Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are soft, flaky pastries filled with a creamy cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh, sweet strawberries. The combination of the buttery dough, smooth filling, and…
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are soft, flaky pastries filled with a creamy cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh, sweet strawberries. The combination of the buttery dough, smooth filling, and juicy fruit makes these danishes a delightful treat any time of day.
I love making these danishes for breakfast or a special snack because they feel fancy but are surprisingly easy to put together. The cream cheese filling adds just the right amount of tanginess that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Plus, the golden, crisp edges of the pastry are the best part to nibble on!
My favorite way to enjoy these danishes is fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also great for sharing with family and friends, especially during a weekend brunch or holiday gathering. If you want a little extra sweetness, a light drizzle of icing on top makes them extra special. These treats always bring a smile to the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry gives these danishes their flaky, buttery texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, a croissant dough or even phyllo dough could work, but puff pastry is best for that classic rise and layers.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese makes the filling smooth and creamy with a slight tang. If you want a lighter option, try mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but keep it thick enough so it doesn’t leak out.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries offer juicy sweetness and a bright color. You can swap with frozen berries if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain them well to keep the pastry from getting soggy.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a warm, sweet aroma to both the filling and glaze. You can omit it or substitute with almond extract if you want a subtle nutty flavor twist.
How Do You Get the Puff Pastry Flaky and Golden Without It Getting Soggy?
One key step is scoring the inside square gently without cutting through the edges. This directs the puff pastry to rise around the filling and keep the edges thick and flaky.
- Roll the pastry out lightly to smooth creases, but don’t stretch it thin.
- Apply egg wash only on the edges to help browning, avoiding the filling area.
- Bake at the right temperature—400°F (200°C) will help the layers puff up quickly before the filling heats through.
- Don’t overload with filling; too much cream cheese or fruit may release moisture and weigh down the pastry.
- Let the danishes cool a bit on a rack to keep the bottom crisp instead of steaming from the hot pan.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – big enough to hold all danishes without crowding for even baking.
- Parchment paper – stops danishes from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for blending cream cheese filling smoothly.
- Whisk or fork – helps mix cream cheese and glaze ingredients without lumps.
- Sharp knife – needed to score the pastry and cut it into neat squares.
- Pastry brush – great for applying egg wash to get golden edges.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist that pairs well with cream cheese.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to cream cheese filling for a bright, fresh flavor boost.
- Mix chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top for extra crunch and richness.
- Spoon a little raspberry or apricot jam under the cream cheese for added sweetness and color contrast.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for glaze)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. You’ll also need about 5 minutes for cooling and glazing the danishes before serving. Overall, expect around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and impressive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Pastry:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet gently to smooth any creases. Cut it into 4 equal squares.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the tasty base of your danish filling.
3. Shape the Danishes:
Using a sharp knife, gently score a smaller square inside each pastry piece about ½ inch from the edges. Be careful not to cut all the way through — this helps the edges puff up around the filling.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling into the center of each square, spreading it inside the scored area.
Next, arrange the sliced strawberries evenly on top of the cream cheese layer.
4. Egg Wash and Bake:
Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture on the outer edges of each pastry square to give a beautiful golden color once baked.
Place the danishes on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
5. Make the Glaze and Finish:
While your danishes bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. When the danishes come out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the tops.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the danishes warm or at room temperature to enjoy the flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry flavor all together. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before using to prevent soggy pastry.
How Should I Store Leftover Danishes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the pastry flaky.
Can I Make the Danishes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the danishes, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh within a day for the best texture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can try using croissant dough or phyllo dough, but puff pastry will give the best flaky, buttery result.
