Strawberry Danish Pastry – Flaky, Sweet Breakfast Treat Recipe

If you have been searching for the perfect morning indulgence, then look no further than this delightful Strawberry Danish Pastry – Flaky, Sweet Breakfast Treat Recipe. This recipe features buttery, flaky puff pastry enveloping a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. Finished with a shimmer of warm strawberry jam or a silky vanilla glaze, these danishes bring a bakery-worthy experience right to your kitchen. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, these strawberry danishes embody the perfect balance of sweet, fresh, and flaky in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create this spectacular breakfast treat. Each component works harmoniously to deliver a delightful combination of taste, texture, and color you’ll fall in love with instantly.

• 4 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh and vibrant to provide the juicy, fruity topping that brightens the pastry.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberries so the filling stays perfectly luscious and not runny.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the strawberry mixture.
• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy base of the filling that’s rich and smooth for that irresistible texture.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and also used for the vanilla glaze topping.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and depth to both the filling and the glaze.
• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed: The star ingredient providing that iconic flaky, buttery crust that Danish pastries are known for.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water: Used to brush the pastry edges for a golden, glossy finish.
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar (optional for topping): Adds a gentle sparkle and crunch on top of the pastry.
• ¼ cup strawberry jam (optional): Warmed and drizzled for an extra layer of strawberry sweetness.
• Milk (2-3 tablespoons for glaze): Combines with powdered sugar and vanilla to make a perfect vanilla drizzle.

How to Make Strawberry Danish Pastry – Flaky, Sweet Breakfast Treat Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Puff Pastry

First things first, make sure your puff pastry sheets are thawed at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes so they unfold easily without cracking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your danishes from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the sugar and cornstarch. Toss so every strawberry slice is coated beautifully. This mixture needs to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to thicken the juices slightly — the sweet berry goodness intensifies with this little rest.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the strawberries are resting, whip up your cream cheese filling. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get a luscious, silky filling. Taste it and adjust sweetness if you like — this filling is the rich, dreamy duo partner that perfectly contrasts with the flaky pastry and fresh berries.

Step 4: Cut and Prepare the Puff Pastry Sheets

Unfold one sheet of the thawed puff pastry and cut it evenly into six smaller rectangles by slicing along the fold lines and then in half lengthwise. Use a small knife to score a border about ¼ inch from the edge without cutting all the way through. This scoring creates that iconic raised edge that holds your scrumptious fillings beautifully inside the pastry.

Step 5: Assemble the Danishes

Take a tablespoon of cream cheese filling and smooth it carefully into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying within the scored borders. Next, layer the coated strawberries decoratively on top of the cream cheese. Lightly brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, glossy crust once baked. If you love a sparkle topping, sprinkle a little sugar over the entire danish for some extra crunch and shine.

Step 6: Chill and Bake to Perfection

If your puff pastry feels sticky or soft from room temperature, pop the baking sheets into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to set. This chilling step is a secret to achieving those beautiful, lofty puffs. Bake the danishes for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is a light, golden brown and the kitchen smells heavenly. Once out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then move to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.

How to Serve Strawberry Danish Pastry – Flaky, Sweet Breakfast Treat Recipe

Garnishes

Drizzle warm strawberry jam or a velvety vanilla glaze on top right before serving. Both add a glossy finish and deepen the sweet flavor profiles, making your danishes look as stunning as they taste. A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the glaze can add that extra touch of bakery elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair these Strawberry Danish Pastries with a fresh fruit salad, a cup of rich coffee, or a glass of chilled orange juice to balance the sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to create a scrumptious sweet-and-savory spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your danishes on a beautiful rustic wooden board or pastel-colored platter to highlight their lovely red strawberry topping. You can also place each danish in a decorative cupcake liner for an elegant, grab-and-go presentation, perfect for brunch parties or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Danish Pastries store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. They taste fantastic at room temperature, so you can remove them from the fridge about an hour before eating.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these pastries ahead for a busy morning, you can freeze them before baking. Assemble the danishes on baking sheets and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh pastries.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the danishes into a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains its delightful crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use fresh frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Frozen strawberries tend to have more moisture, which can make the pastry soggy. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before mixing with cornstarch and sugar to avoid excess liquid.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative that melts and whips similarly. Just ensure it is full-fat for the best creamy texture.

Is puff pastry the only type of dough I can use?

Puff pastry is key to achieving the classic flaky texture of these danishes. While you could experiment with croissant dough, the flavor and flakiness will differ.

Can these be made ahead and baked fresh in the morning?

Absolutely. Assemble and chill the danishes overnight and bake fresh in the morning for a freshly baked, bakery-style breakfast with minimal effort.

How do I make the vanilla glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the milk quantities—add less milk for a thicker glaze that holds shape or more milk for a thinner glaze perfect for drizzling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a flaky, sweet pastry filled with fresh strawberries and creamy cheese, and this Strawberry Danish Pastry – Flaky, Sweet Breakfast Treat Recipe absolutely hits the mark. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up yet impressive enough to wow guests or just treat yourself to a special start. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this homemade classic as much as I have!

Print