Strawberry Danish

Introduction

Strawberry Danish is a delightful pastry made with flaky puff pastry, a creamy cheese filling, and sweet, tangy strawberry topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy recipe allows you to create bakery-quality treats at home. With a balance of buttery crust, creamy filling, and fruity sweetness, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I first made this pastry for a weekend brunch, and it was an instant hit with my family. The combination of the crispy pastry and the smooth, slightly tangy cheese filling is absolutely delicious. The fresh strawberries add a vibrant pop of color and flavor, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and savory. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can switch up the fruit or add a drizzle of glaze to customize it to your liking.

These Strawberry Danish pastries are surprisingly simple to prepare, with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re impressing guests at a brunch gathering or treating yourself to a special breakfast, these danishes will always be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast and brunch spreads
• Desserts or tea-time treats
• Quick homemade pastries
• Special occasions like Mother’s Day or holidays

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Danish

Here’s why Strawberry Danish will become your new favorite pastry:

• Simple Yet Elegant: Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
• Flaky and Buttery Pastry: Puff pastry creates layers of light, crispy goodness.
• Creamy Filling: A smooth cream cheese layer balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily switch up the fruit or add your own twist.
• Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes with store-bought puff pastry.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 8 pastries
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 28g, Fat: 16g, Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Danish:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh mint leaves, for decoration

Ingredient Highlights

• Puff Pastry: The flaky, buttery base is what makes this pastry irresistible. Store-bought puff pastry saves time without sacrificing quality.
• Cream Cheese Filling: The rich and tangy filling complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry topping to create a glossy, jam-like consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Danish:

Prepare the Pastry Base:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into 8 equal rectangles or squares. Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Score the Pastry: Use a knife to lightly score a smaller rectangle about 1/2 inch from the edge of each pastry piece, creating a border. This helps the edges puff up.
4. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the borders with beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

5. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
6. Add the Filling to Pastries: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry, staying within the scored border.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

7. Cook the Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy (about 3-5 minutes). Let it cool slightly.
8. Add Topping: Spoon the cooled strawberry mixture over the cream cheese filling on each pastry.

Bake and Serve:

9. Bake the Pastries: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and puffed.
10. Cool and Garnish: Allow the pastries to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

How to Serve Strawberry Danish

Strawberry Danish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments:

• With Coffee or Tea: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat.
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Pair with other pastries, fresh fruit, and yogurt.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
• On Its Own: Enjoy as a standalone snack or dessert, warm or at room temperature.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Danish

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Danish turns out perfectly every time:

• Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Let the puff pastry thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the pastries with filling to prevent spillage during baking.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries yield the best flavor and texture.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the pastries to cool slightly so the filling sets and is easier to eat.
• Add a Cream Cheese Filling: For extra richness, spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese underneath the strawberries.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the pastry with filling, as it could spill over while baking and make a mess.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the Danish from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
• Serve Warm: Danish pastries are best enjoyed warm, so serve them shortly after they cool enough to handle.
• Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: For a sweet finishing touch, dust the finished Danish with powdered sugar just before serving.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Danish

Here are 10 variations to customize your Strawberry Danish:

1. Mixed Berry Danish: Combine strawberries with blueberries and raspberries.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Danish: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pastries.
3. Almond Danish: Sprinkle sliced almonds on the edges before baking.
4. Lemon Strawberry Danish: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
5. Nutella Danish: Swap the cream cheese filling for a layer of Nutella.
6. Peach and Strawberry Danish: Add sliced peaches alongside the strawberries.
7. Glazed Strawberry Danish: Drizzle a simple icing made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled pastries.
8. Savory Danish: Use cream cheese and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs instead of fruit for a savory twist.
9. Strawberry Cheesecake Danish: Add graham cracker crumbs to the cream cheese filling.
10. Strawberry Danish Braid: Use the same ingredients to create a braided puff pastry instead of individual pastries.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Danish

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries by assembling them up to the filling stage, then freezing on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store baked pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Danish

Here are some tools to make preparing your Strawberry Danish even easier:

• Mini Cheesecake Pans – Small individual pans or silicone molds for baking the cheesecakes.
• Kitchen Torch – For caramelizing the sugar topping to achieve the classic crème brûlée effect.Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer – To smoothly blend the cheesecake filling.
• Baking Sheet – To hold the mini cheesecake pans during baking.
• Roasting Pan – Used for the water bath technique to prevent cracking while baking the cheesecakes.
• Sifter – For evenly distributing powdered sugar on top of the cheesecake.
• Offset Spatula – Ideal for smoothing the top of the cheesecake filling before baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To accurately measure the ingredients.
• Cooling Rack – To allow the cheesecakes to cool evenly after baking.
• Fine Mesh Strainer – For sifting the sugar before caramelizing or for straining the cheesecake filling to ensure smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Danish

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the pastries up to the filling stage and refrigerate them overnight. Add the strawberry topping just before baking.
3. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
   Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade puff pastry adds even more flavor and flakiness.
4. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
   Mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese can be used as alternatives.
5. Can I make a gluten-free version?
   Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Danish is an easy yet elegant pastry that’s perfect for any occasion. With flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and sweet strawberry topping, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a bakery-quality treat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this homemade delight will impress every time.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from a cozy morning at home to a special celebration. With its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to be a favorite with family and friends.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Danish turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!