Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

When it comes to creating a quick yet impressive pastry, Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are my go-to. They’re the perfect mix of flaky, creamy, and fruity goodness, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.

Irresistibly Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

This recipe combines the buttery, flaky texture of puff pastry with a rich and tangy cream cheese filling, topped with sweet and juicy strawberry preserves. The combination is magical and satisfies all cravings for something sweet but not too heavy.

Whether you’re preparing them for a special gathering or as an indulgence for yourself, these danishes never fail to impress. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make with just a few basic ingredients and steps.

You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull these off. The ease of using store-bought puff pastry ensures you’ll have bakery-quality danishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable if you want to explore other flavors like raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot.

Let’s get ready to bake something delicious that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds)!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

The key to these delectable danishes lies in simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Puff Pastry – Use store-bought puff pastry sheets for a flaky and buttery base. Thaw them according to package instructions for easy handling.
Cream Cheese – The creamy and tangy star of the filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly without overpowering the flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
Strawberry Preserves – The fruity topping that gives these danishes their signature sweetness. Use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Egg – Beaten and used as an egg wash to give the puff pastry a golden, glossy finish.
Powdered Sugar (Optional) – Perfect for dusting on top for a bakery-style finish or making a simple glaze.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Crafting these danishes is a breeze with these step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk or beat with a mixer until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.

Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry

Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares or rectangles depending on your desired danish shape. Use the tip of a knife to score a smaller square about ½ inch from the edge (this helps create a border).

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, spreading it within the scored lines. Add a dollop of strawberry preserves on top of the cream cheese.

Step 4: Egg Wash for the Perfect Golden Finish

Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg, which helps the pastry puff up and turn golden brown in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the assembled danishes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden and puffed.

Step 6: Optional Glaze or Dusting

For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over cooled danishes or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

These steps ensure you’ll have bakery-style Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes in no time!

How Long to Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Baking time is key to achieving that perfectly golden, flaky crust while ensuring the filling is warm and luscious. Here’s how to get it just right:

Standard Baking Time: Bake your danishes at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed around the edges.
Watch for Doneness: Keep an eye on your pastries starting around the 15-minute mark. You want a golden crust, and the cream cheese should look slightly set without browning too much.

Storing Leftover Danishes

If you’ve managed to save a few of these delightful treats, here’s how to store them:

In the Refrigerator: Store cooled danishes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their flakiness before serving.
Freezing Instructions: You can freeze fully baked danishes. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Danish

Work with Cold Puff Pastry: Always handle puff pastry when it’s cold to prevent the butter layers from melting. This ensures the pastry puffs beautifully.
Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can spill over the edges during baking. Stick to about 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese and preserves per danish.
Prepping Ahead: Assemble your danishes and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 12 hours before baking. This makes for a quick bake when you’re ready.
Use High-Quality Preserves: The flavor of the strawberry preserves shines in this recipe, so choose one with a rich, fruity taste.

These tips will help ensure every bite of your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is as delightful as the first!