Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that brings together fluffy pastry, smooth cream cheese, and sweet strawberries in every bite. The flaky, buttery layers of dough hold a creamy filling topped with fresh or jammy strawberries, making them irresistibly tasty and perfect for breakfast or a special snack.
I love making these Danishes on a relaxed weekend morning when there’s time to enjoy the smell of baking filling the kitchen. The cream cheese adds a gentle tang that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries. I always find myself sneaking just one more because they’re so good and pretty hard to resist.
These pastries are great when served warm, fresh out of the oven, maybe with a cup of coffee or tea. If you like, you can drizzle a little icing on top for an extra touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for sharing with family or friends, and I’ve noticed they disappear quickly every time I bring them along to gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is what makes your danishes flaky and buttery. Store-bought sheets work great and save time. If unavailable, you can try homemade or frozen crescent roll dough for a softer texture.
Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, tangy filling. Softened cream cheese spreads easily and blends well with sugar and vanilla. For a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese.
Strawberries: Fresh sliced strawberries add bright, juicy flavor and color. If fresh aren’t available, thawed frozen strawberries or strawberry jam can work as tasty substitutes.
Egg Wash: Made by mixing beaten egg with water, it gives the pastry a golden shine. You can brush milk or cream instead, but egg wash gives the best color and texture.
Glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice adds a sweet finish. Lemon juice gives a little tang that balances the sweetness nicely.
How Do You Keep Puff Pastry Crisp and Flaky When Baking Danishes?
The key is to handle it gently and bake at a high temperature to get beautiful puff and layers. Here’s how I do it:
- Thaw puff pastry completely but keep it cold before baking to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Use a fork to prick only the center, allowing edges to puff up nicely.
- Don’t overload the center with filling—less is more for even baking and puffing.
- Brush edges with egg wash for golden color and seal them slightly to keep the filling inside but not fully closed.
- Bake on parchment to prevent sticking and maintain even heat.
- Let danishes cool slightly on a rack after baking to keep the base crisp.
Following these tips will help ensure your danishes come out perfectly flaky and golden every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for baking danishes evenly and catching drips.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – good for blending cream cheese and sugar smoothly.
- Whisk or spoon – to mix the filling and glaze without lumps.
- Pastry brush – helps you brush egg wash for a golden finish.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to cut puff pastry neatly into squares.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different fruit twist.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for warmth.
- Stir in a tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh citrus note in the cream cheese.
- Swap cream cheese for ricotta mixed with honey for a lighter, sweeter filling.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pastry and Filling:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For The Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
For The Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. Add a few extra minutes for mixing the glaze and cooling the danishes before serving. Altogether, you should set aside about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry. Cut it into 4 equal squares. Gently prick the center of each square with a fork, leaving about a 1-inch border untouched to allow the edges to puff up nicely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling and Assemble:
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread a generous spoonful of this creamy mixture in the center of each pastry square, taking care not to cover the edges. Arrange sliced strawberries evenly on top of the cream cheese.
3. Shape, Brush, and Bake:
Fold the edges of each pastry square slightly upward to frame the filling but don’t seal them shut. Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash, and brush this gently over the exposed pastry edges for a golden finish. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sugar over the strawberries for extra sweetness. Bake the danishes for 15-18 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
4. Glaze and Serve:
While the danishes bake, prepare your glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until you get the consistency you like. After baking, allow the danishes to cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight before using. This helps it unfold easily and bake evenly without tearing.
Can I Substitute Other Fruits for Strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches work wonderfully as alternatives. Adjust the sweetness accordingly depending on the fruit’s natural sugar level.
How Should I Store Leftover Danishes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to keep the pastry crisp.
Can I Make These Danishes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the danishes and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold pastries.
