Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
There’s nothing quite as delightful as pulling a freshly baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish from the oven—trust me, this is the breakfast pastry I make when I want to bring joy to my family (or anyone in need of a serious treat!). Flaky, golden puff pastry wraps around a dreamy filling of sweetened cream cheese and either glossy strawberry jam or juicy fresh strawberries, finished with a vanilla-scented glaze that feels like a bakery-level flourish right at home. If you’re looking for a combination of ease, beauty, and flavor, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is an absolute must-have for your morning table or your next special brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe keeps things wonderfully simple—just a handful of ingredients deliver both stunning looks and that signature fluffy, creamy texture with a punch of fruity brightness. Each component brings something important to the table, so don’t skip a thing!
- Puff pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is the secret to that unmistakable Danish flakiness with zero fuss—just thaw and you’re halfway to pastry perfection.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Creates the rich, tangy base filling that pairs perfectly with strawberries; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds gentle sweetness to balance the cream cheese’s tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, bakery-style aroma and a touch of complexity to the filling.
- Strawberry jam or fresh strawberries (1/2 cup): Use jam for a luscious, glossy finish, or go with fresh sliced berries for a burst of real fruit flavor and vibrant color.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed over the surface, this gives that beautiful golden brown, glossy finish.
- Milk (1 tablespoon for egg wash; 1–2 teaspoons for glaze): Helps the egg wash and glaze set just right—don’t skip it!
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sifted and mixed into a quick glaze, this makes the perfect sweet drizzle to finish.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready when your pastries are assembled. This ensures your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish puffs up just right and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is what makes the inside of every Danish irresistible—it’s worth giving it an extra whip to banish any lumps!
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet, just enough to smooth any creases and make a bit extra room for that beautiful filling. Slice the pastry into four equal squares to create the base for each Danish.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Spoon a generous dollop of your cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Top each mound with a spoonful of strawberry jam or several fresh strawberry slices—your kitchen will already be smelling amazing at this point!
Step 5: Shape and Seal
To create that classic Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish look, fold the corners of each square in towards the center to form a pinwheel or envelope shape, pressing lightly to seal the dough at the center so the filling stays put as it bakes.
Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash
Beat one egg with a tablespoon of milk for your egg wash, then gently brush over the exposed pastry. This gives each Danish that lovely golden sheen and enhances the crispy, flaky crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed, deeply golden, and the filling is just set.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
While the danishes are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and 1–2 teaspoons milk to make a quick glaze. Once the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish are fresh from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle with glaze for that bakery-worthy finish. Serve warm for the ultimate treat!
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle the danish with a little powdered sugar or scatter a few extra fresh strawberry slices and a handful of mint leaves on top. If you love citrus, a fine zesting of lemon over the glaze can make the flavors pop even more.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish with a velvety latte, a cup of hot tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. For brunch, they’re fantastic alongside a fruit salad, some savory scrambled eggs, or crispy bacon to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the danishes on a rustic wooden board for that cozy, bakery-cafe vibe—add ramekins of extra jam, a dish of whipped cream, or even small bowls of chopped nuts for sprinkling. Mini danishes can also be made for a breakfast buffet or dessert platter, perfect for sharing with a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), store the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the pastry from getting soggy and the filling fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the danishes to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month—just hold off on the glaze until you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat your danishes by baking them (not microwaving!) in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. This will revive the pastry’s crispiness and warm the creamy center. Add your glaze after reheating for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit or jam in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the strawberry cream cheese danish is both classic and crowd-pleasing, you can easily swap in raspberry, blueberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam. Fresh fruit works beautifully too—just slice thin and pat dry so the pastry bakes up crisp.
Do I need to thaw the puff pastry first?
Yes, for best results let your puff pastry thaw in the fridge until pliable but still cold—working with fully thawed dough ensures easy rolling and shaping, so the danish bake up beautifully flaky and puffed.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out during baking?
Be sure not to overfill each pastry—just a heaping spoonful of filling and topping is plenty. Press the corners tightly when shaping and bake on parchment to catch any stray drips. Even if a little leaks, they’ll still taste amazing!
Can I make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish the night before?
You can assemble the danishes up to the egg wash step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply brush with egg wash and bake fresh—nothing beats that just-baked smell waking everyone up!
Is there a dairy-free or vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Look for dairy-free cream cheese and vegan puff pastry (many brands are naturally dairy-free), and use a plant-based milk for the glaze and egg wash substitute. The final result will still be flaky, creamy, and decadent.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is one of those kitchen projects that truly feels (and tastes) like a special occasion, even on an ordinary day. Give this recipe a try—share it with family, bring a few to the office, or enjoy a lazy weekend with a warm, flaky, berry-filled pastry that’s sure to brighten any moment!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and juicy strawberries with this easy-to-make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe. Perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or sliced fresh strawberries
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble Pastries: Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares, place cream cheese mixture and strawberries, fold, and seal.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Mix beaten egg with milk, brush over pastries.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm pastries before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can use other fruit jams for variety.
- Best served fresh on the same day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Danish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
