Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are little pockets of sweet, creamy goodness wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry. They combine soft cream cheese filling with juicy, fresh strawberries that add a perfect…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are little pockets of sweet, creamy goodness wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry. They combine soft cream cheese filling with juicy, fresh strawberries that add a perfect pop of bright flavor in every bite.
I love making these Danishes for a weekend breakfast or a special treat when friends come over. The cream cheese filling is smooth and rich but not too heavy, and the strawberries keep things feeling fresh and light. I always find that the combination of the buttery pastry and the sweet-tart berries makes it impossible to eat just one!
My favorite way to serve these is straight out of the oven while they’re still warm and fragrant, maybe with a cup of coffee or tea. They also freeze well, so I sometimes make a batch ahead of time and pull them out for a quick, delicious snack. These Danishes are a simple way to bring a little bit of joy to any morning or afternoon.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the filling its creamy, tangy flavor. Use full-fat for the best texture, but light cream cheese works if you want fewer calories.
Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry saves a ton of time and creates that light, flaky crust. If unavailable, you can make a simple pie crust, but it won’t be as airy.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for a bright, natural flavor. If fresh aren’t available, frozen berries work too—just thaw and drain before using.
Sugar & Lemon Juice: Sugar sweetens the berries and cream cheese. Lemon juice adds a subtle tang and helps the berries keep their color and brightness.
How Do I Make the Puff Pastry Perfectly Flaky?
The puff pastry is the star here, so handling it right is key:
- Thaw the puff pastry in the fridge overnight or for at least a few hours. Don’t let it get warm or sticky.
- Work on a lightly floured surface and handle the dough gently to keep layers intact.
- When scoring the border, don’t cut all the way through. This helps the edges rise up around the filling and keep it in place.
- Brush the edges with egg wash for a nice golden color.
- Bake in a hot oven (400°F) to make it puff quickly and become crisp.
Following these tips will ensure your Danishes have that lovely flaky texture and beautiful look every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding the Danishes as they bake evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper – keeps the Danishes from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a couple for the cream cheese filling and the strawberry mixture.
- Sharp knife – for scoring the puff pastry without cutting all the way through.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread egg wash on the pastry edges for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries for a different berry flavor that still pairs well with cream cheese.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for an extra bright citrus note.
- Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the cream cheese for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the strawberry filling for warm spice and depth.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (approx. 8×8 inches)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation, plus 18-22 minutes for baking. Add an extra 5 minutes if you decide to prepare the optional glaze. It’s a quick and rewarding treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Strawberry Topping:
In a small bowl, gently mix the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. This helps sweeten the berries and gives the topping a nice thickness while baking. Set this aside for now.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich, tangy base under the strawberries.
3. Prepare Your Puff Pastry:
Sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and unfold the sheet of puff pastry. Cut it into 4 equal rectangles. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a clean knife to score a smaller rectangle about half an inch inside the edges of each piece — be careful not to cut all the way through! This border will puff up around the filling.
4. Assemble the Danishes:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly inside the scored borders on each pastry piece. Spoon the strawberry topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg to help them turn golden and shiny. Bake the danishes at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown, and the strawberry mixture is bubbly.
6. Optional Glaze & Serve:
If you like, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm or cooled Danishes for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy.
Can I Make These Danishes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before popping them into the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the pastry flaky.
Can I Substitute the Puff Pastry?
You can use crescent roll dough or homemade pie crust, but puff pastry gives the best flaky texture. Just keep in mind other doughs may bake differently.