Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Danish pastries, combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy vanilla cream cheese filling and fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these danishes are lightly sweetened and beautifully golden-baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
Optional Toppings
- Strawberry jam
- Additional sugar
- Vanilla glaze
Instructions
- Prepare Pastry and Oven: Thaw puff pastry sheets at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Macreate Strawberries: In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release juices while thickening with cornstarch.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Rectangles: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheets into rectangles of desired size. Lightly score the edges to create a border, which helps define the filling area and puff pastry rise.
- Assemble Danishes: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle. Top the cream cheese with a generous layer of the macerated strawberries. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash to ensure a shiny glaze and help seal the pastry. Optionally, sprinkle additional sugar over the edges.
- Chill Before Baking: Chill the assembled danishes in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step promotes better puffing and prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastries are golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, brush with strawberry jam or drizzle with vanilla glaze for extra sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before cutting and assembling for best texture.
- Chilling the assembled danishes improves puff pastry rise and prevents filling from leaking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easy blending and smooth filling.
- Optional toppings such as strawberry jam or vanilla glaze add extra flavor and presentation appeal.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
