Chef Mitchell preparing Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe while experimenting with puff pastry at home. After several trials, I perfected the balance of sweetness and creaminess to showcase fresh strawberries. This recipe has become a family favorite, often requested for special occasions or weekend breakfasts. It's rewarding to see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they enjoy this treat."

With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, I've dedicated my career to mastering American cuisine. Breakfast is my favorite meal to prepare, as it sets the tone for the day. My passion lies in creating delicious and comforting recipes that bring people together.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish served on a plate

Why This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe Works

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe features a beautifully flaky puff pastry that provides the ideal texture contrast to the creamy filling. The balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates a delicious flavor profile that's perfect for breakfast or brunch. Additionally, the simplicity of the ingredients allows for a quick and hassle-free preparation.

Using frozen puff pastry saves time without sacrificing quality, making this an accessible recipe for bakers of all levels. The method of enclosing the filling within the pastry ensures a delightful bite every time, with the strawberries keeping their shape and flavor. The result is a visually stunning and tasty pastry that’s sure to become a favorite.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling or sprinkling some on top before baking. Also, make sure to let the pastries cool slightly before drizzling the glaze, as this will help it set better and prevent it from melting into the pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and strawberry mixture in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also assemble the pastries and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just remember to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if you bake them straight from the fridge.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative. For a healthier option, ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt could work as substitutes, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Another alternative is mascarpone cheese, which will provide a rich and creamy filling.

The Danish is done when the pastry is golden brown and flaky. You can check for doneness by gently pressing the center; if it feels firm and not doughy, it’s ready. Additionally, the filling should be slightly puffed and not runny. If you're unsure, you can also use a toothpick to test the filling's consistency.

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked Danish. Assemble them on a baking tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked Danish can also be frozen; wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer and enjoy them within two months.

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a light fruit salad. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option. For a brunch spread, consider adding omelets or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness.

The Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you notice the pastry becoming soggy, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their flaky texture.

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and strawberries ahead of time, and even assemble the Danish a few hours before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap or a damp towel to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, simply pop them into the oven.

The best way to reheat your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore the crispiness of the pastry. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be aware that it may make the pastry a bit soft.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your Danish turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or not enough filling.

Solution: To prevent this, make sure to follow the baking time and check for browning. Adding a bit more filling can also help keep the pastry moist.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the Danish is not crispy, it could be due to humidity or an incorrect oven temperature.

Solution: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and consider using a baking stone or placing the Danish on a lower rack to encourage better airflow.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked pastries can become hard and lose their tenderness.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the pastries in the last few minutes of baking and conduct a toothpick test if unsure about their doneness.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can occur if the pastries are too thick or the oven temperature is too low.

Recovery: If you notice this after baking, return them to the oven for a few more minutes, covering the tops with foil to prevent further browning.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the Danish has a burnt exterior, it may be placed too close to the heating element.

Prevention: To prevent this, place the pastries on the middle rack and cover with foil if they brown too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the Danish is too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.

Too Salty: If the filling is too salty, you can dilute it with more cream cheese or a bit of sugar.

Bland: To enhance bland flavors, add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of lemon zest for brightness.

Fresh ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

The key ingredients for this recipe include high-quality cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and flaky puff pastry. Each element plays a crucial role in achieving the ideal texture and flavor. Using fresh strawberries enhances the natural sweetness, while cream cheese provides a rich, creamy filling that complements the pastry perfectly.

Always opt for high-quality ingredients to ensure the best results. Fresh strawberries should be bright red and free of blemishes, while cream cheese should be smooth and creamy. The puff pastry should be well-frozen and thawed correctly for optimal flakiness during baking.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Puff Pastry: For best results, ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed before working with it. Roll it out lightly on a floured surface to maintain its flakiness. Avoid handling it too much to keep the layers intact.
  • Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling. If possible, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smoother texture.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Wash and hull them just before using to maintain their freshness. Dicing them allows for even distribution throughout the Danish.
Cooking process for Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Begin by preparing all your ingredients and preheating the oven. Following each step methodically will yield the best results. The combination of the creamy filling and the strawberry topping makes this Danish irresistible.

Be attentive during the baking process, watching for the golden color of the pastry. This ensures that the outer layer is crisp while the inside remains soft and delicious. With a bit of practice, you will master this delightful pastry.

Key Technique for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

The most important technique in this recipe is ensuring the puff pastry is well-prepared and properly baked. Keeping the pastry cold until baking helps it achieve that desired flaky texture. Additionally, not overfilling the pastries prevents sogginess and ensures an even bake.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/2 cup water
    For sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    For thickening
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry
    Thawed
  • 8 oz cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    For filling
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries
    Diced
  • 1 egg
    Beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
    For dusting
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
    For glazing

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare the Strawberries

    In a small saucepan, combine diced strawberries, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, then set aside to cool.

  3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

    In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

  4. Roll Out Puff Pastry

    On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smoothen it. Cut into 6 equal squares.

  5. Fill the Pastry

    Place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square, followed by a spoonful of the strawberry mixture.

  6. Fold the Pastry

    Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, pinching to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.

  7. Bake the Pastries

    Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  8. Prepare the Glaze

    In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla until smooth.

  9. Serve

    Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries and serve while still warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain their crispiness, consider reheating them in the oven before serving. You can also freeze unbaked or baked pastries for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish warm, ideally fresh from the oven. Pair with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. For a more decadent experience, enjoy with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Complement with a fresh fruit salad or your favorite morning beverage.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to substitute strawberries with other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for different flavor profiles. You can also try adding a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing twist. For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped almonds or pecans to the filling.