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