Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490641H15M11S
Total time: PT-490641H15M11S
Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients: 4 cups sliced strawberries; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sugar; 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed; 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water); 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional); ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional for topping); 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk

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If you’ve ever dreamed of flaky, buttery pastry paired with a luscious blend of cream cheese and vibrant fresh strawberries, then this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It perfectly balances that slight tang from creamy cheese with the natural sweetness and juiciness of strawberries, all wrapped up in golden, flaky layers of puff pastry. Whenever I make this, the house fills with the most irresistible aroma, and it’s impossible not to smile after the first bite. This treat is simply an elegant yet approachable dessert or breakfast that shines any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white bowls side by side on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left is filled with fresh red strawberries that are sliced in halves and quarters, with some shiny sugar crystals on top that give a slightly wet look. The bowl on the right contains smooth, creamy white frosting that has soft swirls and small air bubbles visible on its surface, showing its thick and light texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the list—these ingredients are straightforward and thoughtfully chosen to create a delightful contrast in flavor and texture. Each one contributes to the magic: the fresh strawberries bring vibrance, the cream cheese adds tangy creaminess, and the puff pastry ensures that signature flaky crust we all crave.

4 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh and juicy strawberries provide natural sweetness and beautiful color.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry mixture so the filling isn’t too runny.
1 tablespoon sugar: Enhances the strawberries’ natural sweetness perfectly.
8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature): Softened for easy mixing and that dreamy creamy texture.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling gently without overpowering.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm aromatic notes that tie everything together.
2 puff pastry sheets (thawed): The star of the show for that crisp, flaky, buttery crust.
1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 tsp water): Creates a glossy finish and helps pastries brown beautifully.
2-3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional): Adds a little sparkle and crunch on top.
¼ cup strawberry jam (optional for topping): Adds a shiny glaze and an extra layer of strawberry goodness.
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): The base for a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with subtle warmth and depth.
2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency to perfect drizzle perfection.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Puff Pastry and Oven

First up, make sure the puff pastry is thawed at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. This eases handling and ensures beautiful puffing during baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep things neat and non-stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch in a bowl so every berry is evenly coated. Let this mixture rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. This step helps the sugar pull out some juice, but the cornstarch keeps that juice from making the filling soggy—balance is everything!

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until silky smooth. Then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything is perfectly combined. Give it a quick taste and add more sugar or vanilla if you like it sweeter or more fragrant. This creamy layer will be the luscious base under the strawberries.

Step 4: Cut and Score the Pastry

Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut along the fold lines to make six smaller rectangles total. Using a small paring knife, gently score a border about ¼ inch from the edge of each rectangle without cutting fully through the dough. This scoring helps create a raised edge that traps the filling beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble Your Danishes

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside each rectangle’s scored center, making sure to stay within the border. Next, artfully layer the fresh strawberries on top. Brush the pastry edges with the egg wash for that delicious golden glow, and sprinkle with sugar if you want a little extra sparkle and crunch.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

If the puff pastry feels soft or sticky, pop the assembled danishes in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This chilling step is pure kitchen gold because it helps the pastry puff up gorgeously in the oven rather than spreading out like a pancake.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Slide your trays into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a stunning light golden brown color and puffed-up edges—that’s when you know your danishes are perfectly baked and ready for the next step.

Step 8: Cool and Add the Finishing Touches

After baking, let the danishes cool on the pan five minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to reach room temperature. For an extra pop of flavor and shine, brush on some warm strawberry jam or drizzle a vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. The glaze adds a smooth, sweet finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

The image shows a stack of rectangular strawberry pastries on a wooden surface, each pastry having three clear layers: a lightly browned, flaky golden crust forming the base and edges, a creamy, pale yellow filling in the middle, and a topping of glossy, bright red strawberry slices arranged evenly on top. Some pastries are drizzled with thin white icing, adding a contrast to the red strawberries and golden crust. The pastries are piled casually, overlapping each other, with visible flaky texture on the crust edges and shiny glaze on the strawberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar add a charming touch that elevates these danishes from everyday treats to stunning showstoppers. If you want a bit more texture, finely chopped toasted almonds sprinkle nicely on top.

Side Dishes

Pair your danishes with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a creamy latte to complement the richness of the cream cheese. For a leisurely brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad for a balanced and colorful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these danishes on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of strawberry jam, whipped cream, and honey on the side so everyone can customize their own. Another fun idea is to slice them into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers at brunch or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover strawberry cream cheese danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Refrigeration helps maintain the cream cheese filling’s freshness and texture, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled danishes by placing them on a tray, flash freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy to enjoy homemade freshness on demand.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore that flaky crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries deliver the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid well to prevent soggy pastry.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and vegan puff pastry to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing taste and texture.

Can I prepare the cream cheese filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese filling a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and stir gently before assembling.

What’s the best way to cut puff pastry if I don’t have fold lines?

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to measure and cut the pastry into equal rectangles, roughly 3×4 inches, adjusting based on your sheet’s dimensions.

Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another fruit jam?

Definitely! Apricot or raspberry jam work wonderfully as glazes and add their own lovely twists to the danish flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for any morning or afternoon treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of flaky pastry, cream cheese lusciousness, and ripe strawberries all in one bite. Once you do, this recipe will surely earn a spot in your regular rotation just like it has in mine!