Description
Flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. This delightful treat is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser at breakfast or as a midday snack.
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)
For the 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)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing on the pastry)
For Garnish (optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh mint leaves (for decoration)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-5g