Pastry Sheets (2, thawed): Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe weeknight-friendly, providing the signature light, flaky base.
• Egg (1 large, beaten with 1 teaspoon water): An egg wash ensures the pastry puffs up golden and absolutely stunning.
• Sugar for Topping (2–3 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkling extra sugar on the pastry before baking gives your Danish irresistible crunch and sparkle.
• Strawberry Jam (¼ cup, optional): For extra shine and a concentrated jammy flavor, brush a bit on as a finishing touch.
• Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Helps bring your powdered sugar and vanilla together into a smooth, pourable glaze.

Variations

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is a canvas for creativity! Feel free to swap in other seasonal fruits, play with different jams and toppings, or tweak the filling to suit dietary needs or your personal cravings—let’s have fun with it!

• Berry Medley: Try mixing blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the strawberries for a jewel-toned, berry-burst twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add a little fresh lemon zest to your cream cheese filling for an extra-bright, citrusy lift.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the vanilla glaze for a melted chocolate drizzle for pure indulgence!
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and vegan puff pastry to make everyone at the table smile.
• Mini Danish Bites: Cut pastry into smaller squares for two-bite treats—perfect for parties, brunch buffets, or grabbing on the go.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prep the Strawberry Filling

Start by cleaning and slicing your strawberries, then toss them gently with cornstarch and a bit of sugar. This step is key—let your berry mix sit at room temperature while you prep the rest of your ingredients so the flavors meld and the juices thicken slightly for perfect, non-soggy Danishes.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Grab a separate mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the filling is creamy and evenly sweet—don’t forget to sneak a little taste so you can tweak it to your liking!

Step 3: Prepare and Shape the Puff Pastry

Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets and gently cut along the fold lines, then slice each long rectangle in half to get a total of six smaller rectangles per sheet. Take a paring knife and score a border about a ¼-inch from the edges—this creates that classic Danish “frame” where the filling sits.

Step 4: Assemble and Fill

Spread a generous tablespoon of the luscious cream cheese mixture onto the pastry’s center, making sure to stay within the border. Pile on the strawberry slices in a gorgeous fan pattern, then brush pastry edges with the egg wash and sprinkle with extra sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 5: Chill and Bake

If your puff pastry is getting soft, pop the assembled Danishes in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help them keep their shape and maximize puffiness in the oven. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the pastries are gloriously golden and the aromas are impossible to resist.

Step 6: Cool and Top

Let your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Warm a little strawberry jam and brush it on for extra shine, or whip up a simple vanilla glaze by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk—drizzle generously for the finishing touch!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Garnishes

For a truly dazzling finish, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar (or a drizzle of your homemade vanilla glaze) is a classic. A few extra slices of fresh strawberry, a sprig of mint, or even a light brush of strawberry jam gives your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish that irresistible bakery look!

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful pastries with a creamy cappuccino, fresh fruit salad, or a simple yogurt parfait for an elevated brunch. If you’re serving them as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream takes things over the top.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes in a circular “sunburst” on a platter, or stack them high and drizzle with glaze at the table for a show-stopping reveal. For a playful twist, bake into mini squares and serve on a tiered stand for a tea party vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The pastry might soften a bit, but a quick reheat brings the crisp back to life.

Freezing

To freeze, let your Danishes cool completely first—then wrap tightly in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze unglazed and add topping after reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-baked magic again, pop Danishes in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the pastry is crisp and fragrant (avoid the microwave if you can—it softens the pastry!).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sharing an oven-fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish with the people you love, and I hope this recipe brings that joy into your kitchen. Give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to snag a bite) will thank you!

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