This Strawberry Danish is a sweet pastry treat filled with juicy strawberries and a creamy cheese mixture. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s like a hug in food form!
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but sneak an extra piece. Who can resist that flaky crust? Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee; it’s the perfect pair!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show. If you’re pressed for time, you can use store-bought frozen puff pastry, which works perfectly. For a healthier option, phyllo dough can be an alternative but note it won’t be as flaky.
Fresh Strawberries: They add sweetness and freshness. If strawberries are out of season, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Frozen fruits can also work but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid soggy pastries.
Cream Cheese: This gives a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using mascarpone or Greek yogurt, though the flavor may change slightly. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cream cheese substitute!
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese filling. If you don’t have it, you can blend granulated sugar until fine to make your own. For a healthier choice, you could use a natural sweetener like honey, but keep in mind it might alter the texture a bit.
How Do You Get the Perfect Puff Pastry Texture?
Getting that lovely flaky texture with puff pastry is all about handling it gently. Start by rolling out the thawed pastry on a floured surface to smooth out creases but don’t overwork it or it won’t puff up as nicely. Cutting your rectangles evenly helps too.
- Keep your pastry cold; this helps it puff up well during baking.
- When scoring the borders, be gentle—this creates the layers that rise beautifully in the oven.
- Be sure to brush the edges with egg wash before baking to create that beautiful golden color.
And remember, if your oven tends to run hot, keep an eye on your Danish to prevent them from burning. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Strawberry Danish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp strawberry preserves (for glaze)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking time, giving you a total of around 30 minutes. You’ll have warm, delicious Strawberry Danish ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your pastries bake perfectly golden and puffy.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Then, cut the pastry into rectangles about 4×6 inches. Lay these rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth—this will be the creamy deliciousness that fills your pastries!
4. Assemble the Pastries:
Take a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and spread it in the center of each pastry rectangle, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Next, layer the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese filling. They’ll add a juicy sweetness to your Danish!
5. Score and Brush:
Using a sharp knife, carefully score a border around the edges of each pastry, about 1/2 inch from the edge. Just make a light cut—don’t cut all the way through! Beat the egg in a small bowl, then use a brush to apply the egg wash over the edges of the pastries to give them a beautiful golden finish.
6. Bake the Danish:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Glaze the Pastries:
While the pastries are baking, heat the strawberry preserves in a small saucepan until they are melted and smooth. Once the Danish have cooled slightly, brush the warm strawberry preserves over the strawberries to give them a lovely glossy finish.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Strawberry Danish warm or at room temperature. Sit back, take a bite, and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before slicing to prevent sogginess in your Danish.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the pastry to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
How Do I Store Leftover Strawberry Danish?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Can I Substitute the Puff Pastry?
Yes! If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use pie crust or even phyllo dough for a different texture. Just ensure that your alternative is rolled out and cut into the same dimensions to maintain a nice shape and bake time.
