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
Scale
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.
