Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

A fresh batch of strawberry danish never lasts long in my home the sweet tart strawberries with silky cream cheese and flaky pastry make these irresistible for brunch or as a dessert your kitchen will fill with the scent of butter and strawberries and the best part is how surprisingly easy they are to make at home

I first baked these on a summer morning and they vanished from the table in minutes my best memories are sharing these with friends over coffee

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: this gives luscious creaminess and structure select full fat for best texture
• Granulated sugar: creates the perfect sweetness try organic for extra flavor
• Lemon zest: brightens everything up use a fresh lemon for the brightest flavor
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the filling’s sweetness opt for pure vanilla not imitation
• Frozen puff pastry: classic light layers look for all butter brands if you can
• Egg for egg wash: helps pastries turn golden and shiny use the freshest egg for best results
• Strawberry jam: brings bold berry flavor a high fruit content jam is ideal
• Powdered sugar: key to the silky glaze sift first to avoid lumps
• Milk or heavy cream: makes the glaze glossy and smooth choose whole milk or cream for richness
• Vanilla extract for the glaze: a little more vanilla brings harmony
• Fresh strawberries: these add a punch of color and freshness pick ripe fragrant berries

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

Beat cream cheese with sugar lemon zest and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy set aside so flavors can mingle while preparing the dough

Shape the Puff Pastry Strips:

Unfold and gently roll out puff pastry sheets to remove creases slice into one inch wide strips using a sharp knife for clean edges repeat with the second sheet

Twist and Form Danish Rounds:

Hold a pastry strip at each end twist in opposite directions to create a loose ribbon shape spiral each strip into a circle starting from one end as the center point so the layers coil neatly around

Chill the Pastry:

Arrange pastry rounds on lined baking sheets with a little space to allow for puffing place in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes to re firm the butter for maximum flakiness

Preheat Oven:

Begin heating your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit while pastries chill to ensure an even bake

Press Centers and Fill:

After chilling use your thumb to make a small well in the center of each round prick with a fork to keep centers flat during baking brush only the pastry with beaten egg avoid the center for even browning spoon half a teaspoon strawberry jam into each well

Add Cream Cheese:

Top the jam with a spoonful of cream cheese mixture then another half teaspoon of strawberry jam for an extra pop of fruit flavor

Bake:

Slide trays into the preheated oven and bake for around eighteen minutes until pastry is puffed and golden resist opening the oven too early to keep layers light

Prepare the Glaze:

In a bowl whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla extract until smooth the glaze should drizzle easily over the danish adjust consistency by adding more liquid or sugar as needed

Finish with Fresh Strawberries:

Cool the pastries slightly top each with fresh sliced strawberries for juiciness and color

Glaze and Enjoy:

Drizzle glaze over each danish serve slightly warm for the most delicious results

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Fresh strawberries are my favorite part of this recipe I still remember my kids sneaking slices while the danish cooled on the rack nothing says summer in my kitchen like that pile of bright juicy berries

Storage Tips

Store leftover danish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days Warm briefly in a low oven or air fryer to crisp the pastry before serving Avoid microwaving as it softens the puff

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap strawberry jam and fresh berries for raspberry or blueberry to change the flavor If you are out of cream cheese mascarpone or ricotta can also work though the texture will be lighter Gluten free puff pastry is available at many specialty stores if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve strawberry danish on a platter with sliced fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar Perfect paired with hot coffee or a tall glass of iced tea For a brunch treat add a side of crisp bacon or a fluffy omelet

Cultural and Historical Note

Fruit danish has Danish roots and has been adapted all over the world The American version makes good use of fresh summer berries and a sweetened cream cheese filling These pastries are loved for their buttery crust and eye catching swirls

Seasonal Adaptations

Use berries in season for brightest flavor Try apricot jam and roasted peach slices in late summer Swirl in a spoonful of almond paste for a richer winter variation Helpful notes A sharp knife makes clean pastry cuts Chill before baking is key to flaky layers If using store brand puff pastry be sure it is fully thawed before you shape it

Success Stories

Many readers have told me they served these at bridal showers Mother’s Day brunches or special breakfasts The compliments always come flying This is a recipe you will want to share and repeat each year

Freezer Meal Conversion

Shape and fill the danish then freeze unbaked on trays Once solid transfer to a bag and keep frozen When ready to bake simply add five extra minutes to the oven time and glaze after baking This works like magic for busy weekends or entertaining

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Try these with other seasonal berries for endless variety Every bite will bring a taste of homemade comfort and joy

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of puff pastry works best?

Frozen, all-butter puff pastry delivers the best flaky and rich results. Thaw before using for easy handling.

→ Can I use different jam flavors?

Yes, raspberry or apricot jam pairs well with cream cheese and puff pastry for tasty variations.

→ How do I keep the filling from leaking?

Press a groove in the pastry center and avoid overfilling to help the cream cheese and jam stay contained.

→ Should the strawberries be fresh or cooked?

Slice fresh strawberries for the topping; they add a bright, juicy flavor and vibrant color after baking.

→ How do I make the glaze pourable?

Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream, adding liquid gradually until it reaches a smooth, pourable texture.