There's something magical about biting into a warm, flaky strawberry danish fresh from your own oven. This strawberry danish recipe brings together buttery puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet strawberry goodness in a way that rivals any professional bakery. I've been perfecting this recipe for years, and I can honestly say it's become my go-to for weekend brunches and special occasions.
What makes this strawberry danish truly special is how simple it is to create bakery-quality results at home. With just a few ingredients and some basic techniques, you'll have golden, flaky pastries that impress everyone. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates the perfect balance that keeps people coming back for more.
Background & Why This Strawberry Danish Recipe Stands Out
Danish pastries have been delighting taste buds for centuries, originating from Vienna and perfected in Denmark. This particular strawberry danish recipe takes the best of traditional techniques and simplifies them for the home baker. What sets this version apart is the use of high-quality puff pastry combined with a rich cream cheese filling that doesn't overpower the fresh strawberry flavors.
The beauty of this strawberry danish lies in its versatility and reliability. Unlike many complicated pastry recipes that require precise timing and temperatures, this approach gives you consistent results every time. The secret is in the balance ; the pastry stays crisp while the filling remains creamy, and the strawberries provide just enough sweetness without making the danish overly sugary. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply want to treat your family to something special, this recipe delivers professional results with minimal fuss.
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Ingredients
For the Pastry Base:
- Frozen puff pastry, thawed
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice
For the Strawberry Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, diced
- Strawberry jam
- Cornstarch
- Water
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice
- Mix until well combined and set aside
Step 2: Create the Strawberry Mixture
- Combine diced strawberries with strawberry jam in a small saucepan
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry
- Add the slurry to strawberries and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until thickened
- Remove from heat and let cool completely
Step 3: Assemble the Danish Pastries
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface
- Cut into 6 equal squares
- Place 2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling in the center of each square
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry mixture on top
- Fold corners toward center, creating a envelope-style pastry
- Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar
Step 4: Bake and Finish
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed
- Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes
- Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth
- Drizzle glaze over cooled pastries before serving
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect strawberry danish requires attention to a few key details that make all the difference in your final result.
Temperature Control
Keep your puff pastry cold while working with it. If it becomes too warm, the butter will melt and you'll lose those beautiful flaky layers. Work quickly and return the pastry to the refrigerator if it starts getting soft.
Filling Balance
Don't overfill your pastries. Too much filling will cause them to burst open during baking, creating a messy result. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
Egg Wash Technique
Apply the egg wash evenly but don't let it pool in the creases. This ensures even browning and that perfect golden color that makes bakery-style strawberry danish so appealing.
Cooling Process
Allow the pastries to cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing. Hot pastries will melt the glaze immediately, preventing that beautiful finish you want to achieve.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This versatile strawberry danish recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Fruit Variations
Substitute strawberries with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches for seasonal variety. You can also use a combination of berries for a mixed berry danish that's equally delicious.
Dietary Modifications
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar-free jam. Those following gluten-free diets can substitute with gluten-free puff pastry, though the texture will be slightly different.
Flavor Enhancements
Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a more sophisticated flavor profile. You can also incorporate lemon zest into the filling for a brighter, more citrusy taste.
Make-Ahead Options
Prepare the pastries completely but don't bake them. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes creating perfect strawberry danish much easier and more enjoyable.
Essential equipment includes a good rolling pin for working with puff pastry, a pastry brush for applying egg wash evenly, and a wire cooling rack for proper cooling. A sharp knife is crucial for cutting clean squares and dicing strawberries uniformly.
For best results, use heavy-duty baking sheets that won't warp in high heat. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. A whisk works perfectly for creating smooth, lump-free glaze that drizzles beautifully over your finished pastries.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage keeps your strawberry danish fresh and delicious for several days after baking.
Short-Term Storage
Store cooled pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The pastries are best reheated in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing Instructions
Unbaked assembled pastries freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Baked pastries can be frozen for up to 1 month, though they're best enjoyed fresh.
Make-Ahead Components
Prepare the cream cheese filling and strawberry mixture up to 2 days ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy when you're ready to bake your strawberry danish.
Reheating Tips
For best results, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave. This helps maintain the flaky texture of the puff pastry while warming the filling perfectly.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
The secret to exceptional strawberry danish lies in two simple techniques that most home bakers overlook. First, always brush the inside corners of your pastry squares with a tiny bit of water before folding ; this creates a better seal and prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
Second, place a small piece of parchment paper under each danish while baking. This prevents the bottom from getting too dark while allowing the pastry to cook through completely. These small details transform a good strawberry danish into an extraordinary one that rivals any professional bakery.
FAQ
What is strawberry danish?
A strawberry danish is a flaky pastry made with puff pastry or yeasted dough, filled with cream cheese and topped with sweetened strawberries, creating a perfect balance of buttery, creamy, and fruity flavors.
Why is it called a Danish?
Danish pastries get their name from Denmark, where bakers perfected the layered, buttery pastry technique in the 19th century, though the style actually originated from Viennese baking traditions.
What is the difference between a donut and a Danish pastry?
Unlike donuts which are fried and made from sweet dough, Danish pastries are baked and made from laminated dough with butter layers, creating a flakier, more complex texture and richer flavor.
What is the filling made of in a Danish?
Traditional Danish filling combines cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a smooth, tangy base that complements the sweet fruit toppings and buttery pastry layers.
Perfect Pairings for Your Strawberry Danish Feast
Your homemade strawberry danish pairs beautifully with other brunch favorites that create a complete morning spread. The delicate sweetness and flaky texture complement both hearty and light breakfast options, making it versatile for any occasion.
Consider serving alongside a rich Croissant Breakfast Casserole for those who want something more substantial, or pair it with a indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole for the ultimate comfort food brunch. These combinations create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have your guests talking about the meal long after they leave. The light, fruity notes of the strawberry danish provide a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes while still feeling like part of a cohesive menu.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Taylor Monroe
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Strawberry Danish Recipe
Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Whisk
- Wire cooling rack
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
- 2 tablespoon sugar granulated
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Strawberry Topping
- 1 ½ cups strawberries diced
- 2 tablespoon strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice until smooth.
- Simmer strawberries with jam, cornstarch slurry until thick. Cool.
- Roll puff pastry, cut squares, fill with cheese and strawberry mix, fold corners, brush with egg, sprinkle sugar.
- 400°F for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Rest pastries 10 minutes on rack.
- Whisk sugar, milk, vanilla. Drizzle over pastries before serving.
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