Description
This delightful Strawberry Danish features flaky, golden pastry filled with creamy sweetened cheese and juicy fresh strawberries. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a crowd-pleasing dessert, this homemade pastry is surprisingly simple, using store-bought puff pastry for convenience while packing in all the charm of a bakery classic.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Danish Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
For Assembly:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare Strawberries: Toss the sliced strawberries with 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out juices and enhance sweetness.
- Shape the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet, and cut it into 4 equal squares. Place squares onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing apart.
- Add Filling and Strawberries: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Top with a few sugared strawberry slices.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the Danishes for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and deep golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Optional Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with just enough milk to form a thick, pourable glaze. Drizzle over slightly cooled Danishes for a sweet finish.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry completely in the fridge for best results in handling.
- Swap fresh strawberries for other berries such as raspberries or blueberries if desired.
- If using frozen fruit, thaw and drain well to avoid soggy pastry.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
- Danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated in the oven to recrisp the pastry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
