Description
Delight in flaky, buttery strawberry danishes made with puff pastry and a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling. Fresh strawberries add vibrant flavor and a beautiful presentation, while optional toppings like warm strawberry jam or a smooth vanilla glaze take these easy-to-make pastries to the next level—a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Danish Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)
Toppings
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional for topping)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Let the puff pastry thaw at room temperature for about 30 – 45 minutes to soften. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper for baking.
- Prepare Strawberries: In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat all strawberries and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to macerate and thicken.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Blend in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined and creamy. Adjust sweetness if desired.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut along the folded lines. Then slice each long rectangle in half to form six smaller rectangles total. Using a paring knife, gently score a ¼-inch border inside each rectangle without cutting all the way through to allow for puffing.
- Assemble Danishes: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each rectangle within the scored border. Arrange sliced strawberries decoratively over the cream cheese. Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if using.
- Chill Before Baking: If the pastry feels warm or sticky, refrigerate the assembled danishes on the baking sheets for 15-20 minutes to ensure a better puff and crispness during baking.
- Bake: Bake the danishes for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the danishes to cool on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Add Toppings: Warm strawberry jam and brush over each danish or drizzle with a vanilla glaze prepared by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Best enjoyed warmed slightly in a toaster oven or conventional oven within a few hours after baking for optimum texture and flavor.
- Chilling the assembled danishes before baking enhances puff pastry rise and crispness.
- Optional toppings like powdered sugar, jam, or glaze add sweetness and visual appeal.