These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are flaky, golden pastries filled with a smooth, sweet cream cheese layer and topped with fresh strawberries. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they offer the perfect combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and juicy fruit—all in an elegant yet easy-to-make package using store-bought puff pastry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This danish recipe delivers the indulgent quality of a bakery pastry without the fuss of homemade dough. The puff pastry provides a crisp, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich cream cheese and vibrant strawberry topping. Easy to assemble and endlessly customizable, these danishes are ideal for brunch spreads, coffee breaks, or a sweet weekend treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping:

1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Optional Toppings:

2 tablespoons strawberry jam, warmed
Powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla extract)

Directions

Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Cream Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Prepare Strawberry Topping:
In another bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch until well coated. Let sit while preparing the pastry.
Cut & Assemble Danishes:
Unfold the puff pastry and cut into 6 equal rectangles.
Lightly score a ½-inch border around the inside of each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling to the center of each piece and spread it within the scored border.
Top with a layer of the prepared strawberry mixture.
Egg Wash & Bake:
Brush the borders with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Add Toppings (Optional):
Once baked, brush the danishes with warmed strawberry jam for added shine.
Let cool slightly and drizzle with powdered sugar glaze, if using.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with coffee, tea, or as part of a brunch spread.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 danishes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 280 kcal

Variations

Berry Mix: Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a mixed berry danish.
Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright citrus flavor.
Nutty Finish: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios on top before baking.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the danishes instead of glaze.
Mini Danishes: Cut the pastry into 12 smaller rectangles for bite-sized versions.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes for best texture.
Freezing: Freeze baked, unglazed danishes for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen and glaze after warming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best, but frozen can be used if thawed and well-drained.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the assembled danishes (unbaked) for a few hours before baking.

Can I use puff pastry shells instead of sheets?

Yes, just flatten slightly and follow the same assembly steps.

Is it necessary to score the pastry?

Scoring helps the border rise and creates a defined edge, but it’s optional.

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Full-fat block cream cheese works best for a stable, creamy filling.

Can I skip the glaze or jam?

Yes, both are optional and can be omitted for a simpler finish.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes, peaches, plums, blueberries, or apples work well with this base.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly.

Do I need to prick the inside of the pastry?

It’s not required for this style, as the border scoring controls puffing.

How can I make them extra flaky?

Keep the puff pastry cold until baking and avoid overworking it during prep.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful, bakery-style pastry you can easily recreate at home with minimal effort. With their flaky crust, creamy center, and sweet fruit topping, these pastries offer the perfect bite for brunch, dessert, or a special treat any time of day. Whether you top them with jam, glaze, or

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 danishes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are buttery, flaky, and filled with a luscious cream cheese center topped with fresh strawberries. Made with store-bought puff pastry and finished with jam or glaze, these bakery-style treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dessert.

Instructions

Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Strawberries:
In another bowl, toss sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Set aside.
Assemble the Danishes:
Unfold the puff pastry and cut into 6 rectangles. Score a ½-inch border inside each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
Spoon cream cheese filling into the center of each and top with strawberry mixture.
Egg Wash & Bake:
Brush the borders with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Add Finishing Touches (Optional):
Brush baked pastries with warm strawberry jam for a glossy finish.
Once slightly cooled, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze if using.
Serve:
Enjoy warm or at room temperature — perfect for brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea.

Notes

Use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for variation.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast / Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European-Inspired