There’s something truly delightful about the way fresh strawberries transform into a tempting filling, evoking sweet memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. As the sweet aroma fills the kitchen, you can almost hear the laughter of loved ones enjoying a slice of this scrumptious Strawberry Danish.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a leisurely Sunday morning, searching for a way to elevate my brunch game. With its flaky pastry and creamy cheese filling, this treat is deceptively simple yet remarkably impressive. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or simply indulge in a slice of happiness, this Strawberry Danish fits the bill perfectly.
Best of all, it’s an easy solution for anyone bored with the same old breakfast routine. Join me as we create a delightful pastry that would make any bakery proud—and leave you craving for more!
Why is this Strawberry Danish so special?
Fresh strawberries take center stage, bursting with flavor and adding a refreshing twist to your pastry experience. Creamy filling of cream cheese and vanilla offers a luscious contrast to the flaky puff pastry. Quick prep means you can whip this up in just 40 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings. Customizable toppings let you make it your own, whether drizzled with icing or topped with jam. Impressive presentation ensures it looks as good as it tastes, making it a showstopper for brunch or dessert. You won’t believe how easy it is to create something this delicious!
Strawberry Danish Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything you need for this delightful treat!
For the Filling
- Sliced strawberries – Fresh berries are key for a burst of flavor in your Strawberry Danish.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling, preventing a soggy pastry.
- Sugar – A touch of sweetness enhances the natural flavors of the strawberries.
- Cream cheese – Use room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling.
- Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness without the grittiness, perfect for creamy mixtures.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
For the Pastry
- Puff pastry sheets – Thaw them properly for that perfectly flaky texture.
- Large egg – A wash with egg makes the pastry golden and glossy.
For the Topping
- Sugar for topping – Optional, but a sprinkle adds a delightful crunch!
- Strawberry jam – Optional for a glossy finish and extra fruity flavor.
- Powdered sugar – Whisk with milk to drizzle for a sweet finishing touch.
- Vanilla extract – Adds extra flavor to your icing; it’s a lovely touch!
- Milk – Adjusts the consistency of your icing, making it perfectly pourable.
How to Make Strawberry Danish
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Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for about 30 – 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Mix the sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Allow the berries to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, letting the juices meld beautifully.
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Blend the cream cheese in another mixing bowl until smooth. Then, blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, creating a luscious filling that will complement the strawberries perfectly.
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Unfold one sheet of puff pastry into a square and cut it along the folded lines into six smaller rectangles. Each piece will become a delightful canvas for your filling!
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Score a border about ¼ inch from the edges of each pastry rectangle. This will help the edges rise beautifully while baking, creating that gorgeous flaky texture.
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Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, then layer the fresh strawberries on top. Brush the edges with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar if you’d like a little extra sweetness.
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Chill the prepared danishes in the fridge for 15 – 20 minutes if the dough feels warm or sticky. This ensures they hold their shape while baking.
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Bake the danishes for 20 – 25 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and the kitchen is filled with a mouthwatering aroma.
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Cool the danishes on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling. This helps maintain their crispy texture.
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Top each Danish with warm strawberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar, or whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to drizzle over the top for a sweet finishing touch.
Optional: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Danish
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Choose Quality Berries: Use the freshest strawberries for maximum flavor. Overripe or mushy strawberries will lead to a less satisfying filling.
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Uniform Slices: Slice strawberries evenly to ensure they cook consistently and fit nicely into the pastry. A mix of sizes can lead to uneven baking.
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Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Always use cream cheese at room temperature for a smoother filling. Cold cream cheese may lead to lumps that are hard to blend.
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Chill Before Baking: If your puff pastry feels warm or sticky, chilling the prepared danishes is crucial. This helps prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
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Watch Your Bake Time: Ovens can vary! Keep an eye on the danishes while they bake; you want them golden brown, not overdone.
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Customize Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like chocolate drizzle or a lemon glaze for your Strawberry Danish, making it your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Danishes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and sliced strawberries up to 3 days in advance—just refrigerate them separately to maintain their freshness. Assemble the danishes and chill them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your danishes, simply preheat your oven, and bake them straight from the fridge for that same delightful flaky, golden texture. This way, your Strawberry Danish will be just as delicious without the last-minute hassle!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Danish
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Strawberry Danish fresh for up to 2 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their flaky texture.
Fridge: If you need to store them longer, refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze the unbaked danishes for up to 2 months. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for best results. Bake from frozen for an extra 5-10 minutes.
Reheating: To reheat baked danishes, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back their original glory.
Strawberry Danish Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful recipe to your taste and dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute puff pastry with gluten-free pastry sheets to keep it light and delicious without gluten.
- Vegan: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and plant-based milk for the icing; this keeps it rich and creamy.
- Berry Medley: Replace strawberries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a vibrant twist. Combining different berries brings a delightful complexity to the filling.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the cream cheese filling for a satisfying crunch that nicely complements the soft pastry.
- Minty Fresh: A handful of chopped fresh mint stirred into the strawberries adds a burst of refreshing flavor; it’s a lovely summer touch!
- Spiced Up: Mix in a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for cozy occasions.
- Maple Drizzle: For the icing, swap vanilla extract with maple syrup; it gives a lovely richness that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Add chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for an indulgent treat.
These variations ensure your Strawberry Danish can cater to every craving and occasion while keeping it delightfully homemade!
What to Serve with Strawberry Danish?
There’s nothing quite like the joy of creating a complete meal that leaves you and your loved ones savoring every moment.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, refreshing, and a great way to showcase seasonal fruits that complement the sweetness of the Danish.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream adds a luscious contrast, making every bite feel indulgent and delightful.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream elevates the dish, making it feel like a special occasion, no matter the day.
- Café Style Coffee: A robust espresso or a light latte pairs beautifully, balancing the sweet flavors and enhancing the whole experience.
- Herbal Tea: A gentle chamomile or mint tea offers a refreshing palate cleanser, enhancing the comforting vibe of your pastry feast.
- Lemon Zest Drizzle: A light drizzle made with powdered sugar and lemon juice brightens each bite, offering zingy contrast to the rich filling.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These are a fun, playful addition, echoing the flavors of your Danish while adding an elegant touch to the spread.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with light vinaigrette balances the sweetness and adds a fresh element to your overall meal.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshingly tangy, a glass of sparkling lemonade provides a delightful, fizzy finish to your beautiful gathering.
Strawberry Danish Recipe FAQs
What strawberries should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the best Strawberry Danish, choose ripe, sweet strawberries that are vibrant in color and free from bruises. Look for firm berries without dark spots all over. They should ideally be in season for maximum flavor, usually in the late spring to early summer.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Danish?
Very! To keep your leftover Strawberry Danish fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them longer, refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat in the oven for a few minutes to revitalize that delightful crispiness!
Can I freeze Strawberry Danish? How?
Absolutely! Freezing Strawberry Danish is a great option. You can freeze the unbaked danishes for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, take them out and bake straight from frozen for an extra 5-10 minutes until golden brown and delicious.
What should I do if my puff pastry is sticky while assembling?
No worries at all! If your puff pastry feels warm and sticky, chill the prepared danishes in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up, ensuring they hold their shape and maintain that lovely flaky texture while baking.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies?
Not quite! This Strawberry Danish contains cream cheese and butter, which makes it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies. However, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to create a version that works for you, just know that texture and flavor might slightly differ.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Make sure to thaw and drain them before using to reduce excess moisture, which can make the filling watery.
Divine Strawberry Danish: A Homemade Treat to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Allow to sit for 15 minutes.
- Blend the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut it into six rectangles.
- Score a border about ¼ inch from the edges of each rectangle.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into each rectangle, layer strawberries, brush edges with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Chill danishes in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Top each Danish with warm strawberry jam, powdered sugar, or drizzle with icing.