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Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 103 reviews

This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh strawberries. Lightly sweetened and baked to a golden perfection, these delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Finish them with a sweet glaze or strawberry jam for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Filling

  • 4 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Puff Pastry & Topping

  • 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping

Vanilla Glaze (optional)

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk

Instructions

  1. Prep: Allow the puff pastry to thaw at room temperature for 30 – 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy baking.
  2. Prepare Strawberry Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Toss until the strawberries are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to release juices and thicken slightly.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is creamy and well combined. Adjust sweetness to taste if desired.
  4. Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry and cut along the fold lines to create six smaller rectangles. Score a border about ¼ inch from the edge of each rectangle using a paring knife without cutting all the way through; this will help the edges puff up during baking.
  5. Assemble Danishes: Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle within the scored border. Layer the prepared strawberries decoratively on top of the cream cheese. Brush the edges with the lightly beaten egg to give a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle sugar over the assembled pastries for added sweetness and crunch.
  6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): If the puff pastry feels warm or sticky, place the baking sheet with assembled danishes in the refrigerator for 15 – 20 minutes. Chilling helps the pastry puff beautifully and retain its shape when baked.
  7. Bake: Transfer the chilled or assembled baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake the danishes for 20 – 25 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown and puff up nicely.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack until they reach room temperature. For finishing touches, spread a thin layer of warm strawberry jam on top or dust with powdered sugar. Alternatively, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together to create a vanilla glaze and drizzle over the cooled pastries before serving.

Notes

  • Chilling the puff pastry after assembling prevents spreading and promotes better puffing during baking.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth filling without lumps.
  • You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, but thaw and drain excess moisture before use.
  • The vanilla glaze is optional but adds a lovely touch of sweetness and shine to the danishes.
  • Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate and reheat slightly before serving.

Keywords: Strawberry Danish, Puff Pastry, Cream Cheese Danish, Baked Pastry, Breakfast Pastry, Dessert

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/strawberry-danish-with-cream-cheese-filling-recipe/