Strawberry Danish: 12 Flaky Sweet Treats to Savor

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Strawberry Danish is a delightful pastry that combines flaky layers with a luscious filling of cream cheese and fresh strawberries. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert, and they truly shine at any brunch gathering. The buttery puff pastry envelops a rich cream cheese mixture, balanced beautifully by the sweetness of ripe strawberries. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of fruity flavor that’s simply irresistible. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and discover how to make the best Strawberry Danish!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Danish

This strawberry-filled pastry stands out for several reasons. First, the combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling makes it a decadent choice for any occasion. Second, it’s incredibly versatile; you can serve it as a strawberry pastry for brunch or as a sweet dessert after dinner. Third, the recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Fourth, the use of fresh strawberries elevates the flavor profile, giving you a taste of summer all year round. Fifth, it’s customizable—try adding other fruits or flavors to the filling. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Strawberry Danish

Gather these items:

4 cups strawberries (Fresh sliced thinly)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (For thickening the strawberry filling)
1 tablespoon sugar (For sweetening the strawberries)
8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
½ cup powdered sugar (Sweetens the cream cheese)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (For flavoring the filling)
2 puff pastry sheets (thawed)
1 large egg (For egg wash lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
2 – 3 tablespoons sugar (For sprinkling on top optional)
Toppings:
¼ cup strawberry jam (Optional for glazing)
1 cup powdered sugar (For glaze)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (For glaze flavor)
2 – 3 tablespoons milk (For thinning the glaze)

How to Make Strawberry Danish Step-by-Step

Step 1: Ensure the puff pastry has thawed for about 30 – 45 minutes at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir to coat the berries evenly and let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to release juices.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Step 4: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut along the fold lines to create long strips. Slice each strip in half, creating six smaller rectangles in total.
Step 5: Score a border of about ¼ inch around each pastry rectangle using a small knife. Be sure not to cut all the way through.
Step 6: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored borders.
Step 7: Arrange the strawberries over the cream cheese filling. If desired, lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
Step 8: If the puff pastry has softened too much, place the baking sheets in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill. This will help the pastries puff up beautifully.
Step 9: Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 10: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled danishes, or top with strawberry jam if preferred.

Irresistible Strawberry Danish fresh from the oven on a cooling rack

Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Danish

Keep these in mind:

Always use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
If you want a richer flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
For a shiny finish, brush the danish with egg wash before baking.
Let the pastries cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.
Remember, this is a homemade strawberry Danish guide that will impress your guests!

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Danish

This flaky strawberry dessert can be served in various delightful ways. First, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Alternatively, serve it alongside freshly brewed coffee or tea, making it a perfect choice for brunch. For added flair, drizzle extra strawberry jam over each pastry for a colorful presentation. These sweet strawberry treats are sure to impress!

Delicious Strawberry Danish with cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries

How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Danish

To store your strawberry Danish, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through. This method will help retain the pastry’s delightful flakiness, making your homemade pastries just as delicious as when they were fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Danish

What’s the secret to perfect Strawberry Danish?

The secret lies in using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Ensure your puff pastry is cold when baking for optimal flakiness. Also, avoid overfilling the danish to maintain their structure. Following these tips will help you create a stunning strawberry puff that everyone will adore!

Can I make Strawberry Danish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the danish a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. This makes it convenient for brunch gatherings or last-minute dessert plans!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Strawberry Danish?

To avoid common pitfalls, be sure not to overwork the puff pastry, as this can lead to a tough texture. Also, ensure your cream cheese is adequately softened for a smooth filling. Finally, keep an eye on baking time to prevent burning.

Variations of Strawberry Danish You Can Try

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these variations: add cream cheese frosting for a sweeter touch, substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruit flavor, or drizzle a chocolate glaze instead of the strawberry jam. With these simple tweaks, you can create your own unique take on this classic strawberry Danish.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Apple Bundt Cake Recipe or try making Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet for a savory option. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, our Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent is a must-try!