There's nothing quite like biting into a warm, strawberry danish fresh from the oven; the flaky pastry giving way to creamy filling and sweet strawberry goodness that makes your morning feel special. This beloved breakfast pastry has been gracing bakery windows and coffee shop counters for decades, and now you can create this strawberry danish magic right in your own kitchen with ingredients you probably already have.
As someone who's perfected this strawberry danish recipe through countless weekend baking sessions, I can promise you that homemade always beats store-bought. This strawberry danish delivers that perfect balance of buttery, flaky pastry and luscious strawberry cream filling that'll have your family asking for seconds every single time.
Why This Strawberry Danish Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
This strawberry danish recipe stands out because it uses a clever shortcut with puff pastry while still delivering that authentic bakery taste and texture. Unlike complicated Danish pastry recipes that require hours of laminating dough, this strawberry danish comes together in just 30 minutes without sacrificing any of that signature flaky goodness.
What makes this strawberry danish truly special is the combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese filling that creates layers of flavor in every bite. The sweet strawberry jam mingles with the tangy cream cheese, while the puff pastry provides that satisfying crunch that makes Danish pastries so addictive and perfect for leisurely weekend brunches.
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Ingredients
For the Pastry Base
- Frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- Egg (beaten)
- Milk
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolk
For the Strawberry Topping
- Strawberry jam
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- Cornstarch
Optional Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pastry Foundation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12x9 inch rectangle.
- Cut the pastry into 6 equal squares, each about 4x3 inches.
- Transfer squares to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Using a sharp knife, score a ½-inch border around each square, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Cream Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Mix in vanilla extract and egg yolk until the filling is silky and uniform.
- Using a spoon, gently press down the center of each pastry square to create a well.
- Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the pastry wells, spreading it smoothly within the scored borders.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Magic
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberry jam with cornstarch and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in fresh sliced strawberries.
- Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese filling in each pastry.
- Brush the pastry borders with beaten egg mixed with milk for that perfect golden color.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the filling is set.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Temperature Control is Everything Keep your puff pastry cold until you're ready to work with it. If it becomes too warm, the butter will melt and you'll lose those beautiful flaky layers that make a strawberry danish so special. Pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes if it gets too soft.
- Cream Cheese Consistency Matters Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that won't smooth out, affecting the final texture of your danish. Take it out of the fridge at least an hour before baking.
- Don't Overfill Your Pastries Resist the urge to pile on too much filling. About 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture and 1 tablespoon of strawberry topping per danish is perfect. Overfilling causes spillover during baking and prevents proper puffing.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if needed. Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mixing with the jam to prevent soggy pastries.
- The Perfect Egg Wash Mix your beaten egg with a splash of milk rather than using egg alone. This creates a more even, golden color and prevents the wash from becoming too dark during baking.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications for Every Need For a lighter version of this strawberry danish, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons. The result is still creamy and delicious but with added protein and fewer calories.
Creative Flavor Combinations
- Mixed Berry Danish: Replace strawberries with a blend of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
- Strawberry Lemon Danish: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for bright citrus notes
- Chocolate Strawberry Danish: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished pastries
- Almond Strawberry Danish: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the filling and sprinkle with sliced almonds
Gluten-Free Options Use a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry substitute. The texture won't be identical, but you'll still get a delicious strawberry danish that everyone can enjoy.
Make-Ahead Variations Assemble your danish completely, then freeze on baking sheets. Once frozen solid, transfer to freezer bags and bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Equipment Recommendations
- Essential Tools for Perfect Results A good rolling pin is crucial for working with puff pastry evenly. A heavy, wooden rolling pin gives you better control than lightweight alternatives and helps maintain consistent thickness for your strawberry danish.
- Baking Sheet Selection Use a heavy-duty, rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Light-colored pans prevent over-browning of the bottom while the parchment ensures easy removal of your finished danish.
- Mixing Equipment An electric mixer (hand or stand) makes quick work of the cream cheese filling, ensuring a smooth, lump-free texture that's essential for professional-looking results.
- Measuring Tools Accurate measurements are key to consistent results. Use measuring cups specifically designed for dry and liquid ingredients, and level off dry ingredients for precision.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Immediate Storage Guidelines Fresh strawberry danish are best enjoyed warm from the oven, but they can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The pastry will lose some crispness but remains delicious.
Refrigeration Best Practices
- Store completed danish in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking
- Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness
Freezing Instructions Unbaked assembled danish freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to the original baking time.
Reheating Methods The best way to revive day-old danish is in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This restores the flaky texture better than microwave reheating, which can make the pastry soggy.
Bakery-Style Finishing Secrets
The secret to achieving that professional bakery look lies in the details. Always brush your strawberry danish with egg wash just before baking, and don't skip this step; it's what creates that gorgeous golden sheen that makes them look like they came straight from a high-end pastry shop.
My grandmother's secret for extra-special strawberry danish was adding a pinch of cardamom to the cream cheese filling. This subtle spice adds an unexpected warmth that elevates the entire flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate strawberry taste, making each bite more complex and memorable.
FAQ
What is strawberry danish?
A strawberry danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with cream cheese and topped with strawberry jam or fresh strawberries. It's a breakfast pastry that originated from Viennese baking traditions.
What is a Danish made of?
Traditional Danish pastry is made with laminated dough (butter layered between dough), but this strawberry danish uses puff pastry as a shortcut while maintaining the signature flaky texture.
What goes well with a strawberry danish?
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate pair perfectly with strawberry danish. They're also delicious alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a complete breakfast spread.
Why is it called a Danish?
The name comes from "Viennese bread" which Danish bakers learned to make in Vienna, then brought back to Denmark where it evolved into the pastries we know today as Danish.
Perfect Breakfast Pairings & Final Thoughts
This strawberry danish recipe brings bakery-quality results to your home kitchen without the complexity of traditional laminated dough techniques. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry flavors creates a breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or simply want to elevate your morning routine, this strawberry danish delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Try pairing it with our Cream Cheese Danish Rolls Recipe for variety, or explore our Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe for a delightful berry variation that uses similar techniques.
Baking with love makes everything taste better! 🍓, Viola
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this strawberry danish recipe:
Strawberry Danish Pastry
Equipment
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- 1 Saucepan
Ingredients
Pastry Base
- 1 sheet Frozen puff pastry Thawed, creates flaky layers
- 1 large Egg Beaten, for golden glossy finish
- 2 tablespoons Milk Helps browning
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz Cream cheese Softened, rich tangy base
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar Balances tartness
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Warm aroma
- 1 large Egg yolk Silky smooth texture
Strawberry Topping
- ½ cup Strawberry jam High-quality for best flavor
- 1 cup Fresh strawberries Hulled and sliced, adds freshness
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Thickens mixture
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered sugar Sweet finishing touch
- 2–3 tablespoons Milk Creates perfect consistency
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Enhances flavor profile
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll thawed puff pastry to 12×9 inches, cut into 6 squares, and score ½-inch borders.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth; spoon into pastry wells.
- Heat jam with cornstarch 2–3 mins, fold in strawberries, spoon over cream cheese.
- Brush pastry edges with egg/milk wash.
- Bake 15–18 mins until golden and puffed.
- Drizzle with optional glaze after cooling slightly.
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