Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

If you dream about bakery-fresh breakfasts, you’ll absolutely adore this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish. Buttery puff pastry, a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling, and juicy, glistening strawberries come together for a homemade treat that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s surefire proof that a little effort—and a handful of quality ingredients—can give you pastry-shop results right in your own kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday items can transform into something completely luxurious. Each ingredient in this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe adds its own magic—think flaky layers, creamy centers, and glistening berries that make each bite unforgettable.

• Strawberries: Fresh and vibrant, these give your danish its signature fruity burst; slicing them ensures you get sweet-tart goodness in every bite.
• Cornstarch: Just a spoonful here thickens the berry juices so your pastries stay crisp, not soggy.
• Sugar: A little mixed with berries brings out their juices, while a sprinkle on top creates that candy-like pastry edge.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat and room temperature makes the smoothest, dreamiest filling—don’t skimp on this one!
• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the filling without any grittiness, plus it whisks easily into buttery-smooth glazes.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds cozy bakery aroma and brings together all the sweet flavors in both filling and glaze.
• Puff Pastry Sheets: Your shortcut to homemade danish perfection—store-bought puff pastry puffs up golden and gorgeous every time.
• Egg + Water: Brushed onto the pastry, this gives you that shiny, golden-brown finish you crave from your favorite bakery treats.
• Strawberry Jam (optional): For a glossy fruit finish—think of it as an edible topcoat that intensifies the berry flavor.
• Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze for drizzling just the right amount of vanilla-sweetness over your pastries.

Variations

There’s nothing I love more than a recipe you can truly make your own! This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is wildly adaptable—you can tweak, swap, and remix it for any craving, dietary need, or what’s in season.

• Braided Strawberry Danish: Instead of individual rectangles, make one large braided pastry for a stunning brunch centerpiece.
• No Cream Cheese Version: Skip the cream cheese for a lighter, all-strawberry filling—perfect for those who want something sweet but a little less rich.
• Mixed Berry Blend: Try a combination of berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) for a “berry patch” twist that’s just as easy and delicious.
• Almond Glaze: Swap the vanilla in the glaze for almond extract and scatter sliced almonds on top for a delightful nutty finish.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free puff pastry option and enjoy the danish magic without the gluten.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry, Strawberries, and Oven

Pull the puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature—30 to 45 minutes is ideal for easy handling. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two big baking sheets with parchment so everything’s ready to go without a sticky mess. Give your strawberries a quick wash and slice them to let those juicy centers shine.

Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries

Toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. This jumpstarts the “jammy” effect, drawing out those natural juices while the cornstarch works its thickening magic. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes at room temperature—it’ll smell amazing, and you’ll see the berry sauce forming right before your eyes.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and whip the room-temp cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, then blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Give it a taste—add a smidge more sugar or vanilla if you like. The goal? A luscious, sweet-tangy filling that’s utterly irresistible!

Step 4: Shape and Score the Pastry

Open your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet along the fold lines, then halve each long rectangle to create six smaller rectangles per sheet (twelve total). Use a paring knife to gently “score” a border about ¼ inch from the edge—don’t cut all the way through. This trick helps the edges puff up and frame your luscious filling.

Step 5: Fill and Assemble the Danishes

Spread about a tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry rectangle, staying inside your beautiful little border. Layer on the macerated strawberries so they nestle right into the filling. If you’d like a little shimmer, brush the pastry edges with beaten egg mixed with a dash of water, and dust the whole thing lightly with sugar.

Step 6: Chill, Bake, and Cool

If your puff pastry has gone soft while assembling, pop the prepared danishes (on their baking sheets!) into the fridge for 15–20 minutes—this helps maximize puff. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and flaky. Let your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish cool on the sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a rack so the bottoms stay crisp.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

When the danishes are cool, you can top them with a warm spoonful of strawberry jam for extra shine, a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle on a quick vanilla glaze (just whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth). Whichever you choose, prepare for plenty of oohs and aahs!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Garnishes

For that final showstopping touch, dust your cooled danishes with a snowy layer of powdered sugar or drizzle over a simple vanilla glaze—the contrast between the creamy white icing and ruby red strawberries is stunning! A few thinly sliced fresh strawberries or a mint sprig also gives a bakery-café vibe at home.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish with a cup of strong coffee, a pot of gently steeped tea, or even a fresh fruit salad for a truly luxurious brunch. For something extra special, a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes it practically dessert!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange mini danishes on a tiered platter for an irresistible centerpiece, or box up individual pastries with a ribbon for neighbor or teacher gifts. Create a “danish bar” at brunch with different toppings— bowls of glazes, jams, extra berries—so everyone can make their own perfect treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 days. Proper storage means the pastry stays tender and the berries fresh—just be sure to separate layers with parchment if you stack them, to avoid stickiness.

Freezing

These danishes freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze them without glaze or jam, and add those fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To recapture that “just-baked” magic, reheat your danish in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325°F for about 8-10 minutes. This brings back the buttery crispness and gently warms the filling—avoid microwaving, which can make puff pastry soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of pulling a tray of Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish from the oven—glistening strawberries, golden pastry, the sweet-scented promise of a bite to remember. Whether you’re treating overnight guests or just indulging in a little self-care brunch, this is the recipe to make your morning shine. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weekend ritual!

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