Description
This delightful Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh strawberries. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these pastries are baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a light powdered sugar glaze. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, they’re ideal for berry lovers and pastry enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which will add a flavorful base for the filling.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Lightly roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares. Place each square on the prepared baking sheet, allowing enough space between them for puffing.
- Assemble Danishes: Spread about a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, leaving a clear border around the edges. Arrange the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer, distributing evenly.
- Optional Folding: You can fold the corners of each pastry square slightly inward for a tidy look or leave the edges open for a rustic appearance, depending on your preference.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg and water mixture. This egg wash helps the pastry achieve a beautiful golden brown color during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked and crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet to set and make them easier to handle.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until smooth and drizzleable to create a sweet finishing touch.
- Drizzle Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes before serving to add extra sweetness and shine.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for the strawberries to vary the flavor.
- For an extra glossy finish, brush warm apricot jam over the strawberries after baking.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well thawed but still cold to achieve maximum puff and crispness.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the best flavor impact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
