Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Flaky golden layers, sweet strawberries, and creamy filling come together in this strawberry danish recipe that tastes just like your favorite bakery treat but takes only 15 minutes of prep and less than 45 minutes in the oven. If you are searching for an easy brunch idea, a quick dessert, or a make ahead breakfast pastry to impress guests, these homemade strawberry danishes check every box. The best part is you need only one sheet of puff pastry and pantry staples, making this strawberry danish perfect for any occasion from Mother’s Day to weekend coffee breaks.

I first tried making this easy strawberry danish on a lazy Sunday when we craved something special with our coffee. The aroma of strawberries and pastry baking together quickly made this my favorite pick for both celebrations and weekday breakfasts. My family gets excited every time these come out of the oven because the scent fills the whole house.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet (store bought): Frozen puff pastry gives a perfectly golden rise with no kneading or rolling required. For the best flavor and texture, use all butter puff pastry if available, and always thaw in the refrigerator to keep it cold yet pliable.
• Cream cheese (softened): Softened cream cheese creates the rich base layer. Full fat gives maximum creaminess, but you can substitute with low fat or dairy free cream cheese for a lighter or allergy friendly version.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to the cream cheese filling. Reduce the sugar or use coconut sugar for a tangier, less refined option if preferred.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of both pastry and filling. Pure vanilla provides better aroma and depth than imitation. You may substitute almond extract for a different note.
• Strawberry jam or preserves: Sweet tart jam brings moisture and fruitiness. Choose a jam with whole fruit pieces for vibrant flavor, or swap in raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam as an alternative.
• Fresh strawberries (sliced thin): For juicy topping and color. Choose ripe berries with shiny skin and no white spots, or use thawed frozen strawberries or other fruit like peaches if out of season.
• Egg: Provides the crisp, shiny baked pastry finish. Substitute with milk or a nondairy wash if you avoid eggs.
• Water: Thins the egg wash for even browning and glossy edges.
• Powdered sugar: Used for dusting or glazing. Mix with a little milk and vanilla for a simple drizzle if you want extra sweetness and bakery style looks.

How to Make Strawberry Danish

Prepare the Puff Pastry Base:

Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 6 equal rectangles. Lightly score a 1/2 inch border around each piece without cutting all the way through, which creates a raised edge and keeps the filling contained as the danish bakes.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

Beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until completely smooth and creamy. This helps ensure the filling bakes up silky without lumps. Taste the mixture and adjust the level of sweetness if desired.

Assemble the Danish Layers:

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture within the scored border of each puff pastry rectangle. Spoon on a teaspoon of strawberry jam, gently swirling to create a marbled effect, then top with a few thin slices of fresh strawberries for juicy flavor and color. Avoid overfilling to prevent soggy pastry.

Egg Wash for Shine:

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Lightly brush the edges of each danish with this mixture using a pastry brush. This step creates a deep golden crust and encourages beautiful puffed layers on the edges.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Arrange the assembled pastries on a parchment lined baking sheet with at least 1 inch between each. Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pastry is deeply golden brown, puffed, and crisp underneath. Check pastry bottoms for full doneness to avoid collapsing centers.

Cool and Finish:

Allow danishes to cool several minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack. Dust lightly with powdered sugar when cooled, or drizzle with glaze if you want extra sweetness and shine.

Optional Glaze:

For a bakery look, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla in a small bowl. Drizzle over the cooled danishes, letting the glaze set for a glossy finish that adds beautiful presentation to your pastries.

I love experimenting with the jam filling, and have found that homemade strawberry preserves with chunks of fruit left in give the best texture and burst of berry flavor. One afternoon, my daughter helped swirl the jam into the filling, and we both agreed the marbled appearance made them even more special for guests. These danishes always disappear quickly at family gatherings, no matter the filling variation.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This strawberry danish recipe is endlessly adaptable and easy to modify based on dietary needs or what you have on hand. For gluten free, use a gluten free puff pastry with similar baking instructions. Dairy free cream cheese and plant based milk in the glaze will make these pastries safe for those with dairy allergies. For a lower sugar option, pick reduced sugar jam or make your own with berries and honey. Budget friendly versions use apples or canned peaches instead of strawberries, or swap in your favorite jam for new flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Danish

Proper storage keeps homemade danish layers crisp and the filling fresh. Once cooled completely, keep leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap each danish individually and freeze in a freezer safe bag or rigid container for up to three months. To reheat, place thawed danishes in a 350°F oven for eight to ten minutes until warmed through and crisp. For grab and go breakfasts, let frozen danishes thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh briefly in a toaster oven for best results.

What to Serve with Strawberry Danish

Strawberry danishes pair perfectly with hot coffee or tea, making them ideal for brunches, baby showers, or as a sweet touch on holiday breakfast buffets. For a heartier meal, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a spinach and feta frittata. Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar just before serving on a pretty platter for that bakery style impact, and for special occasions, garnish with fresh mint or edible flowers for a festive presentation.

Nutritional Benefits

Each strawberry danish delivers balanced energy with carbohydrates from the pastry, protein from cream cheese, and vitamins and fiber from strawberries. Using whole fruit jam and fresh berries provides antioxidants. The recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten free or dairy free with simple swaps. Each serving is about 430 calories with 15 grams of protein and 40 grams of carbohydrates, making them a satisfying treat or brunch addition.

Recipe Success Tips

For bakery quality danishes, ensure the puff pastry is fully crisped and golden before removing from the oven to prevent soggy or collapsed centers. Avoid overfilling to keep the pastry light, using about one tablespoon each of cream cheese and jam per danish. If cream cheese filling is lumpy, allow it to warm to room temperature and beat very well before using. In emergencies, a slice of sandwich bread rolled flat can be used to make quick, kid friendly danishes if pastry dough is unavailable.

This strawberry danish recipe delivers bakery bakery quality flavor in your own kitchen with just a handful of easy ingredients. Try it for your next brunch or celebration, and impress your guests with a flaky, irresistible homemade danish they will remember.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thaw and pat dry frozen strawberries to prevent excess moisture in the pastry.

→ How do I keep the pastry crisp?

Cool on a wire rack after baking to maintain a flaky, crisp texture.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Bake and cool, then store in an airtight container. Reheat briefly before serving.

→ What other jams can I use?

Raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam also taste delicious in this pastry.

→ Is the glaze necessary?

No, the pastries are tasty without glaze, but it adds extra sweetness and shine.