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If you have a soft spot for pastries that feel like a warm hug in every bite, then you are going to love this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe. Bursting with bright, juicy strawberries and a luscious, velvety cream cheese filling all nestled inside flaky puff pastry, these danishes strike the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with an irresistible golden crust. Whether you’re making a special breakfast treat or an elegant dessert for your next gathering, this recipe brings a delightful freshness and sophistication that’s sure to impress. You’re going to want to have these in your baking rotation—and I’m here to walk you through every delicious step!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: the vibrant strawberries provide natural sweetness and a little tartness, cream cheese lends rich creaminess, and the puff pastry brings that classic flaky, buttery texture that holds it all together. Grab these essentials to create danishes that look just as good as they taste!
- 4 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh and juicy for that perfect fruity pop in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry mixture so your filling isn’t runny.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the tartness of the strawberries with just a touch of sweetness.
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature: Smooth and creamy for that dreamy texture in the filling.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without graininess, perfect for blending into cream cheese and glazes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives warmth and enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed: The flaky, buttery base for our danishes—you can find them readily in most grocery stores.
- 1 large egg lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water: Creates a glossy, golden finish on your pastries when brushed on.
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional): Adds sparkle and crunch after baking if you like a touch of extra sweetness.
- ¼ cup strawberry jam (optional for topping): For an extra boost of fruit flavor and shine after baking.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Used to make a simple vanilla glaze that complements the danishes perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Brings a fragrant sweetness to the glaze.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Adjust to get the glaze consistency just right—smooth and pourable.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Begin by cleaning and slicing your strawberries evenly to ensure each danish gets a lovely bite of fruit. Toss the sliced berries with sugar and cornstarch, which will pull out their natural juices and thicken into a luscious, jammy filling. Let this mixture rest for 15 minutes—this quiet moment enhances the flavor and texture, so your danishes aren’t watery.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While your strawberries are resting, blend the room-temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will provide a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries and flaky pastry, making each bite irresistibly balanced.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each into squares—aim for sizes that’ll give you about 12 elegant pastries. Spread a generous spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each square, followed by a heaping spoonful of the strawberry mixture. Be careful not to overfill, or you risk the danishes leaking. Then, fold or create edges as you prefer and gently brush each with your egg wash for that stunning golden gloss when baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
If your kitchen is warm or your pastries seem soft, chill them briefly in the refrigerator to help the layers stay defined during baking. Bake the danishes in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until they puff beautifully and turn golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the oven!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, elevate your danishes with a spoonful of warm strawberry jam spread on top, or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. If you like extra sparkle, sprinkle some granulated sugar while they’re still warm. These final details add shine, sweetness, and a lovely professional finish to your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh whipped cream, mint leaves, or even a dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance without overpowering the danishes. These garnishes invite you to indulge visually before you even take a bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these danishes alongside a cup of rich coffee or a bright herbal tea to complement their sweetness perfectly. For brunch, pair with scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your danishes on a beautiful platter with a bowl of extra strawberry jam and a small pitcher of glaze for guests to customize their treat. For parties, sprinkle edible flower petals or finely chopped nuts on top to impress and charm your guests with a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their flaky texture. After that, the pastry may become a bit softer, but they will still taste delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled danishes for up to one month. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking fresh. This makes for a wonderful make-ahead option.
Reheating
Reheat leftover danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive that crisp, golden crust and warm the filling without drying it out. Avoid microwaves if you want to keep the pastry flaky and light.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best for texture, but if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making your pastries soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use dairy-free puff pastry sheets, which are increasingly available in stores—just watch the baking time closely.
Can I make smaller or larger danishes with this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible; just adjust baking time slightly depending on the size of your danishes—smaller pieces bake faster, and larger ones may need more time.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for thickening the strawberries?
You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in equal amounts as a substitute; these also do a great job of keeping the strawberry filling thick and luscious.
How long can I store the glaze after making it?
The vanilla glaze is best used fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir well before using, as it may thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe is your ticket to show-stopping breakfasts, cozy brunches, or indulgent desserts that bring a smile with every bite. Its straightforward ingredients and approachable steps make it a perfect project for bakers of all levels who want to impress with classic flavors and flaky textures. Don’t hesitate—grab your strawberries, warm up your oven, and share this delicious creation with those who mean the most to you. Trust me, these danishes will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 danishes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights combine flaky puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese filling and sweet, juicy strawberries. Easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these danishes offer a delightful balance of creamy texture and fresh fruit with an optional glaze or jam topping to enhance their flavor.
Ingredients
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
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry mixture: Clean and slice the strawberries, then combine them with sugar and cornstarch. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to macerate and thicken slightly.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the room temperature cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the danishes: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheets into desired shapes (such as squares). Spread a layer of the cream cheese filling onto each piece, then top with a generous amount of the strawberry mixture. Brush the edges and tops with the egg wash to help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake the danishes: If needed, chill the assembled pastries briefly to maintain shape. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake the danishes for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed.
- Add final toppings: Warm the strawberry jam slightly and brush it over the baked danishes for a glossy finish, or dust them with powdered sugar. Alternatively, prepare a vanilla glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, then drizzle it over the danishes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before shaping for best results.
- The strawberry mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavor.
- The cream cheese filling should be softened for easy blending and a smooth texture.
- Adding an egg wash ensures a shiny, golden crust.
- Glazing the pastries enhances sweetness and appearance but can be omitted for a lighter treat.
