A Strawberry Danish is a delightful pastry that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a rich, flaky puff pastry and a creamy filling. This popular breakfast or dessert treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or just indulging in a sweet snack. With a light, buttery crust and a hint of tangy strawberry, these Danish pastries are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the combination of sweet fruit and buttery pastry, this Strawberry Danish will quickly become one of your favorites. The rich, flaky puff pastry serves as the perfect base for the creamy filling and fresh strawberry topping. It’s not only visually stunning but also easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to enjoy making. The sweet strawberry glaze adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite irresistible. Plus, these Danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a treat to share with loved ones.

Strawberry Danish

Ingredients

For the pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

For the cream cheese filling:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the strawberry topping:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to make a slurry)

For the glaze:

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (or more to reach desired consistency)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 6 squares (or rectangles, depending on your preferred size).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash.
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, spreading it evenly.
Fold the corners of each square toward the center, creating a simple square-shaped pocket with the cream cheese in the middle. Brush the edges with more egg wash.
Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
While the pastries are baking, prepare the strawberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch slurry. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the pastries are finished baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes.
Drizzle the strawberry syrup over the top of each Danish, then mix the glaze ingredients (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla) in a small bowl and drizzle it over the pastries for an extra touch of sweetness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Berry mix: Use a combination of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of or alongside the strawberries for a mixed berry Danish.
Almond filling: Add a bit of almond paste or ground almonds to the cream cheese filling for a nutty flavor.
Peach or apricot: Swap the strawberries with peaches or apricots for a different fruit-filled Danish option.
Vegan version: Use a plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free puff pastry to make these Danishes vegan.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftover Strawberry Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, assemble the pastries and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from the freezer for about 25-30 minutes.
Reheating: To reheat, place the Danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to warm them through and crisp up the pastry.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using it.

2. Can I use canned fruit filling instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes, you can use canned fruit filling, but fresh strawberries provide a better texture and flavor. If you opt for canned filling, be sure to drain the syrup before using.

3. Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before using.

4. How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

Be sure to bake the pastries until they are golden brown and crispy. If you’re concerned about sogginess, you can place the pastries on a wire rack to allow air to circulate underneath while they cool.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor and texture.

6. How do I make the strawberry syrup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can increase the cornstarch or use a bit of flour in the slurry, but be cautious not to make it too thick.

7. Can I bake these Danishes without egg wash?

The egg wash helps to give the pastries a golden, shiny finish. However, if you’re vegan or prefer not to use eggs, you can skip the egg wash, and the pastries will still be delicious, though not as shiny.

8. How do I get the glaze to be smooth?

Ensure the glaze is mixed well with enough milk to create a pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.

9. Can I make these Strawberry Danishes without puff pastry?

You can use croissant dough or phyllo dough as an alternative, but the texture will be different.

10. Can I freeze the strawberry syrup?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover strawberry syrup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it before using it again.

Conclusion

Strawberry Danish is a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the best of fresh fruit and buttery pastry. With its creamy filling, flaky pastry, and sweet strawberry topping, this dessert or breakfast pastry is sure to be a hit. Whether you serve it at a brunch gathering or enjoy it as a special treat on a quiet morning, these Strawberry Danishes offer a delightful bite of sweetness and warmth. Enjoy the perfect combination of textures and flavors in every bite!