Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups sliced strawberries; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sugar; 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed; 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water; 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional); ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional for topping); 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 10 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love buttery, flaky pastries filled with luscious cream cheese and fresh strawberries, then you are going to absolutely adore this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of crisp, golden puff pastry enveloping a creamy, dreamy center paired with the bright, juicy sweetness of strawberries. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or just to brighten an ordinary morning, this recipe is simple enough to whip up in about 40 minutes but impressive enough to feel like an indulgent treat. I can’t wait to share every detail with you so you can delight in this one-of-a-kind breakfast or dessert experience!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a green and white checkered towel partially under it. Inside the bowl is one smooth thick layer of creamy, light beige batter with soft swirls on the surface. A wooden spatula with a light blue silicone edge rests in the batter, creating a gentle fold and slight texture in the creamy layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is easy, and each one plays a vital role in bringing this pastry to life with spectacular flavor and texture. The magic lies in the interplay between creamy, fruity, and flaky elements, so don’t skip anything!

Strawberries (4 cups sliced): Fresh and juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color, essential for that delightful fruity kick.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the strawberry topping, preventing it from getting soggy during baking.
Sugar (1 tablespoon + 2-3 tablespoons for topping): Balances the tartness of strawberries and adds a lovely sparkle on top of the danish.
Cream cheese (8 oz., room temperature): The creamy filling base that gives these danishes their luscious texture and tangy flavor.
Powdered sugar (½ cup + 1 cup for glaze): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling, plus makes a dreamy glaze to drizzle.
Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Infuses warmth and depth into both the filling and the vanilla glaze.
Puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed): Provides that iconic flaky, buttery crust that’s the star of any Danish pastry.
Egg (1 large, beaten with 1 teaspoon water): Used to brush the edges for a gorgeous golden shine and helps seal the filling inside.
Strawberry jam (¼ cup, optional): Adds an extra luscious fruit layer when warmed and spread on top after baking.
Milk (2-3 tablespoons): Used to thin out the powdered sugar glaze for drizzling perfection.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Puff Pastry

Start by thawing your puff pastry at room temperature so it’s pliable but not too soft—this will help you work with it without tearing. Meanwhile, slice your strawberries and toss them with sugar and cornstarch to coat evenly. Letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes releases their natural juices and softens them slightly, making them perfect for layering later.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Using a mixing bowl, beat your cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated. This filling is the creamy heart of the danishes, so make sure it’s silky and tastes just right before moving on.

Step 3: Cut and Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut it into six equal-sized smaller rectangles by slicing along the fold lines and cutting the long rectangles in half. Use a paring knife to gently score a ¼-inch border inside each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through. This border will help the pastry edges puff up nicely and hold your filling in place.

Step 4: Assemble the Danishes

Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored borders. Next, layer the sliced strawberries beautifully over the cream cheese. Brush the edges of the pastry lightly with the egg wash to help them brown and seal up. A sprinkle of sugar on top gives an irresistible sparkle and crunch after baking.

Step 5: Chill and Bake

If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels sticky, place the prepared tray in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for getting that signature puffiness as the fat in the pastry stays cold when it hits the oven. Then bake the danishes at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and irresistible.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For a burst of extra flavor, warm up some strawberry jam and brush it on top, or make a vanilla glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over each danish and prepare to impress!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe

Two square strawberry pastries are stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has three visible layers of golden brown, flaky puff pastry with a slightly crispy texture. The center of the top pastry holds a smooth, creamy white filling topped with bright red, glossy strawberry slices arranged side by side, showing juicy details. The edges of the pastry are puffed and browned, adding a crunchy contrast to the soft filling and fruit. Small crumbs lie beside the pastries, emphasizing their flaky texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze instantly ups the charm factor, adding sweetness and lovely texture contrast. Fresh mint leaves can lend a pop of green and refreshing aroma, enhancing the overall experience.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness beautifully. A side of fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt can complement these danishes without overpowering their rich, buttery flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, arrange the danishes on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and edible flowers. For a fun twist, try individual serving plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of honey alongside each danish. It’s all about making your guests’ eyes light up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any danishes left (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the pastry flaky and the filling fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled danishes on the baking sheet, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil, for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed to bake as usual for fresh-from-the-oven bliss.

Reheating

To bring leftover danishes back to life, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best in this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe because they hold their shape better and taste brighter, but if you must use frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid soggy danishes.

Is there a substitute for puff pastry?

Puff pastry is key for the flaky layers characteristic of Danish pastries; however, if unavailable, you could try croissant dough for a similar texture, though the taste and rise will differ slightly.

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before assembling.

How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Scoring the pastry edges, chilling the assembled danishes before baking, and using cornstarch in your strawberry topping all help keep moisture at bay and maintain crisp, flaky layers.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

Substituting cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and using vegan puff pastry sheets can work, but the flavor and texture might vary slightly from the classic Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe at home. It’s a wonderfully approachable yet impressive treat that brings together the best of creamy, flaky, and fruity elements in every bite. Whether for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion, these danishes are sure to impress and make your kitchen smell heavenly. Grab those ingredients and dive in—you won’t regret it!