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Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese

Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese
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This Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese recipe features flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfectly balancing creamy richness and bright fruity flavors, this easy-to-make treat is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, bringing bakery-quality indulgence to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and simple steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

  • Store-bought puff pastry sheets (thawed)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Water or milk (a splash for egg wash)

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit and Add-Ons

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Soften the cream cheese at room temperature until smooth and pliable. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip the ingredients together until creamy and fluffy for easy spreading.
  2. Cut and Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into even 4×4 inch squares. Score a half-inch border inside each square without cutting through, creating a raised edge to contain the filling.
  3. Assemble the Danish: Spoon a dollop of cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, spreading evenly but staying inside the scored border. Arrange sliced strawberries on top, slightly overlapping for a layered look. Sprinkle lemon zest over the fruit if desired.
  4. Egg Wash and Bake: Lightly beat the egg with a splash of water or milk. Brush the egg wash over the pastry edges and exposed strawberries for a golden, shiny finish when baked. Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  5. Cool and Serve: Transfer the baked Danishes to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes and set. Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy their crispy, creamy, and fruity perfection.

Notes

  • Keep the puff pastry cold during preparation for maximum flakiness.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and spreading.
  • Do not overload the filling to avoid soggy pastry bottoms.
  • Optionally chill assembled Danishes for 10 minutes before baking for a better rise.
  • Monitor baking in the final minutes to prevent burning; puff pastry browns quickly.
  • Add a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle honey for garnish before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze unbaked assembled Danishes on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags; bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes.
  • Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Strawberry Danish, Cream Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Breakfast Pastry, Easy Danish Recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/strawberry-danish-with-cream-cheese/