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
Scale
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
