Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Looking for a delightful treat to elevate your brunch or dessert game? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish. The perfect combination of tangy strawberries, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry, these danishes are a true crowd-pleaser that will disappear fast from your kitchen!

Picture this: the sweet aroma of butter and berries wafting through your home as you bake these delectable pastries. The burst of fresh strawberry flavor paired with the smooth cream cheese filling is a match made in pastry heaven. Whether enjoyed over a leisurely coffee with friends or as a special family treat, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are sure to bring smiles all around.

With a hint of vanilla and a dusting of powdered sugar, these danishes are not only irresistible but also versatile. Feel free to customize with different fruits or jams to suit your taste buds. And here’s a pro tip: make a batch ahead of time, freeze them raw, and bake straight from the freezer for a quick and easy indulgence anytime. Get ready to savor every flaky, fruity bite of these Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes!

Quick Benefits

• Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, these strawberry cream cheese danishes are easy to whip up at home.
• Versatile: You can customize the recipe with different fruits, jams, and cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Option: The danishes can be shaped and filled ahead of time, frozen, and baked straight from the freezer for a quick and convenient treat.
• Delicious and Crowd-Pleasing: These danishes are a hit at gatherings, brunches, or as a special treat for breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe Recipe

• Incredible Flavor Combination: The tangy strawberries paired with smooth cream cheese and flaky puff pastry create a heavenly blend of flavors that are irresistible for any occasion, whether it’s brunch or dessert.
• Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, this recipe is surprisingly simple to whip up at home, making it a great option for novice bakers or busy individuals looking to impress with minimal effort.
• Nostalgic and Heartwarming: The aroma of butter and berries filling your kitchen, memories of sharing these pastries with loved ones over coffee, and the joy of seeing smiles while indulging in these treats create a heartwarming experience that’s hard to beat.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping out strawberry jam and berries for your favorite fruits, using alternative cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone, or exploring gluten-free options, allowing you to tailor the danishes to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: The ability to shape and fill the danishes ahead of time, freeze them, and bake straight from frozen makes this recipe a convenient choice for meal prep or unexpected guests, ensuring you can enjoy freshly baked pastries whenever the craving strikes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself to a delightful pastry, these strawberry cream cheese danishes are guaranteed to be a hit and will earn you compliments and requests to make them again and again.

Ingredients for Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Cheese Mixture

• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temp
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest from one lemon

Pastry

• 17.25 ounces frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed and ready

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling and Topping

• 16 fresh strawberries, sliced thin
• 16 teaspoons strawberry jam

Glaze

• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Pro Tips for Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

To achieve the perfect flaky texture for your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, opt for frozen all-butter puff pastry. Thaw it thoroughly before rolling and shaping to make the process easier and ensure a deliciously buttery result. It’s key to handle the pastry gently to maintain those delicate layers.

When filling your danishes, be mindful not to overfill them. Create a small dip in the center before adding the cream cheese mixture to help keep everything in place while baking. This simple step ensures your pastries bake evenly and look picture-perfect, with the filling staying put.

For a quick and easy glaze, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or heavy cream until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this over your freshly baked danishes to add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch. The glaze not only enhances the flavor but also gives your pastries a bakery-worthy presentation.

How to Make Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Cheese Filling

Combine cream cheese, vanilla, lemon zest, and sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Shape Puff Pastry

Smooth out puff pastry, remove creases with a rolling pin, then cut each sheet into 1-inch strips from top to bottom. Repeat with second sheet.

Step 3: Form Danish Rounds

Take a pastry strip, twist it into a curly shape, then wind each twist into a small circle. Place the circles on baking trays with enough space for them to expand.

Step 4: Chill Pastry

Chill the trays in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to set the shape.

Step 5: Prepare Oven and Pastry Centers

Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove chilled pastries from the refrigerator and create an indentation in the center of each using your thumb, then prick the middle with a fork.

Step 6: Fill and Egg Wash

Coat each pastry with egg, excluding the center. Fill the center with jam, top with a layer of creamy cheese mixture, and add more jam if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the pastries in a preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes or until golden and puffy. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze

Combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or cream until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk for thick mixture and more sugar for thin mixture.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Place strawberry slices on top of each pastry, drizzle with shiny glaze, and enjoy immediately.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, place any leftovers in a sealed container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Avoid using the microwave to reheat the pastries, as it can make them soft and floppy. Instead, gently reheat them in a low-temperature oven or air fryer to revive their flakiness.

For longer storage or to prepare ahead, shape and fill the danishes, then freeze them raw on a baking tray. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen danishes straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Glaze them when they are fresh out of the oven for a convenient and delicious treat for busy mornings or unexpected guests. Experiment with different fruits and jams to create new flavor variations throughout the year.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for the strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, raspberries or blueberries can be fantastic alternatives. These fruits will still provide a delicious burst of flavor that complements the cream cheese and puff pastry beautifully. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences or what’s in season.

In case you’re running low on cream cheese, ricotta or mascarpone can work well as substitutes. Keep in mind that these alternatives may result in a softer filling compared to cream cheese. Experiment with different cheeses to find the flavor and texture that you enjoy the most in your danishes. Adjusting the filling can add a unique twist to the traditional recipe while still maintaining the creamy and tangy essence of the original.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delectable Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes on a beautiful platter garnished with extra fresh strawberry slices and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful brunch experience. For a more indulgent spread, include crispy bacon or a fluffy omelet to complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the danishes.

To switch things up, experiment with different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches depending on the season. You can freeze the shaped danishes before baking for a convenient make-ahead option; simply bake them from frozen and add a glaze for a quick and delicious treat. These danishes are sure to be a hit at any gathering, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing pastry for all occasions.

FAQs for Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Can I use a different type of jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use raspberry, apricot, or any jam you prefer. It will still taste delicious with the cream cheese and pastry.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?

Make sure not to overfill the pastry and press a little dip in the center before adding the filling. This will help keep everything in place during baking.

Should I slice the fresh strawberries before adding them to the pastry?

Yes, it’s recommended to slice the fresh strawberries before adding them to the pastry. This will help keep the berries bright, juicy, and colorful after baking.

How do I make the powdered sugar glaze for the danishes?

To make the powdered sugar glaze, simply stir powdered sugar with a bit of milk or cream. Add the liquid slowly while mixing until the glaze is smooth and has a pourable consistency.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe as much as I do. The combination of tangy strawberries, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry is truly irresistible and perfect for any occasion. These pastries have a way of bringing joy and warmth to any gathering, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same happiness I feel when baking and enjoying them.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, jams, and fillings to suit your preferences and the seasons. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a delicious treat, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish pastries are sure to impress and delight your taste buds. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries!