Name: Strawberry Danish
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet Frozen sheet puff pastry (thawed slightly); 4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature) (Use softened for easy mixing.); 3 tbsp White granulated sugar (For the cream cheese mixture.); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1 Large egg (For egg wash.); 2 tsp Water (To mix with egg for egg wash.); 2 cups Strawberries (washed, dried, thinly sliced) (Ensure they are well-coated with cornstarch.); ½ tbsp Cornstarch (Used to thicken juices.); ½ tbsp White granulated sugar (For strawberries.); ½ cup Powdered sugar (sifted); 2–3 tsp Lemon juice (To mix in the glaze.)

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Hi, I’m Lina. I’m 30 years old and living here in the United States, and if there’s one place that feels like home to me no matter what season I’m in, it’s the kitchen. I found this recipe scribbled in an old family cookbook, its pages stained, corners folded, and ink softly faded. Cooking it felt like touching the past, where love and memories linger.
Try it old recipes always carry a little magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Danish is easy to prepare and consistently rewarding. The flaky pastry provides a satisfying texture that complements the creamy filling and fruity topping, delivering a balance of flavors that’s comforting. Its practical nature makes it perfect for breakfast gatherings, coffee breaks, or casual family meals. With this recipe, you can impress loved ones without a lot of effort, bringing joy to any occasion.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Rolling pin

Ingredients

1 Frozen sheet puff pastry (thawed slightly) (structure)
4 oz Cream cheese (room temperature) (creamy texture)
3 tbsp White granulated sugar (sweetness)
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract (flavor)
2 cups Strawberries (washed, dried, thinly sliced) (moisture and flavor)
½ tbsp Cornstarch (thickening agent)
½ tbsp White granulated sugar (for strawberries)
1 Large egg (structure and richness)
2 tsp Water (to wash pastry)
½ cup Powdered sugar (sifted) (sweetness and texture)
Zest of half a lemon (freshness)
2–3 tsp Lemon juice (tartness)

How to Make Strawberry Danish

Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures the pastry will rise and become perfectly golden during baking. A well-preheated oven helps achieve that desirable flaky texture characteristic of puff pastry.

Step 2. Next, take the frozen puff pastry and allow it to thaw slightly on a clean counter for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out without breaking. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to become overly soft.

Step 3. While the pastry is softening, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to blend everything until smooth. This mixture should be creamy and free of lumps, allowing it to spread easily on the pastry.

Step 4. After that, wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly. Cut the berries into thin slices, aiming for uniformity so they cook evenly. This step ensures a consistent texture in the final pastry, enhancing both taste and appearance.

Step 5. In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with cornstarch and the remaining ½ tablespoon of sugar. Gently mix until the strawberries are well-coated. This will help to thicken the juices released during baking and maintain a nice structure in the filling.

Step 6. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Be careful not to tear it. Once rolled out, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly pressing it down helps prevent it from curling and helps achieve an even bake.

Step 7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Be sure to apply it evenly to ensure every bite has a delicious creaminess that pairs with the strawberries.

Step 8. Next, layer the prepared strawberries over the cream cheese filling. It’s nice to arrange them neatly for a visually appealing finish. Ensure you use all the strawberry slices, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in each slice.

Step 9. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, creating a border. This step not only encases the filling but also seals in the moisture during baking. Make sure the edges are well crimped or pressed together to prevent any spillage.

Step 10. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the edges of the folded pastry. The egg wash will give the pastry a beautiful golden color once baked, enhancing its overall visual appeal.

Step 11. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on the pastry toward the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t become overdone.

Step 12. Once baked, remove the Danish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. While it’s cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing sifted powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. It should have a pourable consistency.

Step 13. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled pastry. This finishing touch adds not only sweetness but also a refreshing hint of lemon, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Danish makes a wonderful breakfast option, bringing a touch of elegance to your morning routine. It’s also a lovely afternoon snack to enjoy alongside tea or coffee. For family meals, it can be sliced into portions and served as a delightful dessert, sure to please everyone at the table. Any leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later, making it a practical addition to your menu.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Ensure your puff pastry is only slightly thawed for easy handling.
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Don’t overcrowd the strawberries on the pastry to prevent sogginess.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary in heat.
Allow the Danish to cool slightly before applying the glaze for better adhesion.
For best texture, enjoy the Danish fresh but store properly if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is using cold cream cheese, which can lead to a lumpy filling. Allowing the cream cheese to come to room temperature ensures a smooth mixture. Also, rolling the pastry too thin can cause it to bake unevenly, leading to a tough texture, so aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

Another issue is not letting the strawberries dry properly before mixing, which can create excess moisture in the filling. Ensure they are washed and dried thoroughly. Some may also forget to crimp the edges of the pastry, leading to leaking filling during baking.

Using too much cornstarch on the strawberries can make the mixture gummy instead of nicely thickened, so measure carefully. Not preheating the oven could result in poor puffing, affecting the final texture of the Danish. Lastly, skipping the egg wash can result in an underwhelming color on the finished pastry; always add this step for appeal.

Variations & Substitutions

For a different fruit twist, consider using blueberries, raspberries, or peaches in place of strawberries. You may also add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for added warmth. If you want to customize the filling, try incorporating a touch of almond extract for a lovely flavor twist.

Storage & Reheating

Your Strawberry Danish can be stored at room temperature for a day if wrapped loosely to maintain its texture. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn; it lasts about two months. To reheat, place it in a warm oven (around 350°F) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its flaky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and wash the strawberries ahead of time. Shape the Danish but wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve to maintain the pastry’s flakiness.

How long does it last in the fridge?

The Strawberry Danish will last for up to three days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. However, for the best texture, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared but unbaked Danish. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

What can I substitute for one ingredient?

If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone can be a nice alternative, though the flavor will change slightly. Just ensure it’s at room temperature for the best texture.

Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?

Several factors can affect the outcome, such as the temperature of your ingredients or your oven’s accuracy. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature, and check that your oven is preheated correctly before baking.

Final Thoughts

Making a Strawberry Danish at home is a fulfilling experience that allows you to enjoy a touch of indulgence without too much effort. Each bite is a delightful mix of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, bringing warmth to any occasion. Remember, even if things don’t go perfectly the first time, every attempt is a step closer to mastering this comforting favorite. Relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of creating and savoring this lovely pastry.