Name: Easy Strawberry Danish Recipe You'll Love for Breakfast!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Sliced Strawberries (Substitute with other berries for variety.); 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (Can be replaced with arrowroot powder.); 1/4 cup Sugar (Use honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners.); 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Neufchâtel cheese can be used for a lighter option.); 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (Replace with granulated sugar for a crunchier texture.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Use almond extract for a different taste.); 1 package Puff Pastry Sheets (Homemade pastry can replace store-bought.); 1 large Egg (For an egg-free option, use a milk wash.); 2 tablespoons Sugar for Topping (Skip if desired for less sweetness.); 1/4 cup Strawberry Jam (Use any berry jam or conserve as a substitute.); 2 tablespoons Milk (Almond milk or heavy cream can be used instead.)

There’s something utterly delightful about the first bite of a freshly baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish. The moment the flaky pastry gives way to a rich, creamy filling swirled with sweet strawberries, it’s hard not to feel a sense of joy. These danishes have quickly become my go-to recipe for impressing guests at brunch or treating myself on lazy Sunday mornings.

Perfect for those of us who love to savor homemade goodness while steering clear of fast-food options, this recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With the convenience of frozen puff pastry, you can whip up these beauties in no time. Whether enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to a meal, their lush texture and vibrant fruitiness make them irresistible. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into creating these charming treats that are sure to brighten any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Danish

Irresistible Taste: The Strawberry Danish combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, resulting in a taste that’s simply divine.

Quick to Make: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves delicious homemade breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizable Delight: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or add a drizzle of chocolate for a touch of extravagance.

Showstopper for Any Occasion: Whether for brunch with friends or a special breakfast treat, this danish is sure to impress with its gourmet look and taste.

Perfect with Coffee: Pair it perfectly with your morning coffee or serve as a delightful dessert; it fits any time of day! Enjoy exploring more easy pastry ideas in our other recipes.

Strawberry Danish Ingredients

For the Strawberry Filling

Sliced Strawberries – Freshness and natural sweetness. Substitute with other berries for variety.
Cornstarch – Thickening agent for the strawberry filling. Can be replaced with arrowroot powder.
Sugar – Sweetens strawberries and the cream cheese filling. Use honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners.

For the Cream Cheese Mixture

Cream Cheese – Creates a rich and creamy filling. Neufchâtel cheese can be used for a lighter option.
Powdered Sugar – For sweetness in the cream cheese mixture and optional glaze. Replace with granulated sugar for a crunchier texture if preferred.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor to the cream cheese filling. Use almond extract for a different taste.

For the Pastry

Puff Pastry Sheets – The base of the danish, offering flakiness and structure. Homemade pastry can replace store-bought.
Egg – Acts as a wash for browning the pastry. For an egg-free option, use a milk wash.

For Toppings and Glaze

Sugar for Topping – Optional sweetness and crunch on top. Skip if desired for less sweetness.
Strawberry Jam – Optional glaze for the finishing touch. Use any berry jam or conserve as a substitute.
Milk – Used in the glaze for consistency. Almond milk or heavy cream can be used instead for dairy-free or richer options.

How to Make Strawberry Danish

Thaw Puff Pastry: Let the frozen puff pastry sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until pliable. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, cornstarch, and sugar. Let this sit for 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices. Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Danishes: Cut the puff pastry into rectangles, scoring the edges slightly for a decorative touch. Spoon the luscious cream cheese filling into the center and layer the strawberries on top. Brush the edges with egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
Chill and Bake: Place the assembled danishes in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to enhance their rise. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and flaky.
Cool and Serve: Allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. You can drizzle warm strawberry jam or a vanilla glaze on top for added sweetness, if desired.

Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Strawberry Danish

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending; this will help prevent any lumps in your filling.
Chill for Flakiness: Allow the assembled danishes to chill before baking for about 15-20 minutes; this encourages extra puffiness during baking.
Watch the Color: Keep an eye on the pastries while they bake; you want a luscious golden brown color, not a dark hue that indicates overbaking.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill each danish with cream cheese and strawberries; leaving room will help them puff up beautifully.
Experiment with Fruits: Feel free to customize your Strawberry Danish by trying different fruits or flavor extracts. Raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches can add a delightful twist!

How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Danish

Room Temperature: Enjoy your Strawberry Danish fresh on the day of baking for the best flavor and texture. If needed, keep at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

Fridge: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to revive their flaky texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked assembled danishes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating: Reheat thawed danishes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and flaky again.

What to Serve with Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish?

Crafting the perfect meal around your danishes can elevate the entire experience. Think of delightful bites that complement the sweet, creamy flavors while offering a satisfying culinary balance.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Adds a colorful, refreshing crunch that brightens the meal. Pair sweet and tart fruits for an explosion of flavor.
Coffee or Espresso: A bold cup of coffee or a rich espresso pairs beautifully, enhancing the danish’s sweetness while waking up the palate.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with honey and granola introduces delightful creaminess, while providing a wholesome contrast.
Scrambled Eggs: Savory scrambled eggs add protein and heartiness, balancing the sweetness of the danish. A sprinkle of herbs adds flavor!
Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea cleanse the palate and beautifully accompany the danish, making it an elegant breakfast choice.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and richness that perfectly complements the strawberry filling.

Enjoying your strawberry cream cheese danish alongside these options will create a memorable meal that everyone will love!

Make Ahead Options

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic mornings or brunch preparations! You can prepare the filling (cream cheese mixture and strawberry mixture) and store them in the refrigerator up to 3 days beforehand. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. Assemble the danishes with the chilled filling, brush with egg wash, and chill for an additional 15-20 minutes before baking for that perfect rise. By prepping the components in advance, you can enjoy fresh, homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes just like they came straight from the bakery, with minimal effort and all the delicious flavor!

Strawberry Danish Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own with these delightful twists!

Berry Medley: Substitute strawberries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful tartness.
Swapping fruits not only diversifies flavors but adds an exciting burst of color to your danish!
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing citrusy kick.
This brightens the overall flavor and complements the natural sweetness of the fruit beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished danish.
This indulgent addition makes the pastries feel extra special for dessert!
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
This substitution lends a subtle coconut flavor while keeping it creamy and delicious.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese filling for warm, cozy notes.
These spices can transform the danish into a comforting experience, perfect for chilly mornings.
Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans before baking for added texture and flavor.
This gives a satisfying crunch that balances perfectly with the soft pastry and creamy filling.
Maple Sweetener: Swap sugar for maple syrup in the filling for a more earthy sweetness.
This twist adds a gourmet touch and a new depth of flavor to your danish.
Fruit Compote Top: Instead of fresh fruit, use a homemade fruit compote as a topping for a richer texture.
This thickened blend of fruit enhances the danish’s sweet profile while adding a gourmet flair!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe FAQs

What type of strawberries should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and flavor. Look for bright red strawberries that are firm and free of dark spots. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones can be used but remember to thaw and drain any excess liquid.

How should I store leftover danishes?
You can store leftover Strawberry Danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their delectable flaky texture, reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

Can I freeze the assembled Strawberry Danishes?
Yes! For long-term storage, wrap the unbaked assembled danishes tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just place them in a preheated oven from frozen, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time until they are golden brown.

What if my cream cheese filling is lumpy?
Don’t worry! If your cream cheese filling turns out lumpy, it’s likely that the cream cheese wasn’t softened enough. To fix this, simply let it sit at room temperature longer and mix it again until smooth. For best results, make sure to mix it well using an electric mixer or stand mixer.

Is this recipe suitable for someone with dairy allergies?
For those with dairy allergies, you can easily adapt this recipe! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and opt for almond milk or a similar non-dairy milk instead of regular milk in the glaze. Additionally, ensure that your puff pastry is dairy-free.

How can I tell if my danishes are done baking?
The perfect indicator for doneness is color! Your danishes should be a beautiful golden brown. Check for flakiness by gently touching the pastry; it should feel crispy on the outside. If they’re browning too quickly and the insides aren’t set, cover them loosely with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.