Imagine biting into a perfectly golden puff pastry that shatters delicately with each bite, revealing a luscious cream cheese filling topped with juicy, sun-ripened strawberries. The tart sweetness of the fruit mingles with the creamy richness, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Their bakery style presentation complete with glistening jam or a delicate drizzle of glaze makes them perfect for brunch gatherings, afternoon coffee breaks, or an elegant dessert table. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a pastry shop masterpiece right in your own kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Cream Cheese Filling:
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8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
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½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling:
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4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pastry & Topping:
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2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
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1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
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2–3 tablespoons sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Optional Glaze or Jam:
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¼ cup strawberry jam, warmed
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OR 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar + ½ teaspoon vanilla extract + 2–3 tablespoons milk
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Let sit 15 minutes.
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In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
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Unfold puff pastry sheets. Cut each into 6 rectangles. Score a ¼-inch border on each without cutting through.
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Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling inside the border. Arrange strawberry slices over the filling.
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Brush pastry edges with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
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Chill assembled pastries in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for best puff.
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Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
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Cool 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack. Brush with warm jam or drizzle glaze before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: ~260 kcal | Servings: 12
The Allure of the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Few pastries can capture the heart quite like the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish. With its delicate layers of buttery puff pastry, luscious sweetened cream cheese filling, and vibrant slices of fresh strawberry, it’s a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of crisp pastry, creamy interior, and fresh fruit offers an irresistible balance of textures and flavors, making it equally welcome at a sophisticated brunch or a casual family breakfast.
The origins of the Danish pastry trace back to the 19th century, with its roots in Austrian baking traditions. Immigrant bakers brought the laminated dough technique creating flaky layers through repeated folding of dough and butter to Denmark, where it evolved into the beloved “wienerbrød” or “Viennese bread.” Over time, bakers experimented with sweet fillings, from custards to jams, and eventually cream cheese and fruit became staples. The strawberry version we know today is a perfect marriage of Old-World technique and the bright, seasonal flavors modern bakers love.
Why This Danish Stands Out
The magic of a Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish lies in its simplicity and elegance. Unlike elaborate cakes or pies that require extended preparation and intricate decorating, this pastry offers bakery-level beauty with minimal fuss. The puff pastry base whether store-bought for convenience or homemade for purists does most of the heavy lifting, providing a crisp, airy structure. Cream cheese, sweetened just enough to complement the fruit, adds a velvety tang that keeps each bite from being overly sugary. And then there are the strawberries: juicy, jewel-like slices that not only contribute a pop of color but also lend a refreshing, natural sweetness.
A major advantage of this recipe is its flexibility. The filling can be customized with different fruits, the topping can be jam or glaze (or both), and the shape can range from simple rectangles to intricate braids. For busy mornings, the pastry can be assembled in advance and baked fresh for a just-out-of-the-oven experience.
Choosing and Preparing the Best Strawberries
Because the strawberries are the star of the show, quality matters. The ideal berries for this Danish are firm yet ripe, with a deep red color and a natural sweetness. Strawberries tend to lose some vibrancy when baked, so the addition of a light strawberry jam glaze not only enhances the flavor but restores that luscious, glossy red hue. To prevent excess moisture from softening the pastry, it’s important to pat the sliced berries dry before arranging them over the cream cheese filling.
For those who want to experiment, flavored glazes like a lemon drizzle or a hint of balsamic reduction can complement strawberries beautifully. The citrus brings brightness, while balsamic deepens the fruity notes.
Puff Pastry Perfection
Puff pastry is at the heart of this dessert’s luxurious texture. When baked correctly, it puffs into golden layers that shatter delicately under the fork. Store-bought puff pastry is a practical choice for home bakers, delivering consistently good results without the time investment of laminating dough from scratch. Thawing the pastry properly is key too cold, and it will crack when unfolded; too warm, and it will become sticky and difficult to handle. Scoring a border on each rectangle before adding the filling creates a natural frame, allowing the edges to rise higher and encase the center in a perfect buttery cradle.
Variations to Explore
While strawberries and cream cheese are a classic combination, this Danish is a canvas for countless variations. Seasonal fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches can be swapped in, either alone or in combination with strawberries for a mixed berry effect. Adding a swirl of fruit jam beneath the cream cheese offers a more intense flavor, while a sprinkling of sliced almonds or chopped pistachios after baking adds crunch and visual appeal.
For an extra layer of indulgence, the cream cheese filling can be flavored with lemon zest, almond extract, or even a touch of cinnamon for warmth. In the cooler months, the same technique can be adapted for spiced apple or pear fillings, turning the pastry into a cozy winter treat.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The beauty of this Danish lies in its versatility it can be served warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for both planned gatherings and spontaneous treats. For an elegant brunch, arrange the pastries on a tiered stand with fresh berries and edible flowers as garnish. If serving as dessert, pair them with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
When adding a glaze, make sure the pastries have cooled enough for it to set without melting off. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can create a charming “snowfall” effect, particularly appealing during winter celebrations.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
While the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. Brief reheating in the oven helps restore the pastry’s crispness. If you’re planning for a crowd, the components can be prepared in advance the cream cheese filling can be mixed and refrigerated, and the strawberries sliced and patted dry—so that assembly and baking take minimal time on the day of serving.
Freezing is generally not recommended due to the moisture content of the strawberries, which can cause the pastry to become soggy upon thawing. However, if needed, baked and cooled pastries can be flash-frozen and stored for up to two months, then reheated in the oven from frozen.
Why This Pastry Wins Hearts
The Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish offers a rare combination of elegance, flavor, and ease. It feels special enough for celebrations yet is approachable enough for a leisurely weekend baking project. Its appeal spans generations children are drawn to the sweet, fruity topping, while adults appreciate the balance of richness and freshness. And for the home baker, there’s an undeniable satisfaction in pulling a tray of golden, bakery-worthy pastries from the oven, knowing they were made with care.
Conclusion:
In a world of complicated desserts and fleeting food trends, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish remains timeless. It’s a pastry that celebrates both craftsmanship and simplicity, bringing together a few humble ingredients to create something extraordinary. Whether served at an intimate breakfast, showcased at a lavish brunch spread, or enjoyed quietly with a cup of coffee, it’s a reminder of why we bake not just to feed ourselves, but to create moments of joy.
Its layers tell a story: the patient folding of dough, the gentle whisk of cream cheese, the careful placement of strawberries, and the final flourish of glaze. Each bite is more than just pastry it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and the pleasure of sharing something beautiful.