Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh strawberries. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or a sweet treat, these Danish pastries are easy to prepare using store-bought puff pastry and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred shape.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy for a flavorful filling.
- Assemble Danish: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, leaving a border around the edges to allow folding.
- Add Strawberries: Top each cream cheese layer with sliced fresh strawberries and sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness.
- Fold Pastry: Fold the corners of each puff pastry square over the filling to form a sealed square or rectangle, gently pressing the edges to secure.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this mixture onto the edges of the pastry to create a shiny golden finish during baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the Danishes to cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the strawberry Danishes warm for the best flavor and enjoy your delicious homemade treat!
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling out to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute lemon juice with orange juice for a different citrus note.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and an egg substitute for the egg wash.
- Serve immediately after baking for the flakiest texture; leftovers can be reheated briefly in the oven.
