Strawberry Danish Recipe
If you’re searching for a treat that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, look no further than this Strawberry Danish. Buttery, flaky pastry surrounds a creamy, tangy center, with ribbons of sweet strawberry jam and fresh berries peeking through. Each bite is a celebration of textures and flavors that will transport you to your favorite bakery, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. This Strawberry Danish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Danish lies in its simplicity: just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one has a unique role, from adding richness and tang to giving that irresistible, golden finish.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): This is the secret to those signature flaky, buttery layers. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Lends a luscious, creamy base that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds irresistible warmth and depth of flavor.
- Lemon zest (1/2 tsp, optional): Gives a fresh, zippy brightness that makes the filling pop.
- Strawberry jam or preserves (1/2 cup): Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds a jammy, juicy layer.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, sliced): Provide bursts of freshness and beautiful color.
- Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash): Helps the pastry bake up golden and glossy.
- Water (1 tbsp): Loosens the egg wash for even brushing.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for glaze): Makes a smooth, sweet glaze for that classic bakery finish.
- Milk (1–2 tsp, for glaze): Thins the glaze to a drizzle-worthy consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp, for glaze): Gives the glaze an extra hint of flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Danish
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Strawberry Danish won’t stick and will come off the tray with those glorious, crisp bottoms intact.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of lemon zest if you’re using it. Mix until the filling is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps—this will make every bite of your Strawberry Danish extra luscious.
Step 3: Shape and Score the Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into six equal rectangles. Take a sharp knife and gently score a smaller rectangle about 1/2 inch inside each piece, being careful not to cut all the way through. This gives your danish that bakery-style raised edge.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Spread a generous spoonful of your cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored lines. Top with about a tablespoon of strawberry jam, then arrange a few slices of fresh strawberries on top. This combo is what gives Strawberry Danish its signature sweet and tangy flavor.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk together the beaten egg and water, then brush the edges of each pastry with the mixture. This will help the Strawberry Danish bake up beautifully golden and shiny around the edges.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your assembled pastries to the lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the danishes are puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack so the filling sets and the bottoms stay crisp.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
While the danishes cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over each cooled Strawberry Danish for that irresistible bakery-style finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, dust your Strawberry Danish with a little powdered sugar, add a few mint leaves, or sprinkle with sliced almonds for crunch. A light glaze is classic, but a dollop of whipped cream never hurts!
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Danish with a fresh fruit salad, a bowl of creamy yogurt, or a hot cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast or brunch spread. It also shines alongside scrambled eggs or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Strawberry Danish on a pretty platter lined with parchment for a rustic look, or arrange them in a neat circle for a festive centerpiece. You could even make mini versions for a brunch buffet or a tea party—guaranteed to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Danish left over (though they tend to disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry will stay crisp for the first day, but a quick reheat will revive any leftovers.
Freezing
Strawberry Danish can be frozen after baking and cooling completely. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and stash in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked taste and flakiness, pop your Strawberry Danish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable—try blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of your favorite berries for a twist on the classic Strawberry Danish.
Can I make Strawberry Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the danishes up to the point before baking, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a warm, bakery-style treat!
Is homemade or store-bought puff pastry better?
Store-bought puff pastry works beautifully for Strawberry Danish and saves a lot of time, but if you love making pastry from scratch, go for it—the results will be even more impressive.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to stay inside the scored lines when adding the filling, and avoid overfilling. The raised edges help contain the jam and cream cheese as the pastry puffs up.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can! Use vegan puff pastry, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, and use plant-based milk in the glaze. Skip the egg wash or use a little plant milk for shine.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about pulling a tray of fresh Strawberry Danish from the oven—watching the golden pastry puff up and catching that first whiff of sweet berries and vanilla. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with the people you love. Happy baking!
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Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture, sweet strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries, then topped with a light vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these danishes are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection, making a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the danishes don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the rich center of the danish.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Score a smaller rectangle about 1/2 inch from the edge of each piece without cutting all the way through; this creates a border that will puff up during baking.
- Assemble the Danishes: Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each scored rectangle. Add about 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam on top, then place a few slices of fresh strawberries over the jam for extra flavor and texture.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush this egg wash around the edges of each piece of pastry. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: While the danishes cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use store-bought strawberry jam or homemade for a personalized flavor.
- Best enjoyed fresh the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Experiment with other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries as a delicious alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
