Let me share one of my absolute favorite pastries with you: the Strawberry Danish! This treat has become a must-have for my morning routine, and I’m sure you’ll love it too. Imagine flaky, buttery layers of dough, filled with sweet, tangy strawberry jam, all topped with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. Every bite is like a little piece of heaven. The best part? It’s so simple to make at home, yet it feels like you’re biting into something from a fancy bakery.
I remember the first time I baked these Strawberry Danishes; I was in the kitchen, just experimenting with some leftover puff pastry. I wasn’t sure how they would turn out, but when they came out of the oven, the smell was irresistible. My family loved them so much that they quickly became a regular feature in our breakfast rotation. Now, whenever I bake these, I can’t help but smile, thinking about those fun mornings and the joy they bring to my family.
What I love most about these Strawberry Danishes is their versatility. You can use fresh strawberries, or if you’re short on time, strawberry jam or preserves work just as well. The cream cheese frosting adds that extra touch of indulgence, making it the perfect morning or afternoon treat. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a relaxing weekend, these Strawberry Danishes never fail to impress.
Let’s get into the details and see what you’ll need to make these delicious pastries!
What’s in Strawberry Danish?
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Puff Pastry: The base of this pastry is light, flaky puff pastry. It’s what gives the Danish its signature crispiness.
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Strawberry Jam or Fresh Strawberries: You can choose between strawberry jam for a quick, sweet filling, or fresh strawberries for a fresher, fruitier taste.
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Cream Cheese: The cream cheese filling gives the Danish a smooth, creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the jam.
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Sugar: To sweeten the cream cheese filling and make the jam shine.
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Egg Wash: An egg wash gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish when it bakes.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth to the cream cheese filling.
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Powdered Sugar (for the glaze): A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk drizzled over the top gives the Danish a sweet finish.
I promise you, these Strawberry Danishes are not just for special occasions. They’re the kind of treat you’ll want to make time and time again. Now, let’s dive into how you can bring these flaky, fruity delights to life in your kitchen!
Ingredients
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1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
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1/4 cup strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries, chopped)
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
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1 tsp milk (for glaze)
How to Make Strawberry Danish
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the pastries don’t stick while baking.
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Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.
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Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will serve as the base filling for your Danishes.
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Assemble the Danishes:
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Take each puff pastry square or rectangle and place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center.
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If you’re using strawberry jam, add a teaspoon of jam on top of the cream cheese. If you prefer fresh strawberries, add a few pieces of chopped strawberries on top instead.
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Fold the edges of the puff pastry over slightly to create a small border, leaving the filling exposed in the center.
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Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the edges of the pastry. This will give your Danishes that beautiful golden, shiny finish when they bake.
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Bake the Danishes: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
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Prepare the Glaze: While the Danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
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Glaze the Danishes: Once the Danishes are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. This adds a sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese and the fruity filling.
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Serve and Enjoy: These Danishes are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature. Enjoy your flaky, creamy, fruity treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Sweet Tips and Fun Variations
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Berry Medley: If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fun, colorful twist!
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Nutty Finish: Add some chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking for a little crunch and nutty flavor.
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Lemon Zest: A small sprinkle of lemon zest in the cream cheese filling will give the Danishes a fresh, zesty kick.
These Strawberry Danishes are truly a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast or serving them as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to be a hit. And, trust me, once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought pastries again. Enjoy!
How to Make Strawberry Danish
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pastry bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
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Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a clean, lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into even squares or rectangles. Each piece will serve as the base for your Danish, so size them according to how large you want each pastry.
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Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This rich filling is what gives the Danish its creamy texture and tangy flavor that pairs so well with the sweet strawberries.
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Assemble the Danishes:
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Take each puff pastry square and place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Be sure not to overfill, as the cream cheese needs some space to stay in the middle without overflowing.
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Add a dollop of strawberry jam or a few slices of fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling. If you’re using fresh strawberries, feel free to slice them thinly for a more even spread.
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Carefully fold up the edges of the pastry to form a little border around the filling. The center should still be exposed, showcasing the cream cheese and fruit.
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Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of the puff pastry. This will help the pastry turn golden brown and glossy while baking.
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Bake the Danishes: Arrange the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up around the edges.
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Make the Glaze: While the Danishes are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner glaze. It should be smooth and pourable.
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Drizzle the Glaze: Once the Danishes are done baking and have slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over each one. You can be generous with the glaze, or just add a light drizzle depending on your preference.
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Serve and Enjoy: These warm Strawberry Danishes are best served fresh out of the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or simply as an indulgent treat for any time of the day.
Sweet Tips and Fun Variations
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Fresh Fruit Twist: If you’re not a fan of strawberry jam, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings such as raspberry or blueberry jam, or even a mix of fresh berries.
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Crispy Edges: For an extra crispy and flaky pastry, sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking. It’ll caramelize and give your Danishes a delightful crunch.
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Cinnamon Sugar: If you love cinnamon, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the fruit.
These Strawberry Danishes are a great addition to any brunch spread or afternoon snack. The combination of the flaky pastry, sweet strawberries, and creamy filling is simply irresistible. I promise, once you bake these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of fruit for these Danishes?
Absolutely! While strawberries are a classic choice, you can easily switch them out for other fruits. Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries would work wonderfully. If you prefer a more tropical twist, try using mango or pineapple. You could also experiment with a combination of fruits to create a colorful and flavorful filling.
2. Can I make the puff pastry from scratch?
Yes, you can definitely make your puff pastry from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. Homemade puff pastry will give your Danishes an even flakier, buttery texture. However, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and easy option that still yields delicious results. If you’re short on time, I highly recommend going with the store-bought option for convenience.
3. How do I store leftover Strawberry Danishes?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. You can also freeze the Danishes for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
4. Can I prepare these Danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components of the Danishes ahead of time. Assemble the pastries and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This way, you’ll have freshly baked Danishes in no time. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure they bake evenly.
Print
Strawberry Danish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 Danishes 1x
Description
These Strawberry Danishes are the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and flaky. Made with puff pastry, a rich cream cheese filling, and topped with juicy strawberries, they’re a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. Whether you’re serving them at brunch or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these Danishes will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
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1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 cup strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries, sliced)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
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1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
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1–2 tsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into squares or rectangles.
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Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Assemble Danishes: Place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square. Add a dollop of strawberry jam or fresh strawberry slices on top.
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Fold the Pastry: Fold up the edges of the puff pastry around the filling to create a rustic border.
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Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
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Bake: Bake the pastries for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
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Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze.
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Drizzle Glaze: Once the Danishes are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over them.
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Serve: Enjoy your fresh, warm Strawberry Danishes with coffee or tea!
Notes
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If you prefer, substitute the strawberry jam with fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist.
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For an extra crunch, add some chopped nuts on top before baking.
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These Danishes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes