If there’s one treat that belongs on every breakfast table, it’s the Strawberry Danish. Imagine golden, flaky pastry filled with tangy cream cheese and jam, topped with fresh strawberries—each bite is a little celebration of sweet and creamy bliss. Whether you’re sharing with friends at brunch, treating your family, or just indulging in a quiet moment, this is the pastry that sparks joy and makes every morning brighter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great pastries start with simple, quality ingredients, and this Strawberry Danish is a perfect example. Each component brings something special to the table, contributing to that signature combination of crisp, creamy, and fruity layers.
- Puff Pastry Sheet (1, thawed): The flaky, buttery foundation that makes these danishes irresistible; allow it to thaw so it rolls and cuts smoothly.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): For that classic creamy filling—softening ensures your mixture turns out silky.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the cream cheese just enough for balance.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Adds depth of flavor and a gentle warmth to the creamy base.
- Strawberry Jam or Preserves (1/3 cup): Infuses the danish with concentrated strawberry flavor and a jammy texture.
- Fresh Strawberries (1/2 cup, diced): For bursts of juicy freshness that contrast beautifully with the rich filling.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): A simple wash that gives your pastry that shiny, golden finish.
- Water (1 tbsp): To mix with the egg and help the wash glide over the pastry.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting or glaze, optional): Perfect for a light, decorative touch when serving.
How to Make Strawberry Danish
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—you want that easy cleanup! Unfold or gently roll out your thawed puff pastry to even out any creases, then cut it into six equal rectangles. The puff pastry is the star of the show here, so treat it gently for maximum flakiness.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
Grab a small bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy—the filling should be luscious and easily spreadable. This tangy-sweet layer will balance all those strawberry notes later.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Pastries
Now, take each pastry rectangle and score a half-inch border around the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through. This little trick encourages a raised edge, so the filling stays nestled in the center. Spread about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the middle of each pastry, followed by a spoonful of strawberry jam and a sprinkle of diced strawberries. Fruity, creamy, and ready for baking!
Step 4: Finish with an Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the borders of each rectangle with the egg wash. This step gives your Strawberry Danish that gorgeous golden, bakery-style glow when baked—don’t skip it!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and deeply golden. The aroma is going to be utterly irresistible! Let cool for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack. If you like, finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze for that extra touch of elegance.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic, but drizzling a quick glaze over the top makes your Strawberry Danish look straight out of a patisserie. For extra flair, add a few fresh strawberry slices or even a bit of lemon zest on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Danish with a steaming mug of coffee or a pot of black tea. For brunch, consider adding bowls of mixed berries or a tangy Greek yogurt to balance the sweet richness of the pastry. Even a simple glass of orange juice compliments the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a brunch or potluck, stack the danishes on a tiered dessert stand or arrange them in a sunburst pattern on a serving platter. You can also bake the danish in smaller, mini versions using the same method—the perfect size for a dessert buffet or party tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow resist eating them all fresh, store Strawberry Danish leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together and preserve their crispness as much as possible.
Freezing
To freeze, let the danish cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Bring your Strawberry Danish back to life by warming it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This will crisp up the pastry again and gently warm the filling. Skip the microwave; it can make the puff pastry soggy instead of delectably crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them first to prevent too much liquid from making the pastry soggy. Dice them as you would fresh and proceed with the recipe.
Can I make Strawberry Danish ahead for brunch guests?
Absolutely—you can assemble the danish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just brush with egg wash and bake. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as your guests arrive!
What can I use instead of strawberry jam?
Feel free to swap in raspberry or blueberry jam, or even lemon curd for a zesty twist. The process remains exactly the same, but the flavor profile gets a fresh update.
How do I make the simple glaze for the topping?
Mix half a cup of powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until it reaches a drizzleable consistency. Pour over your cooled Strawberry Danish for a sweet, glossy finish.
Are Strawberry Danish pastries still good the next day?
While Strawberry Danish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, leftovers will keep their charm if stored properly and reheated. They may lose a little crispness, but the creamy, fruity filling still shines!
Final Thoughts
Give yourself the pleasure of baking—and enjoying—a fresh Strawberry Danish at home. With its enticing aroma, lovely layers, and bright berry flavors, this is one recipe that always wins hearts. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, your new favorite pastry awaits!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and creamy delight of Strawberry Danish, a delectable pastry treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling:
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Additional:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- powdered sugar for dusting or glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Prepare Puff Pastry:
- Fill and Bake Pastries:
- Final Touches:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into 6 equal rectangles. Score a 1/2-inch border around each rectangle without cutting through.
Spread cream cheese mixture, strawberry jam, and diced strawberries on each pastry. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar or glaze if desired.
Notes
- For a simple glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk.
- You can substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or lemon curd.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated briefly in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
