Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that perfectly balances a flaky, buttery pastry with a smooth cream cheese filling and sweet, fresh strawberries on top. These danishes have…
Tip: save now, cook later.Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that perfectly balances a flaky, buttery pastry with a smooth cream cheese filling and sweet, fresh strawberries on top. These danishes have a lovely golden crust that melts in your mouth and a creamy center that brings everything together, making each bite a little moment of happiness.
I love making these danishes on weekend mornings when there’s time to enjoy the baking smell filling the house. They’re so fun because the cream cheese filling is simple to prepare but adds such a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the strawberries. I usually sprinkle a little sugar on top to add a bit of sparkle and crunch that makes them even better.
These danishes are great for sharing with family or friends over coffee or tea, and they’re always a big hit at brunches or holiday gatherings. I find that they’re even tastier when served slightly warm, fresh from the oven, because the filling is perfectly melty and the strawberries lightly soften. It’s a little slice of joy that’s both comforting and impressive without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This gives your danishes that light, flaky texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, phyllo dough or crescent roll dough can work, though the texture will be a bit different. Keeping it cold helps it puff better in the oven.
Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy filling is all about cream cheese. I prefer full-fat for the best richness, but you can use light cream cheese for a lighter option.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring sweetness and color. If fresh aren’t available, frozen berries can be thawed and drained before use. You can swap for other fruits like blueberries or peaches for a twist.
Vanilla & Sugar: Vanilla extract gives warmth to the filling, and sugar balances the cream cheese tartness. Feel free to adjust sugar according to your sweetness preference.
How Can You Make Puff Pastry Puff Up Perfectly?
Getting puff pastry to rise well is key to those beautiful, flaky danishes. Here’s how I do it:
- Keep the dough cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm dough won’t puff up well.
- When scoring the border, don’t cut all the way through—this lets the edges rise higher around the filling.
- Use an egg wash on edges for a golden shine and extra crispness.
- Bake on the middle rack and avoid opening the oven during baking to keep the heat steady.
- Allow the danishes to cool slightly so the filling sets but stay warm for best flavor and texture.
Following these tips will help your danishes rise beautifully and give you that perfect balance of flaky crust and creamy filling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake your danishes evenly without spills.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – to blend the cream cheese filling smoothly.
- Knife – for scoring the puff pastry edges to help them puff up.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing egg wash on the pastry edges for a golden finish.
- Wire rack – lets the danishes cool evenly without sogginess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a fresh berry twist that pairs well with cream cheese.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for warm spice notes.
- Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a milder, creamier filling when you want something extra rich.
- Top strawberries with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze after baking to add subtle sweetness and tang.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15–18 minutes baking time. Allow a few minutes to cool before serving, so overall plan for about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the danishes don’t stick.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares. Gently score a border about ½ inch inside each square, being careful not to cut all the way through—this will help the edges puff up nicely in the oven.
4. Add the Filling and Strawberries:
Place about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture inside each square, staying inside the scored border. Toss the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar, then neatly arrange them on top of the cream cheese filling.
5. Egg Wash and Bake:
Whisk together the egg yolk and water to make an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, carefully brush the edges of each pastry to help them turn golden brown in the oven. Place the danishes on your prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake and Cool:
Bake for 15–18 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes to set the filling before serving.
7. Optional Finishing Touch:
For extra sweetness and decoration, dust the danishes with powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze before serving.
Enjoy your fresh and delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes warm or at room temperature!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. Handling cold, but pliable pastry helps it puff up nicely when baked.
Can I Prepare These Danishes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the danishes and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Danishes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to refresh the flaky texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Strawberries?
You can swap strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches to change up the flavor while keeping the delicious cream cheese filling.
