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
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
- 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.
