Description
This delightful Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. Finished with a luscious lemon glaze, these pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. The easy-to-follow steps ensure a crisp golden crust and a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 Frozen sheet puff pastry (thawed slightly)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3 TBSP White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups Strawberries (washed, dried, cut into thin slices)
- 1/2 TBSP Cornstarch
- 1/2 TBSP White granulated sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 Large egg
- 2 tsp Water
Lemon Icing
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
- Zest of half a lemon
- 2-3 tsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Take the frozen sheet of puff pastry out of the freezer and place it on the counter. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to slightly thaw, making it easier to work with.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While the pastry is thawing, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese on high speed for 1 minute until smooth. Add in 3 tablespoons of white granulated sugar and beat again on high for another minute. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash, dry, and thinly slice 2 cups of strawberries. Place them in a bowl and gently mix in 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 tablespoon of white granulated sugar. This will help thicken the strawberry juices during baking.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your countertop and place the thawed puff pastry sheet down. Roll it out slightly to blend the seams together, creating an even surface.
- Cut Pastry: Using a pizza cutter, cut the pastry sheet in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into thirds, resulting in six rectangles. Transfer these rectangles to a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick baking spray. Using a sharp knife, score a 1/4 inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each rectangle. Spread the cream cheese gently towards the scored border using the back of a spoon, being careful not to break the edge. Arrange the sliced strawberries delicately on top of the cream cheese, leaving some cream cheese visible around the edges.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of water. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash onto the edges of each pastry rectangle to ensure a golden, shiny crust when baked.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pastries on the prepared cookie sheet for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully cooked and golden brown.
- Prepare Lemon Icing: While the pastries bake, combine 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar with the zest of half a lemon and 2 to 3 teaspoons of lemon juice. Stir until the icing is smooth and pourable but thick enough to avoid melting too quickly on the warm pastry.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baked Danish pastries from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the lemon icing over the warm pastries before serving for a refreshing citrus finish.
Notes
- If puff pastry is frozen solid, ensure to thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes for easier handling and even baking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother and easier mixing process.
- The cornstarch added to strawberries helps prevent sogginess by thickening their natural juices during baking.
- Scoring the pastry edges helps create a raised border to hold the filling while allowing the edges to puff up.
- Egg wash provides a beautiful glossy finish to the pastry edges and enhances browning.
- The lemon icing adds a bright, tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Serve the Danish warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
