If you’re looking for a treat that’s easy to make but tastes like it came fresh from a charming European bakery, my go-to Strawberry Danish will absolutely steal your heart. Buttery puff pastry, creamy sweetened cheese, jewel-bright strawberry jam, and bursts of fresh berries — every bite is a little celebration, no matter the time of year. Whether you serve these beauties for brunch, with afternoon coffee, or as an impressive dessert, Strawberry Danish always feels a bit magical and oh-so-special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something almost magical about how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients can be transformed into something so elegant and delicious. Each ingredient in this Strawberry Danish plays a vital role, and you’ll find that the secret really is in the balance of textures and flavors.
- Puff pastry sheet, thawed: Flaky, golden, and unbelievably easy, store-bought puff pastry is the shortcut that makes this recipe weeknight-friendly.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creamy, tangy, and rich, this forms the luscious filling layer every great Danish needs.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the cream cheese and round out its tang.
- Vanilla extract: The all-important flavor booster tying the filling together with warmth.
- Strawberry jam: Intense strawberry flavor and glossy color bring these pastries to life — go for the best you can find!
- Fresh strawberries, diced: Little bursts of freshness that add juiciness and a bright pop of color.
- Egg, beaten: For that bakery-style golden sheen on your pastry edges.
- Powdered sugar or icing (optional): Perfect for a pretty, finishing flourish — just a dusting or a zigzag drizzle does the trick.
How to Make Strawberry Danish
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your Strawberry Danish will have crisp bottoms and easy cleanup, so you can focus on enjoying them right away.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is silky-smooth and the sugar is dissolved. This creamy base is what sets every Strawberry Danish apart from ordinary pastries!
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Puff Pastry
Gently roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to even out the creases. Cut the pastry into six equal rectangles. Then, using a sharp knife, score a border about half an inch inside the edge of each rectangle, without cutting all the way through — this will help puff up those signature crispy edges as your Danish bakes.
Step 4: Fill and Top the Pastry
Spread around a tablespoon of your cream cheese mixture inside each scored rectangle, making sure to stay within the border. Dollop 1–2 teaspoons of strawberry jam over the cream cheese, then scatter with diced strawberries for a pop of color and fresh zing. Layering these components gives you that classic Strawberry Danish look and well-balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
For that irresistible glossy, golden finish, brush the pastry edges with beaten egg using a pastry brush. This simple step takes your Strawberry Danish from good to bakery-beautiful!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled danishes in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and flawlessly golden brown. The scent of baking strawberries with creamy vanilla filling will have everyone peeking into the kitchen to see what’s cooking.
Step 7: Finish and Cool
Let the Strawberry Danish cool slightly on a wire rack. For extra polish, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing once they’re just warm. If you want a glossy shine, brush the still-warm pastries with apricot jam — a pro tip that adds both flavor and beautiful sheen.
How to Serve Strawberry Danish
Garnishes
Dusting with powdered sugar is simple yet elegant, while a quick drizzle of vanilla or lemon icing can elevate presentation and add another layer of sweetness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra slices of fresh strawberry or a sprig of mint never fails to impress. A final brush of warm apricot jam makes them look like they came straight from a Parisian bakery window.
Side Dishes
These danishes are pretty much perfect on their own, but they pair absolutely beautifully with a fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or a chilled glass of orange juice. For brunches, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a savory quiche to create a well-rounded spread with a touch of luxury.
Creative Ways to Present
I love arranging Strawberry Danish pastries on a platter lined with parchment and sprinkled with extra berries for an inviting, rustic look. For a more refined presentation, you can plate each Danish with a swirl of whipped cream or a ribbon of strawberry sauce. If you’re serving a crowd, try making mini Danishes using smaller pastry squares — they turn into perfect little one-bite treats for parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberry Danish is best the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The puff pastry may lose a bit of its crispness, but the creamy, fruity flavor remains a delight.
Freezing
If you need to prepare ahead, bake the Strawberry Danish completely, then let them cool before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked crispness, warm the danish on a baking sheet in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. This brings back the flaky texture while making the filling luscious and creamy again. Avoid microwaving, which tends to soften the pastry too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but for the best texture and to prevent sogginess, thaw and drain them very well before adding to your Danish. Fresh strawberries give the best color and freshness, but frozen works in a pinch!
Can I make these Strawberry Danish pastries in advance for a party?
You can prep the components in advance — mix the filling, dice the strawberries, and thaw the pastry. Assemble and bake the Strawberry Danish just before serving for peak flakiness and freshness.
What’s the best way to get really golden, shiny pastry?
Brushing the pastry edges thoroughly with beaten egg is key, and for an extra-glossy bakery-style finish, brush the hot pastries with a bit of warmed apricot jam right after they come out of the oven.
Can I swap the strawberry jam for another flavor?
Absolutely! Raspberry, blackberry, or apricot jams all taste wonderful, and you can even experiment with other diced fruits to make your own unique Danish creations. Just keep a similar texture to the filling for best results.
Do I need to chill the assembled pastries before baking?
It’s not absolutely required, but if your kitchen is warm, popping the filled Strawberry Danish in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape and gives even flakier layers.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Danish recipe is one of those treasures you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again — they’re so simple, but every bite tastes like pure joy. I can’t wait for you to try them and share these beautiful pastries with the people you love most. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy cheese encased in flaky puff pastry with this easy-to-make and impressive Strawberry Danish recipe.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping:
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Additional:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or icing drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out puff pastry, cut into rectangles, and score smaller rectangles inside each.
- Assemble Danishes: Spread cream cheese mixture, add strawberry jam, diced strawberries, and brush pastry edges with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Finish: Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with icing.
Notes
- For extra shine and sweetness, brush pastries with warm apricot jam.
- Substitute other berries or jams for variety.
- Best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
