Strawberry Danish Recipe

Strawberry Danish Recipe is a delightful treat that combines a flaky pastry with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these danishes are not only easy to make but also visually stunning. Whether it’s for a gathering or a simple family breakfast, this recipe will impress everyone with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Using frozen puff pastry makes this recipe quick and simple, perfect even for beginner bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and strawberries creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these strawberry danishes warm or at room temperature, with toppings like jam or vanilla glaze to suit your preference.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, a party dessert, or just a sweet snack, these danishes fit right in.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown pastries filled with vibrant strawberries look gorgeous on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Strawberry Danish Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures ease during preparation and baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry brush
• Pairing knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking the danishes, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier by catching any drips from the filling.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
• Pastry brush: Helps apply egg wash evenly for a beautiful golden finish on the pastry.

Ingredients

Strawberry Danish is a buttery and flaky Danish pastry made with frozen puff pastry, a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries. Top these easy-to-make strawberry cream cheese danishes with warm strawberry jam or a vanilla glaze.

For the Filling

• 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

For the Pastry

• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional

For the Topping

• 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

How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare them for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add the cleaned and sliced strawberries along with sugar and cornstarch.
2. Mix well until all strawberries are coated.
3. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to draw out their juices.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl:
1. Combine room temperature cream cheese and mix until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Taste the filling and adjust sweetness if necessary.

Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry into a square.
2. Cut along folded lines into six smaller rectangles using a pairing knife; be careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Score about ¼ inch from edges of each rectangle.

Step 5: Assemble the Danishes

1. Place about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each scored rectangle.
2. Layer fresh strawberries on top of the filling decoratively.
3. Lightly brush edges with beaten egg; sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

If needed, refrigerate assembled danishes on their baking sheet for 15-20 minutes to ensure they puff perfectly while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Danishes

Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn light golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to cooling racks. Top each danish with warm strawberry jam or drizzle with vanilla glaze made by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Danish Recipe!

How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe

Strawberry Danish is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, these suggestions will enhance your experience.

For Breakfast

• Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the sweetness.

As a Dessert

• Drizzle with homemade vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the indulgence.

At a Brunch Gathering

• Arrange on a beautiful platter alongside other pastries for a stunning presentation.
• Offer a selection of jams or spreads for guests to customize their danishes.

With Ice Cream

• Serve alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Add crushed nuts on top for added texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Strawberry Danish Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Danish, consider these helpful tips.

• Use chilled puff pastry: Keeping the pastry cold before baking ensures flakiness.
• Don’t overfill: Use just enough cream cheese filling and strawberries to avoid spillage during baking.
• Chill before baking: Allowing the assembled danishes to chill helps them puff up beautifully.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your cream cheese filling and adjust sugar levels according to your preference.
• Bake until golden: Aim for a light golden brown color for the perfect texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Danish Recipe

Complement your Strawberry Danish with these delightful side dishes that perfectly balance flavors and textures.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and acidity.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers creaminess and crunch.
3. Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with the creamy filling.
4. Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake makes a nice pairing during brunch.
5. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone to balance the sweetness.
6. Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea complements the flavors without overpowering them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Danish Recipe can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best outcome.

• Ignoring puff pastry thawing time: If you don’t allow your puff pastry to thaw properly, it may not rise as expected. Always let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Overfilling the danishes: Adding too much filling can cause the pastries to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amount of cream cheese and strawberries.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the assembled pastries before baking can result in less puffiness. Make sure to refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes if they feel sticky.
• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese is harder to mix smoothly. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending with sugar and vanilla.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven results. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) before placing your danishes inside.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To maintain crispness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Strawberry Danish Recipe

• Wrap each cooled danish individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Strawberry Danish Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be cautious, as this may make the pastry less crisp.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet until warmed through, flipping occasionally for even heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Strawberry Danish Recipe?

A Strawberry Danish Recipe features flaky pastry filled with cream cheese and fresh strawberries, often topped with glaze or jam.

Can I use other fruits in my Strawberry Danish Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for different flavors.

How do I make the glaze for my Strawberry Danish?

To create a glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over cooled danishes.

How long does it take to make a Strawberry Danish Recipe from start to finish?

The total time is about 40 minutes, including prep and baking time.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Danish Recipe is a delightful combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. It’s versatile enough that you can customize it with various fruits or toppings based on your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy these delicious treats!