Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

A Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines the creamy, tangy goodness of cream cheese with the sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering a comforting balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply as a sweet indulgence, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is sure to become a family favorite.

The layers of buttery pastry paired with the smooth cream cheese filling and sweet strawberry topping make each bite a little slice of heaven. This recipe is easy to follow, and you can customize it with fresh or even frozen strawberries depending on the season. Once you make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, you’ll be tempted to whip it up again and again.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

• Buttery, Flaky Pastry: The puff pastry adds a light, flaky texture that’s perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Creamy Filling: The smooth cream cheese filling is slightly sweet and tangy, creating the ideal contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Sweet and Juicy Strawberries: The fresh strawberries add a burst of color and natural sweetness, complementing the cream cheese perfectly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a weekend breakfast, a brunch with friends, or as a dessert for a gathering, this Danish will impress guests and leave everyone craving more.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry, which saves time without sacrificing flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that doesn’t require a lot of effort to prepare.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 3-5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry:

• 1 package of puff pastry (preferably 2 sheets)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker filling)

Strawberry Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing on the pastry)

Garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Fresh mint leaves (for decoration)

Special Equipment

This recipe requires only a few basic tools to make the process smooth:

1. Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet will ensure that the pastries have plenty of room to expand and bake evenly.
2. Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will help prevent the pastries from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Mixing Bowls: A few mixing bowls for preparing the cream cheese filling, strawberry topping, and egg wash.
4. Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is helpful for brushing the egg wash onto the puff pastry, giving it a golden, glossy finish when baked.
5. Knife or Pastry Cutter: You’ll need a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the puff pastry into the desired shapes for the Danish.
6. Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is essential for allowing your Danish to cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your Danish bake evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If the puff pastry is too thick, you can gently roll it out to fit the desired size. Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 4 rectangles (for a total of 8 pieces). Alternatively, you can shape them into squares or triangles if you prefer.

Once cut, transfer the puff pastry rectangles to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, score a border about 1 inch from the edges of each pastry rectangle. This will help the edges puff up while baking, creating a beautiful crust around the creamy center.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour (if using). Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. This will be your sweet, creamy filling for the Danish.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Stir the ingredients together, ensuring the strawberries are well-coated with the sugar and lemon juice. If you like a thicker topping, the cornstarch will help to bind the juices released from the strawberries and create a more syrupy consistency. Set the strawberry mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Assemble the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Now it’s time to assemble your Danish. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Use the back of the spoon to spread the filling evenly, staying within the scored border.

Next, spoon a small amount of the strawberry topping over the cream cheese filling. Be careful not to overload the pastries with too many strawberries, as the juice could cause the pastry to become soggy.

6. Brush the Pastries with Egg Wash

To achieve a beautiful golden finish, use a pastry brush to gently brush the beaten egg wash along the exposed edges of the puff pastry. This will help the pastry turn a rich, golden brown while it bakes.

7. Bake the Danish

Place the assembled pastries into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and flaky, and the cream cheese filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the pastries, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

8. Cool the Danish

Once the pastries are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet. After that, transfer the Danish to a cooling rack to cool completely. This will help prevent the bottom of the pastry from becoming soggy.

9. Garnish and Serve

Once cooled, dust the Danish with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. If you’d like, you can also add a sprig of fresh mint to each pastry for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Serve the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish as a perfect breakfast or dessert. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a couple of days in an airtight container.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, always use fresh, ripe strawberries. They’ll add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese filling.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the Danish with too much cream cheese or strawberries. Overloading the pastries can lead to a soggy bottom, which is not ideal.
• Brush with Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash! Brushing the pastry with an egg wash creates a shiny, golden finish that makes the Danish look bakery-quality.
• Chill the Puff Pastry: If your puff pastry is too warm or soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before assembling the Danish. Chilled puff pastry will hold its shape better during baking.
• Customize the Fruit: While this recipe calls for strawberries, you can easily swap them out for other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, depending on your preferences.

Variations of Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

• Mixed Berry Danish: Combine strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry filling. The combination of fruits will create a more complex and vibrant flavor.
• Peach Cream Cheese Danish: Swap out the strawberries for fresh peaches. The sweet and juicy peach slices will work wonderfully with the creamy cheese filling.
• Nut-Free Version: This recipe is naturally nut-free, but if you prefer to add some texture, consider adding crushed almonds or walnuts on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top of the cooled Danish. This will add a rich and indulgent layer to the pastry.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for a few days:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry before serving.
• Freezing: If you want to make the Danish ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked pastries. After assembling the Danish, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake straight from the freezer for an extra 5-10 minutes.

Pairings for Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

• Coffee or Espresso: The sweet pastry pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich espresso. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts nicely with the sweet filling of the Danish.
• Tea: A pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea can provide a soothing balance to the rich, creamy Danish. The floral notes of the tea complement the sweet strawberry filling.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with fresh seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Danish.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is the ultimate sweet treat that combines a flaky, buttery pastry with a creamy filling and a juicy strawberry topping. It’s a perfect way to indulge in a little luxury for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its beautiful presentation and mouthwatering flavor, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply as a sweet snack, Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is bound to become a favorite in your household.