Imagine waking up to the scent of buttery puff pastry, sweet strawberries, and creamy vanilla-scented filling. With this Easy Strawberry Danish Recipe, you can bring bakery-style pastries right into your kitchen!
Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a quick weekend treat, or simply craving something sweet, these homemade strawberry Danishes are the perfect solution. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make, thanks to store-bought puff pastry.
Let’s dive into how you can create these golden, flaky, fruit-filled pastries from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-quality results at home – Light, flaky, and filled with delicious flavor.
- Quick and easy – No complicated steps or special equipment required.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Customizable – You can swap out the fruit, add different glazes, or experiment with fillings.
Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Danish Recipe
Here’s everything you need to create these delicious homemade pastries.
For the Strawberry Topping
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
Strawberries (sliced) | 4 cups | Adds natural sweetness and fresh flavor |
Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | Helps thicken the strawberry mixture |
Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon | Enhances the sweetness of the berries |
For the Cream Cheese Filling
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
Cream cheese (room temperature) | 8 oz (226g) | Creates a rich, creamy texture |
Powdered sugar | ½ cup (60g) | Sweetens the filling |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the flavor |
For the Danish Pastry
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
Puff pastry sheets (thawed) | 2 sheets | Provides a light, flaky base |
Large egg | 1 (lightly beaten with 1 tsp water) | Helps with browning and sealing |
Sugar (for topping) | 2-3 tablespoons (optional) | Adds a crisp, golden finish |
For the Toppings
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
Strawberry jam (optional) | ¼ cup (60ml) | Adds extra fruitiness |
Powdered sugar | 1 cup (120g) | The base for the vanilla glaze |
Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | Enhances sweetness |
Milk | 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) | Adjusts the glaze consistency |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Strawberry Danish
1. Thaw the Puff Pastry & Preheat the Oven
- Take the puff pastry sheets out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
4. Cut & Score the Puff Pastry
- Unfold one puff pastry sheet into a square.
- Cut along the folded lines, then cut each section in half to make six rectangles.
- Lightly score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
5. Assemble the Danish
- Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry, staying inside the border.
- Decoratively layer the sliced strawberries on top.
- Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Sprinkle with sugar for extra crispiness (optional).
6. Chill the Pastries (Optional, but Recommended)
- If the puff pastry feels warm, chill the assembled Danishes in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
- This step ensures the pastry bakes flaky and puffed instead of becoming greasy.
7. Bake the Danish
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Add the Toppings
- Brush the warm Danishes with strawberry jam for extra shine (optional).
- For a vanilla glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled Danishes, then serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Danish

- Use high-quality puff pastry – It makes all the difference in the flakiness.
- Avoid overfilling – Too much filling can cause the pastries to become soggy.
- Chill before baking – This ensures the dough puffs up beautifully.
- Let them cool before glazing – If you add glaze while hot, it will melt off.
- Experiment with fruit – Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or peaches!
Variations & Substitutions
Want to change things up? Try these variations!
- Chocolate Strawberry Danish – Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
- Nutty Delight – Sprinkle sliced almonds over the glaze for extra crunch.
- Lemon Twist – Add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy boost.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use vegan cream cheese and non-dairy milk.
What to Serve with Strawberry Danish
These Danishes taste amazing with:
- Freshly brewed coffee or tea – A perfect pairing for breakfast.
- Whipped cream – Light and airy, it balances the richness.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – Turns it into an indulgent dessert!
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze unglazed Danishes in a single layer, then transfer to a ziplock bag.
- Store for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | ~220 |
Protein | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 26g |
Fat | 12g |
Fiber | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture.
2. Do I have to use puff pastry?
No, you can use crescent roll dough or homemade pastry instead.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them in advance and add the glaze just before serving.
4. How do I keep the pastry flaky?
Chill before baking and avoid overhandling the dough.
5. Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Try peaches, raspberries, or blueberries.
6. How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Don’t overload with filling, and bake at a high temperature.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Bakery-Style Treat
This Easy Strawberry Danish Recipe is a must-try for any pastry lover. With its flaky layers, creamy filling, and fresh fruit topping, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a bakery-quality Danish from the comfort of your home!
Print
Easy Strawberry Danish Recipe: A Flaky, Fruity Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 Danishes
Description
Wake up to the delicious scent of buttery puff pastry, sweet strawberries, and creamy vanilla filling with this Easy Strawberry Danish Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade Danishes are simple to make and will bring a touch of bakery-style magic to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Danish Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 tsp water)
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar (optional)
For the Toppings:
- ¼ cup (60ml) strawberry jam (optional)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Thaw the Puff Pastry & Preheat the Oven: Let the puff pastry thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness.
- Cut & Score the Puff Pastry: Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut it into six rectangles. Lightly score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
- Assemble the Danish: Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry. Layer sliced strawberries on top. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar for extra crispiness.
- Chill the Pastries: If the pastry feels warm, chill the assembled Danishes in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake the Danish: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Add the Toppings: Brush with strawberry jam (optional) for extra shine. Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled Danishes.
Notes
- High-quality puff pastry is key to getting that flaky, golden texture.
- Don’t overfill – too much filling can make the pastry soggy.
- Chill before baking – This helps the dough puff up beautifully.
- Let them cool before glazing – If you add the glaze while hot, it will melt off.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American