Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
There is nothing quite as delightful as waking up to fresh, flaky pastries filled with creamy sweetness and juicy fruit. The Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe brings that bakery magic right into your kitchen with an irresistible combination of tender puff pastry, luscious cream cheese, and vibrant strawberries. This recipe is perfect for sharing at brunch, treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, or impressing guests with homemade, show-stopping pastries that taste as incredible as they look.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting those perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights. From the flaky puff pastry that provides the delicate, buttery base to the fresh strawberries that add bright, natural sweetness, each component harmonizes to create a balanced and delicious treat.
- 4 cups sliced strawberries: The star fruit offering juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry filling to prevent sogginess.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature: Creates a smooth, creamy filling that balances the tartness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling to luscious perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed: Provides light, flaky layers that puff up beautifully.
- 1 large egg lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water: The egg wash that delivers a golden, shiny finish.
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional: Adds a crunchy sugar crust if desired.
- ¼ cup strawberry jam, optional for topping: A glossy finish that boosts strawberry flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): The base of a sweet glaze to drizzle on top.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with extra flavor.
- 2 – 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by cleaning and slicing your fresh strawberries. Toss them gently with sugar and cornstarch, then let them sit for about 15 minutes. This rest allows the strawberries to release their juices, which will thicken slightly thanks to the cornstarch, giving you a juicy yet perfectly textured filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the strawberries macerate, mix your room temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This filling works like a dream, providing a velvety contrast to the juicy fruit when baked inside the flaky pastry.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares or rectangles—whatever size you prefer for your danishes. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each square, leaving space around the edges to seal. Then, top with a generous spoonful of the strawberry mixture. Carefully fold or pinch the edges if you like a closed pastry or leave them open for a rustic look. Don’t forget to brush the edges and tops with your beaten egg wash for that beautiful golden color after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place your assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. If you have time, chilling your pastries briefly beforehand can help maintain the shape and elevate the flakiness!
Step 5: Finish and Glaze
Once baked, you can spread a thin layer of warm strawberry jam over the top for extra gloss and sweetness. Alternatively, whip up a simple vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled pastries. Sprinkle some granulated sugar on top before baking if you love a crunchy finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your danishes adds an extra touch of charm. Fresh mint leaves, a dash of powdered sugar dusted lightly over the top, or some finely chopped pistachios can add color and texture, making each bite even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These danishes pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. For a brunch, complement them with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, arrange your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights on a tiered dessert stand or place them on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with edible flowers. You might even serve individual danishes with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of fresh strawberry for an elegant presentation that wows every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining their flavor and texture without becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled danishes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh danishes anytime without the fuss.
Reheating
Reheat leftover danishes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispness and warm the creamy filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, or the pastry might lose its flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the pastry soggy.
Is it necessary to use puff pastry, or can I substitute another dough?
Puff pastry is recommended for its flaky, buttery layers that define this recipe. While you could use other doughs like croissant dough, the texture and rise may differ from the classic danish experience.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature and stir lightly before assembling the pastries.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Be careful to leave enough space around the edges of the puff pastry squares to seal properly. Avoid overfilling, and use the egg wash as a “glue” to help seal the edges.
What can I do if I don’t have strawberry jam for topping?
No worries! You can skip the jam or substitute with a light brush of honey or a drizzle of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness and shine.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe at home is one of those rewarding kitchen adventures that fills your space with wonderful aromas and your heart with joy. Each bite captures a perfect balance of flaky, creamy, and fruity goodness that feels special yet so simple. Give this recipe a try and watch your loved ones fall in love with homemade pastries that are just as delightful as those from a fancy bakery!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights are flaky, buttery pastries filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with sweet, luscious strawberries. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful brunch, this easy-to-make recipe combines fresh fruit with creamy filling inside golden puff pastry, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Strawberry Filling
- 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
Puff Pastry & Toppings
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water (egg wash)
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping
Vanilla Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Clean and slice the strawberries, then gently mix them with the sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the fruit to release its juices and the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut them into desired sizes for individual danishes. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese filling onto each piece, then top with the strawberry mixture. Be careful not to overfill.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges and top of the filled puff pastry with the beaten egg and water mixture. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar on top for added sweetness and crispiness.
- Bake the Danishes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the prepared danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally brush the tops with warm strawberry jam for a glossy finish. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with the vanilla glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry sheets completely before using to ensure easier handling.
- For a firmer filling, drain excess juices from the strawberries after resting to prevent sogginess.
- The vanilla glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more or less milk.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore crispness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
