Why Make This Recipe
Strawberry Danish is a delightful pastry that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with the creamy richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of fresh strawberries. It makes for a perfect breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or a lovely dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make and looks beautiful on any plate. Whether you are hosting a brunch or simply want to indulge yourself, this Strawberry Danish will surely impress everyone.
How to Make Strawberry Danish
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or vanilla glaze for topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares over the filling to create a Danish shape and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle with warm strawberry jam or vanilla glaze before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish
Serve your Strawberry Danish warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own but can also be paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They make a charming display when arranged on a serving platter.
How to Store Strawberry Danish
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Tips to Make Strawberry Danish
- For best results, ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed before rolling it out.
- You can substitute other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a different twist.
- Experiment with different flavored glazes to top your Danish, such as lemon or almond.
Variation
You can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, on top of the cream cheese filling for added texture. Another delicious variation is to create a mixed berry Danish by using a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to cream cheese.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pastry, you can make your own dough using flour, butter, and water. However, using store-bought puff pastry saves time and effort.
Strawberry Danish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful pastry combining flaky puff pastry, creamy cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or vanilla glaze for topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares over the filling to create a Danish shape and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle with warm strawberry jam or vanilla glaze before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.