The Ultimate Easy Strawberry Danish Recipe: Flaky, Creamy, and Irresistibly Fresh

Indulge in the pure delight of homemade Danish pastries with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Strawberry Danish recipe. Featuring a golden, flaky puff pastry crust, a rich and velvety cream cheese filling, and a topping of fresh, baked strawberries, these danishes are a true breakfast or brunch masterpiece. A zesty lemon icing drizzle adds the perfect bright finish, making each bite a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors. Forget complicated baking; with frozen puff pastry as your secret weapon, you can create bakery-quality treats right in your own kitchen in under an hour!

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh pastries baking, especially when they combine the irresistible flavors of sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese. These Strawberry Danishes are not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a joy to prepare. Imagine serving warm, golden pastries to your family or guests, each one a testament to homemade goodness, without spending hours in the kitchen.

My journey to perfecting this Strawberry Danish recipe involved a bit of experimentation. Initially, I attempted to use strawberry jam for the filling, thinking it would be a quick and easy solution. However, the jam spread too much during baking, leading to a messy, less-than-perfect result. It became clear that fresh ingredients were the key to unlocking the true potential of this pastry. By using fresh strawberries, lightly coated with sugar and cornstarch, I achieved a vibrant, perfectly thickened fruit topping that held its shape and burst with natural flavor. This simple adjustment transformed the danishes from good to absolutely divine!

If you’re a fan of delightful breakfast treats or crave something sweet to accompany your coffee, these Strawberry Danishes are a must-try. They offer a sophisticated taste with minimal effort, proving that baking from scratch can be both rewarding and incredibly simple. Don’t miss out on exploring other delicious pastry creations:

• Chocolate Cookie Dough Pop Tarts
• Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish
• Easy Blueberry Danish
• Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Why You Will Love This Strawberry Danish Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Strawberry Danish will become a staple in your baking repertoire. From its straightforward preparation to its irresistible taste, here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Effortlessly Easy to Make: The star of this recipe is the use of store-bought frozen puff pastry. This fantastic shortcut eliminates hours of intricate dough preparation, making elegant pastries accessible to even novice bakers. Simply thaw, fill, and bake!
• Bursting with Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Unlike recipes that rely on jams or artificial flavors, this Danish celebrates the natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh strawberries. Baking them on top concentrates their flavor, creating a delightful texture that’s far superior to any preserve.
• Zesty Lemon Icing Perfection: The homemade lemon zest icing is a game-changer. Its sharp, citrusy notes perfectly complement the sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese, adding a bright counterpoint that elevates the entire pastry. It’s sweet, zesty, and utterly refreshing.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special breakfast, a casual brunch, a dessert with tea, or a grab-and-go snack, these danishes fit every moment. They look impressive but are surprisingly simple to create, making you look like a pastry pro!
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and juicy fruit is universally loved. These danishes are sure to disappear quickly from any table, earning you rave reviews from family and friends.

Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Strawberry Danish

Crafting these delectable Strawberry Danishes requires a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• Frozen Puff Pastry: This is your ultimate time-saver! While making puff pastry from scratch is a commendable feat, good quality frozen sheets are incredibly convenient and yield beautifully flaky results every time. Look for brands with real butter for the best flavor. They typically come in perfect rectangular sheets, ideal for cutting into individual danishes.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the richest, most luxurious cream cheese filling, opt for full-fat cream cheese. Reduced-fat versions can lead to a thinner, watery filling that lacks the desired creaminess and depth of flavor after baking. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy beating and a smooth consistency.
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Always choose ripe, vibrant red strawberries for optimal taste and texture. Fresh strawberries bake beautifully, retaining their shape and releasing their natural juices to create a succulent topping. Avoid frozen strawberries, as they can release too much water, making the pastry soggy.
• White Granulated Sugar: Used for both the cream cheese filling and to lightly sweeten the strawberries, granulated sugar provides the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cream cheese filling, complementing the fruit beautifully.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient for the strawberry topping! A small amount of cornstarch mixed with the sliced strawberries helps to thicken their juices as they bake, preventing the danishes from becoming watery and ensuring a perfectly set fruit layer.
• Large Egg & Water (Egg Wash): An egg wash brushed over the pastry edges before baking gives the danishes a beautiful, golden-brown sheen and helps create that irresistible flaky texture. It also aids in sealing the edges and providing a professional-looking finish.
• Lemon Zest & Fresh Lemon Juice (for the Icing): The zest of half a lemon and a few teaspoons of fresh lemon juice are essential for the bright, tangy lemon icing. The zest provides intense aromatic oils, while the juice adds tartness and helps achieve the perfect drizzle consistency with powdered sugar. Don’t skip fresh lemon for maximum impact!
• Powdered Sugar (for the Icing): Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar creates a smooth, lump-free icing that drizzles beautifully over the warm danishes. Sifting it beforehand ensures an even silkier texture.

Essential Equipment for Danish Success

Having the right tools on hand will make the preparation of these Strawberry Danishes even smoother and more enjoyable:

• Baking Sheets: At least one large baking sheet is crucial. Line it with parchment paper or spray generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for quickly and effectively beating the cream cheese filling until smooth and fluffy.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a medium-sized bowl for the cream cheese filling and a smaller one for the strawberries. Another small bowl for the egg wash.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing strawberries and precisely scoring the puff pastry.
• Pizza Cutter or Pastry Wheel: Ideal for cleanly cutting the puff pastry into uniform rectangles.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Small Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the cream cheese filling.
• Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash evenly over the pastry edges.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the baked danishes before drizzling with icing.
• Microplane or Zester: For easily zesting the lemon for the icing.

Step-By-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Danish

Creating these delicious danishes is surprisingly simple. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect, bakery-quality results:

STEP 1: Thaw the Puff Pastry

Remove one sheet of frozen puff pastry from its packaging and place it on a lightly floured countertop or a large sheet of parchment paper. Allow it to thaw at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. This thawing period is crucial: if it’s too cold, the pastry will crack when you try to unfold or roll it. However, be careful not to let it sit out for too long, as the butter in the pastry can begin to melt, which can affect its flakiness. Once slightly thawed, gently unfold it. If there are visible seams, lightly roll the pastry out with a rolling pin to ensure they are blended and the surface is even.

STEP 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the puff pastry thaws, prepare your luscious cream cheese filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature full-fat cream cheese with 3 tablespoons of white granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer with paddle attachment), beat the mixture on high speed for about 1 minute until it’s light, smooth, and fluffy. Next, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and beat for another 30 seconds until fully incorporated. The goal is a creamy, lump-free consistency that will spread easily.

STEP 3: Prepare the Fresh Strawberries

Wash and thoroughly dry 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Slice them into thin, uniform pieces. Place the sliced strawberries in a small bowl. In a separate tiny bowl, whisk together 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 tablespoon of white granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the sliced strawberries and gently toss to coat. The cornstarch will act as a thickener, preventing the strawberries from releasing excessive moisture during baking, while the sugar enhances their natural sweetness.

STEP 4: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it generously with non-stick baking spray. Lay the thawed and slightly rolled puff pastry sheet on your prepared surface. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the pastry sheet in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into three equal rectangles. This will give you a total of 6 individual Danish pastry bases. Carefully transfer these rectangles to your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, gently score a 1/4-inch border around the perimeter of each rectangle, making sure not to cut all the way through the pastry. This border will help the edges puff up beautifully during baking, creating a pocket for the filling.

STEP 5: Fill and Assemble the Danishes

Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the prepared cream cheese filling onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle, spreading it evenly within the scored border. Next, artfully arrange the cornstarch-sugar coated strawberry slices over the cream cheese filling. Try to compact them slightly and ensure a nice, even layer. You should still see a bit of the cream cheese peeking through the gaps between the strawberries. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the exposed puff pastry edges (the scored border) of each Danish. This will give them a gorgeous golden-brown color and a beautiful sheen.

STEP 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet with your assembled danishes into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is visibly golden brown and puffed up, and the strawberries are soft and bubbling. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the icing.

Expert Baking Tips for the Best Strawberry Danish

Achieving perfectly puffed and golden danishes is easy with a few insider tips:

• Don’t Rush the Thaw: Patience is key with puff pastry. If it’s too cold, it will tear. If it’s too warm, the butter will melt, making it difficult to work with and reducing its flakiness. Aim for pliable but still cool to the touch.
• Score, Don’t Cut: When scoring the border, be gentle. You want to create a guide for the pastry to puff up around, not cut through to the baking sheet. This ensures the filling stays contained.
• The Magic of Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash! It’s not just for aesthetics; it helps create a beautifully crisp and golden crust. Without it, your danishes might look pale and less appetizing.
• Even Strawberry Slices: Slice your strawberries as uniformly as possible. This ensures they cook evenly and present a beautiful, consistent topping.
• Non-Stick is Non-Negotiable: Always use parchment paper or a well-greased baking sheet. Puff pastry can be prone to sticking, and you want to be able to remove your delicate danishes without damage.
• Serve Warm for Optimal Flavor: While delicious at any temperature, these Strawberry Danishes are truly at their peak when served warm from the oven, with the lemon icing slightly melting into the pastry.
• Oven Temperature Matters: A hot oven (400°F) is crucial for puff pastry. The high heat creates steam from the butter layers, causing the pastry to puff up quickly and become incredibly flaky.

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic Strawberry Danish is divine, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your pastries:

• Mixed Berry Danish: Substitute strawberries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful and tangy alternative. Adjust cornstarch slightly if using very juicy berries.
• Peach or Apricot Danish: In the summer, thinly sliced peaches or apricots make a wonderful filling. A sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom would complement these fruits beautifully.
• Nutella Swirl: For a chocolatey twist, swirl a tablespoon of Nutella into the cream cheese filling before adding the fruit.
• Almond Extract: Add a 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a hint of nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with berries.
• Different Glazes: If lemon isn’t your preference, a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar and milk/cream with vanilla extract) or an orange zest glaze would also be delicious.
• Savory Options: Puff pastry is incredibly versatile! For a savory Danish, omit the sugar and vanilla from the cream cheese, add herbs like chives or dill, and top with roasted vegetables, smoked salmon, or ham and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These warm, flaky danishes are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to enhance your breakfast or brunch experience:

• Classic Breakfast: Serve alongside a fresh cup of coffee, espresso, or a soothing cup of tea.
• Brunch Spread: A beautiful addition to any brunch spread, complementing eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit platters.
• Dessert Delight: Enjoy as a light dessert after a meal, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (for an extra indulgent treat!).
• Afternoon Treat: Pair with a glass of chilled milk or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing afternoon snack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Storing and Freezing Your Strawberry Danishes

Storing Baked Danishes

Once baked and cooled, store these delightful Strawberry Danishes at room temperature in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain their freshness and flaky texture. While they can be stored in the refrigerator, the pastry might lose some of its crispness due to moisture.

Freezing

I generally do not recommend freezing leftover baked danishes, especially with fresh strawberries. The texture of the fresh strawberries can become quite watery and mushy after thawing, which would significantly impact the overall quality and enjoyment of the pastry. It’s always best to enjoy them fresh!

More Breakfast Recipes to Explore

If you loved these Strawberry Danishes, be sure to try some of these other fantastic breakfast and brunch recipes:

• Jumbo Blueberry Muffins
• Sweet Cream Pancakes
• Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
• Double Chocolate Banana Bread

We hope you adore these Strawberry Danishes as much as we do! The combination of crisp pastry, creamy filling, and sweet-tart strawberries is truly unmatched. Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with us.

If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating below to let us know how much you loved it! And make sure to tag us on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats so we can see your beautiful bakes. For more delightful recipe ideas and inspiration, follow us on Pinterest.

Strawberry Danish

Author: Stephanie Rutherford

This strawberry Danish is flaky puff pastry with cream cheese and fresh strawberries. It is topped with a lemon zest icing.

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Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20-25 mins

Resting Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 6 danishes

Ingredients

• 1 Frozen sheet puff pastry, thawed slightly
• 4 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 TBSP White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups Strawberries, washed, dried, cut into thin slices
• 1/2 TBSP Cornstarch
• 1/2 TBSP White granulated sugar
• 1 Large egg
• 2 tsp Water

Lemon Icing

• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar, sifted
• Zest half a lemon
• 2-3 tsp Lemon juice

Instructions

Puff Pastry Preparation

1. Take the sheet of puff pastry out of the freezer and place on the counter. Let it sit for 30 minutes to thaw slightly.
2. While the pastry is thawing, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese on high for 1 minute. Add in the sugar and beat again on high for 1 minute. Mix in the vanilla. Cut the strawberries into thin slices and place in a bowl.
3. Once pastry is thawed, mix cornstarch and sugar into the strawberries. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your counter and place the pastry down. Roll it out slightly until seams are blended together.
4. Use a pizza cutter and cut in half. Cut each half into thirds. Place these on a cookie sheet sprayed with baking non-stick spray. Use a sharp knife to score each rectangle with a 1/4 inch border.
5. Spoon 1 TBSP of cream cheese mixture into the middle of the rectangle. Use the back of a spoon to spread to the edge of the border. Delicately place strawberries on top of cream cheese. There should be cream cheese poking through on the edges.
6. Mix the egg and water, brush the edges with the egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The pastry should be golden brown.

Lemon Icing Preparation

7. Mix the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. It should be smooth and pourable; if it is too thin, it will melt excessively into the pastry. Drizzle generously over the warm pastries and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 112kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 21mg, Sodium: 61mg, Potassium: 102mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 260IU, Vitamin C: 29mg, Calcium: 27mg, Iron: 1mg