Introduction
Strawberry Danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with creamy cheese and topped with fresh, vibrant strawberries. This treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special snack. Its balance of rich creaminess and fresh fruit flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Perfect for:
- Breakfast and brunch
- Holiday celebrations
- Dessert platters
- Morning coffee companions
- Elegant homemade gifts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought puff pastry for simplicity.
- Flaky and Buttery: A golden, crisp pastry base.
- Creamy and Fruity: Cream cheese filling paired with fresh strawberries.
- Visually Stunning: Beautiful, glossy pastries that look bakery-made.
- Versatile: Customize with other fruits or flavors.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Servings: 8 pastries
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 8 equal squares. Place on the baking sheet.
Make the Filling:
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon a tablespoon of the filling into the center of each pastry square.
Assemble and Bake:
- Top each pastry with sliced strawberries.
- Fold the corners of the pastry slightly inward.
- Brush edges with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Finish:
- Optionally brush warm pastries with strawberry jam for a glossy finish.
- Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
How to Serve
- With Coffee or Tea: Ideal for a morning treat.
- For Brunch: Add to a spread of savory and sweet dishes.
- Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Snack: A perfect mid-afternoon indulgence.
Additional Tips
- Keep Pastry Cold: Cold puff pastry ensures the best flakiness.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Ripe berries deliver the best flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading with filling to prevent leaks.
- Chill Assembled Pastries: Refrigerate before baking for a sharper shape.
Recipe Variations
- Mixed Berry Danish: Add blueberries or raspberries.
- Chocolate Strawberry Danish: Drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Almond Strawberry Danish: Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Strawberry Lemon Danish: Add lemon zest to the filling.
- Peach Strawberry Danish: Combine peach slices with strawberries.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 1 month and bake directly from frozen.
- Storage: Store baked pastries in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
Strawberry Danish is a quick, elegant pastry that blends buttery layers, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is simple yet impressive, making it a delightful homemade treat to share and enjoy.
