Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish – Easy & Delicious Puff Pastry Dessert Recipe

When it comes to indulgent yet simple pastries, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is an absolute winner. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to a weekend breakfast, surprise guests with a delicious brunch offering, or serve something special at a family gathering, this pastry is sure to impress. With its buttery, flaky puff pastry, sweetened cream cheese filling, and a touch of tangy strawberry jam, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What Makes Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish So Special?

There’s something magical about the combination of cream cheese and strawberries in a pastry. The rich, tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and fruity flavor of strawberries, creating a delectable contrast that makes every bite irresistible. The use of puff pastry adds a light, flaky texture that elevates the dish, making it feel like something you’d get from a high-end bakery. Yet, it’s easy to make at home!

One of the best things about this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is how versatile it is. You can adjust the sweetness, use fresh or jam-based strawberries, and even try adding zest for an extra citrusy kick. Plus, it’s quick and simple—perfect for those who want a homemade treat but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Before you dive into the baking process, here’s a list of the essential ingredients for this decadent pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ¼ cup strawberry jam (or ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries macerated with sugar)
• 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (optional)
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar)

These simple ingredients combine to make a dish that’s not only delicious but also looks impressive. The cream cheese adds creaminess, the strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries) provides sweetness, and the puff pastry gives the perfect flakiness. The final touch of turbinado sugar adds a crunchy, caramelized sweetness that complements the soft filling.

Step-by-Step Directions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this irresistible Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature to bake the puff pastry to perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined. This sweetened cream cheese mixture will create the creamy base of your Danish filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle shape. The pastry should be thin but not too fragile. Once rolled, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

4. Add the Cream Cheese Filling

Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry. Leave the edges of the pastry clean so you can fold them over to create a braid later. This will form the base of your filling and ensure the pastry is both creamy and firm in texture.

5. Add the Strawberry Jam

Take strawberry jam (or fresh strawberries if you prefer) and mix it with the zest of either orange or lemon, if you’re using it. Spoon the jam evenly over the cream cheese layer. This sweet fruit topping will provide the signature flavor of the Danish and add a vibrant color contrast.

6. Cut Strips and Braid the Pastry

On both long sides of the pastry, cut 1-inch wide strips at an angle, creating a fringe along each side of the filling. Then, carefully fold the strips over the center of the pastry, alternating sides to form a braid pattern. This simple braiding technique adds visual appeal to the Danish and helps secure the filling.

7. Brush with Milk and Sprinkle Sugar

In a small bowl, mix the milk and vanilla extract. Brush this mixture over the top of the pastry to give it a golden, glossy finish as it bakes. Then, sprinkle turbinado sugar (or regular granulated sugar) over the top to create a subtle crunch and sweetness.

8. Bake the Danish

Place the pastry in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The Danish should be golden brown, puffed up, and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.

9. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. The pastry will firm up as it cools, making it easier to cut into neat pieces. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories: Approx. 250 per serving

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

There’s no denying that the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, enjoying it with your morning coffee, or bringing it to a gathering, this pastry is sure to make a lasting impression. The buttery puff pastry melts in your mouth, while the tangy cream cheese balances out the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s an ideal way to treat yourself or others to a special homemade dessert.

Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap out the strawberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam to create a whole new flavor profile. Want a touch of citrus? Try adding a bit of zest, as the recipe suggests, or opt for an entirely different filling like lemon curd or chocolate.

This Danish is perfect for special occasions or just a quick, sweet breakfast treat. It requires very little time to prepare, yet it looks impressive and tastes absolutely amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap the strawberry jam for other types of jam or fresh fruit. Raspberry, blueberry, and apricot are excellent choices. Fresh fruit works best when lightly macerated with sugar to bring out the juices.

2. Can I make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish ahead of time?

While this Danish is best fresh, you can prepare the filling and braiding part a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This will save you time on the day of serving.

3. Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! While store-bought puff pastry is quick and easy, homemade puff pastry can add an extra level of flakiness and richness to the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish.

4. Can I freeze this Danish?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish before baking it. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

5. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you can substitute vegan cream cheese or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. You can also use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a wonderful treat that brings a taste of indulgence into your home without requiring hours of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a delicious pastry that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re treating yourself to a little something sweet or sharing it with friends and family, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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