Kimberley-Bowen If you’re looking for a bakery-style treat that’s easy to make at home, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a must-try! It features a flaky puff pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese and juicy strawberry filling, all topped with a delicious glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this recipe includes:
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
- Once it reaches a jam-like consistency, remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry
- Lightly flour your surface and unroll the puff pastry. Gently roll it out to smooth any seams. Place the pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly down the center of the pastry.
Step 5: Cut and Fold the Pastry
Make small slits at both ends of the pastry (about 1 inch long) and fold them over the filling to seal. Then, cut diagonal strips along both sides of the pastry, about 1 inch apart.
Step 6: Add the Strawberry Filling
Once the strawberry filling has cooled, spoon half of it over the cream cheese layer.
Step 7: Create the Braid Effect
Starting from one side, fold the pastry strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look. Make sure to tuck in the ends to keep the filling secure.
Step 8: Bake the Danish
Brush the top of the pastry with egg wash and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the Danish is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (or heavy cream) in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once the Danish is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling it with the glaze. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is the perfect mix of flaky, creamy, and fruity goodness. It looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make! Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with coffee, it’s sure to impress.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
- Once it reaches a jam-like consistency, remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry
- Lightly flour your surface and unroll the puff pastry. Gently roll it out to smooth any seams. Place the pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly down the center of the pastry.
Step 5: Cut and Fold the Pastry
Make small slits at both ends of the pastry (about 1 inch long) and fold them over the filling to seal. Then, cut diagonal strips along both sides of the pastry, about 1 inch apart.
Step 6: Add the Strawberry Filling
Once the strawberry filling has cooled, spoon half of it over the cream cheese layer.
Step 7: Create the Braid Effect
Starting from one side, fold the pastry strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look. Make sure to tuck in the ends to keep the filling secure.
Step 8: Bake the Danish
Brush the top of the pastry with egg wash and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the Danish is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (or heavy cream) in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once the Danish is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling it with the glaze. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: The strawberry filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Variations: Try using other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different twist
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
