If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines flaky layers, creamy filling, and juicy fruit, the Strawberry Danish Puff Pastry Recipe is an absolute must-try. This pastry perfectly balances the rich tang of cream cheese with the bright sweetness of fresh strawberries, all wrapped in golden, buttery puff pastry. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe brings a touch of bakery magic right into your kitchen with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting that ideal balance of texture and flavor—from the flaky puff pastry that provides the perfect foundation to the fresh strawberries that add vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Puff pastry sheet: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra freshness and flakiness.
- Cream cheese, softened: This smooth and tangy base makes the filling irresistibly creamy.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a silky texture in the cream cheese mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor.
- Lemon juice: Provides a subtle zing that brightens the entire pastry.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: The star fruit that delivers juicy bursts of sweetness and lively color.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled over strawberries to enhance sweetness and create a slight glaze when baked.
- Egg: Used for the egg wash to give the pastry a beautiful golden shine.
- Milk: Mixed with the egg for the perfect brush-on glaze.
- Optional powdered sugar: For dusting to add an elegant finishing touch.
How to Make Strawberry Danish Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your pastries bake evenly and prevents them from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut it into four equal squares or rectangles depending on your preference. This even sizing helps your Danish pastries bake uniformly, giving you that professional finish.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what makes the pastry delightfully rich yet refreshing.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastries
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border around the edges. This border is crucial because it lets you fold and seal the pastry later without the filling leaking out.
Step 5: Add the Strawberries and Sugar
Top the cream cheese layer with sliced fresh strawberries. Then sprinkle with granulated sugar to bring out the strawberries’ natural sweetness and help them caramelize beautifully while baking.
Step 6: Fold and Seal the Pastries
Gently fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling to form a neat square or rectangle, sealing the edges carefully by pressing down. This step helps contain the juicy filling and creates that charming Danish shape.
Step 7: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this mixture onto the edges of each pastry. The egg wash promotes a stunning golden-brown color and adds a lovely sheen that makes your pastries look irresistible.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the pastries on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden-brown. The puff pastry’s layers will flake delightfully, creating that signature Danish texture.
Step 9: Cool and Finish
Allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes once out of the oven. For an extra touch of elegance, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving—it’s a simple flair that elevates the whole experience.
Step 10: Enjoy Warm
Serve your Strawberry Danish Puff Pastry Recipe warm to enjoy the crisp puff pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries at their absolute best. This is where comfort meets celebration on a plate.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
Consider fresh mint leaves or a light drizzle of honey to enhance flavor and presentation. A small dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon can also add delightful nuances that surprise and please the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Danish with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fruity herbal tea for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread. A side of Greek yogurt or a simple fruit salad can complement the pastry’s sweetness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Danish on rustic wooden boards or elegant dessert plates to impress guests. Try layering the pastries with edible flowers or arranging them alongside strawberry slices to emphasize the fresh fruit element visually and tastefully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Danish pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling fresh, although it’s always best enjoyed the day it’s baked.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the Danish individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating to maintain that fresh-baked texture.
Reheating
Warm leftover Danish pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back the flaky crispness and warms the filling gently, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this Strawberry Danish Puff Pastry Recipe because they hold their shape and moisture better during baking. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy pastry.
What’s the best puff pastry to use?
Both homemade and quality store-bought puff pastry work wonderfully. Store-bought is convenient and reliable, while homemade adds an extra touch of buttery richness if you have time.
Can I make these Danish pastries vegan?
Yes! Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk for the egg wash, or simply omit the egg wash and brush with melted coconut oil for that golden finish.
How long will these pastries stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. Beyond that, the puff pastry may lose some flakiness, so freezing is a great option for extended freshness.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can be delicious alternatives or additions, allowing you to customize this Strawberry Danish Puff Pastry Recipe to your taste and season.
Final Thoughts
If you want to wow your friends or simply treat yourself, the Strawberry Danish Puff Pastry Recipe is a wonderful choice that feels both special and approachable. With its flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh fruit, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. So roll up your sleeves, bake some magic, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Strawberry Danish Puff Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in this easy-to-make Strawberry Danish recipe featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy vanilla-lemon cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fruit Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares or rectangles based on your preferred size and shape for the danish.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat the mixture until smooth, creamy, and well incorporated for a luscious filling.
- Assemble the danish: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each puff pastry square, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to seal later.
- Add the strawberries: Top the cream cheese layer with the sliced fresh strawberries, then sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the strawberries to enhance sweetness and create a slight glaze while baking.
- Shape the pastry: Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling to form a neat square or rectangle shape, pressing gently on the edges to seal and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Whisk together the egg and milk in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to brush this egg wash onto the folded pastry edges to give the danish a shiny, golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake the danish: Place the prepared pastries onto the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and finish: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the strawberry danish warm as a delightful breakfast or dessert treat and savor the creamy, fruity flavors combined with flaky pastry.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, chill the puff pastry before rolling out.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen but thawed strawberries can be used.
- Brush the egg wash carefully to avoid getting it on the fruit or cream cheese to prevent burning.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Warm the danishes slightly before serving to restore flakiness.
