Strawberry Danish (with Cream Cheese) Recipe

I love preparing a Homemade Strawberry Danish that brings together flakey puff pastry, luscious cream cheese, and vibrant fresh strawberries accented with a delicate jam glaze. It is a celebration of delightful textures and flavors that naturally invites sharing and connection with friends and family.

I recently tried my hand at making a Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese and it quickly became one of my favorite treats. I used a frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed to perfection, and paired it with a rich cream cheese filling made with 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and a beaten egg with a hint of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Layered on top were fresh, hulled strawberries and a perfect drizzle of strawberry jam mixed with water. The experience of pulling it from the oven and seeing the glossy, slightly sticky glaze on the flaky puff pastry was so satisfying; it almost felt like a mini celebration.

This recipe is not only a fun twist on a classic pastry idea but also a fresh and simple dessert that’s great for any time. I cant wait for you to try it and be surprised at how easy it truly is!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe cause it’s simple to put together even if you aren’t a pro baker. The puff pastry is super flaky and buttery, and when you mix it with that smooth cream cheese filling, it just melts in your mouth every time. I also love that the fresh strawberries give it this natural sweetness that perfectly balances out the tang from the cream cheese. Finally, the strawberry jam glaze adds a cool shiny finish that makes it taste even more indulgent.

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry: It gives the recipe its flaky, light, carb-based structure.
• Cream cheese: Rich and creamy, adds tanginess and smooth texture with protein.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dish, providing carbohydrates and a sparkly finishing note.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients together, adds richness and extra protein.
• Fresh strawberries: Burst of tangy sweetness with vitamins, natural fiber, and lively color.
• Strawberry jam: Adds extra fruity sweetness and a shiny glaze with natural sugars.
• Vanilla extract: Provides aromatic warmth enhancing overall flavor without extra calories.
• Salt: Just a pinch that balances sweet flavors and brightens dish taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, beaten (reserve another egg for the egg wash mixed with 1 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 1 tbsp water (to thin the jam for a glaze)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into rectangles or squares, making sure to leave a small border.

3. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, one beaten egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it’s smooth.

4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on each piece of puff pastry, leaving about half an inch of border around the edges.

5. Arrange the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer in a single layer.

6. Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling slightly to create a rustic border.

7. Brush the exposed puff pastry with the egg wash (the reserved beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water).

8. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden and flaky.

9. While the pastries bake, warm the strawberry jam with 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally until it’s a smooth glaze.

10. Remove the danishes from the oven and drizzle the strawberry glaze over them. Enjoy them warm!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven set to 400°F, along with a baking sheet and some parchment paper
2. A flat, lightly floured surface (like a large cutting board or countertop)
3. A sharp knife or pastry cutter for cutting the puff pastry and slicing strawberries
4. A large bowl for mixing the cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt
5. Measuring cups and spoons to measure out ingredients correctly
6. A whisk or fork for beating the egg and stirring the cream cheese mixture
7. A pastry brush to apply the egg wash over the puff pastry
8. A small saucepan to warm and combine the strawberry jam with water
9. A spatula for stirring the glaze and transferring mixtures as needed

FAQ

Strawberry Danish (with Cream Cheese) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese which is super creamy or try a thick plain greek yogurt if youre looking for a lighter option.
• If you dont have frozen puff pastry, you could easily whip up a homemade version or even use a pie crust as a last resort.
• Instead of strawberry jam, you can mash some extra strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to make your own glaze.
• If you need an egg wash alternative, a simple milk or cream brush over the pastry works just fine.

Pro Tips

1. Be sure your cream cheese is really soft before mixing it with the sugar and egg because if it’s too firm, it won’t blend in well and you might end up with clumps.
2. When you handle the puff pastry, try not to be too rough with it. Overworking the dough can make it tough, so work it gently and only as much as you need to shape it.
3. Chill your puff pastry a little bit after cutting so that while it bakes, it puffs up nicely instead of flattening out.
4. Warm up the strawberry jam with a little water and stir often, but don’t let it boil too much or it might get too thick and not drizzle evenly.