These strawberry danishes are everything you want in a pastry-buttery layers of golden puff pastry, smooth cream cheese filling, and juicy strawberries tucked into every bite. I first made these on a lazy Saturday morning when I wanted something special but didn't feel like working with yeast dough, and now they're my go-to whenever I want to impress without the stress. They look fancy, taste bakery-perfect, and come together with just a few simple ingredients.
If you love easy desserts that feel indulgent, you'll want to try this Easy Baklava Cheesecake Recipe or these Best Cherry Snowball Cookies next-they're just as simple and twice as delicious. And if you're craving more fruit-filled treats, this Best Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe is another family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Danish Recipe
This Strawberry Danish gives you bakery-quality results without the fuss. The puff pastry does all the heavy lifting, so you don't need any special skills or fancy equipment. Just thaw, fill, fold, and bake.
The cream cheese filling is tangy and smooth, balancing perfectly with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. You can drizzle them with strawberry jam or finish with a light vanilla glaze-either way, they taste like something from a French patisserie.
They're versatile too. Serve them warm for breakfast, pack them for brunch, or plate them as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Strawberry Danish Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make these Strawberry Danish. The ingredients are simple, and you probably have most of them already.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For ingtedient Quantites
For the Strawberries
- Sliced strawberries : Fresh strawberries work best here. They soften slightly during baking and release just enough juice to flavor the pastry without making it soggy.
- Cornstarch : Helps thicken the strawberry juices so the filling stays put and doesn't leak everywhere.
- Sugar : Brings out the natural sweetness of the berries and balances any tartness.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- Cream cheese : This is the base of the filling. Make sure it's softened so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it a silky texture. Regular sugar won't dissolve as well.
- Vanilla extract : Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese. Use pure vanilla if you have it.
For the Danish Pastry
- Puff pastry sheets : Store-bought puff pastry is your shortcut to flaky, buttery layers. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 45 minutes.
- Egg: This egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden shine.
- Sugar for topping: A light sprinkle before baking adds a subtle crunch and sweetness.
For the Toppings
- Strawberry jam: Brushing warm jam over the baked danishes makes them look glossy and adds extra strawberry flavor.
- Powdered sugar : For the vanilla glaze.
- Vanilla extract : Flavors the glaze.
- Milk : Thins the glaze to a drizzle-able consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Danish
Making these puff pastry Strawberry Danish is easier than you'd think. Just follow these steps and you'll have a batch of golden, flaky pastries in no time.
Prepare the puff pastry: Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the strawberries: In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch until evenly coated. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes so the berries start to release their juices.
Make the cream cheese filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined. Taste it-it should be lightly sweet and tangy.
Cut the puff pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry into a square. Cut along the folded lines, then slice each long rectangle in half to create six smaller rectangles. Repeat with the second sheet so you have 12 pieces total.
Score the edges: Using a small paring knife, gently score a border about ¼ inch from the edge of each rectangle. Don't cut all the way through-just make a light line. This helps the edges puff up while the center stays flat.
Add the filling: Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each rectangle, staying within the scored border.
Top with strawberries: Arrange the strawberry slices decoratively over the cream cheese. Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash, and sprinkle a little sugar on top if you like.
Chill if needed: If the puff pastry feels warm or sticky, pop the prepared danishes in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps them puff up properly in the oven.
Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the danishes are light golden brown and the edges are puffed and crispy.
Cool and finish: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Top with warm strawberry jam or drizzle with vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Substitutions and Variations
This Strawberry Danish is flexible, so feel free to swap things around based on what you have.
Use frozen strawberries: If fresh berries aren't in season, frozen strawberries work fine. Just thaw and drain them well before mixing with the cornstarch.
Try different berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries all work beautifully here. Mix a few types together for a mixed berry danish.
Make it chocolate: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling for a chocolate twist.
Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese: Mascarpone is sweeter and softer, which gives the filling a lighter, slightly more delicate flavor.
Skip the glaze: If you prefer a less sweet pastry, just dust the tops with powdered sugar or leave them plain.
Equipment For Strawberry Danish
You don't need much to make these Strawberry Danish, just a few basics.
- 1-2 large baking sheets: For baking the danishes.
- Parchment paper: Keeps the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- 3 mixing bowls: One for the strawberries, one for the cream cheese, and one for the egg wash.
- Knife: For cutting the puff pastry.
- Pastry brush (optional): For brushing on the egg wash. If you don't have one, use your fingers or a folded paper towel.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These Strawberry Danish are best fresh, but you can store them if you have leftovers.
Store in the fridge: Place cooled danishes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven: For the best texture, reheat danishes in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This crisps up the pastry again.
Room temperature storage: Danishes can sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours after baking, which makes them great for parties or brunch spreads.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked danishes. Assemble them, place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Expert Tips
Don't skip the chilling step: If the puff pastry feels warm or soft, chill the assembled danishes for 15 minutes before baking. This helps them puff up properly.
Use room-temperature cream cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn't mix well and can be lumpy. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before you start.
Don't overfill: Too much filling will leak out during baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon per danish.
Watch the oven closely: Puff pastry can go from golden to burnt quickly. Start checking around the 18-minute mark.
Brush with jam while warm: If you're using strawberry jam as a topping, brush it on while the danishes are still warm. It melts slightly and creates a glossy finish.
When Liam Declared These "Better Than the Bakery"
The first time I made these Strawberry Danish, Liam wandered into the kitchen right as I pulled them from the oven. The whole house smelled like butter and caramelized sugar, and he stood there staring at the tray like I'd just revealed hidden treasure.
"Are those… from a bakery?" he asked, eyes wide.
I laughed. "Nope. Just puff pastry and strawberries."
He grabbed one before it even cooled, took a huge bite, and got cream cheese all over his chin. "Mom, these are better than the bakery ones. Way better." Then he paused, grinning. "Can I have two more?"
I gave him one. He ate three.
Now every time strawberries are in season, he asks if it's "danish day" again. I can't say no.
FAQ
What is a strawberry danish?
A Strawberry Danish is a flaky, buttery pastry made with puff pastry or yeast dough, filled with cream cheese and topped with fresh or cooked strawberries. It's a popular breakfast or dessert pastry.
What is the filling made of in a Danish?
The filling in a danish is typically made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Some recipes use custard or almond paste instead.
What is the famous Danish pastry called?
The most famous Danish pastry is called a "wienerbrød" in Denmark, which translates to "Viennese bread." It's a flaky, laminated pastry filled with fruit, custard, or marzipan.
What is a Danish at Starbucks?
At Starbucks, a Strawberry Danish is a sweet pastry made with flaky dough and filled with fruit or cheese. Popular flavors include cheese, apple, and cherry.
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Strawberry Danish
Equipment
- 2 Large baking sheets For placing the danishes during baking.
- 2 Parchment paper Keeps the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- 3 Mixing bowls One for the strawberries, one for the cream cheese, and one for the egg wash.
- 1 Knife For cutting the puff pastry.
- 1 Pastry brush Optional, for brushing egg wash on the puff pastry. If you don't have one, use your fingers or a folded paper towel.
Ingredients
- 4 cups strawberries Fresh sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the strawberry filling
- 1 tablespoon sugar For sweetening the strawberries
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz. 226 g cream cheese room temperature Ensure it's softened for easy mixing
- ½ cup 60 g powdered sugar Sweetens the cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavoring the filling
Danish Pastry:
- 2 puff pastry sheets thawed Use store-bought, thawed according to package instructions
- 1 large egg For egg wash lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- 2 - 3 tablespoons sugar For sprinkling on top optional
- Toppings:
- ¼ cup 60 ml strawberry jam Optional for glazing
- 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar For glaze
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract For glaze flavor
- 2 - 3 tablespoons 30 - 45 ml milk For thinning the glaze
Instructions
- Ensure the puff pastry has thawed for about 30 - 45 minutes at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir to coat the berries evenly and let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to release juices.
- In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut along the fold lines to create long strips. Slice each strip in half, creating six smaller rectangles in total.
- Score a border of about ¼ inch around each pastry rectangle using a small knife. Be sure not to cut all the way through.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored borders.
- Arrange the strawberries over the cream cheese filling. If desired, lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- If the puff pastry has softened too much, place the baking sheets in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill. This will help the pastries puff up beautifully.
- Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled danishes, or top with strawberry jam if preferred.
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