Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are the perfect little treat for breakfast or a midday snack. Flaky, buttery pastry wraps around a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese filling that’s topped with…
Tip: save now, cook later.Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are the perfect little treat for breakfast or a midday snack. Flaky, buttery pastry wraps around a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese filling that’s topped with sweet, fresh strawberries. They have this wonderful balance of soft and crisp textures that makes every bite so enjoyable.
I love making these Danishes when I want something a bit special but not too complicated. The cream cheese filling is super simple to whip up, and the fresh strawberries add just the right pop of natural sweetness. Plus, the smell that fills the kitchen while they bake always makes me smile. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is really just a cozy homemade treat.
My favorite way to enjoy these is warm right out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also great for sharing with friends or family because they’re easy to grab and go. If you want to switch things up, you can try different berries or add a little lemon zest to the cream cheese for an extra twist. Either way, they’re sure to bring a little happiness to your day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star for the flaky, buttery texture. I recommend store-bought frozen sheets for ease. If you want a homemade touch, you can make your own, but it takes more time and skill.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for best creaminess and flavor. For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which is lower in fat but still smooth.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and juiciness. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen thawed strawberries work well too, just drain excess juice.
Sugar and Vanilla: These add simple sweetness and flavor depth. If you want to skip granulated sugar, you could use honey or maple syrup but adjust quantities carefully to avoid soggy pastry.
How Can You Get the Puff Pastry Perfectly Flaky and Golden?
Working with puff pastry can feel tricky. Here’s how I get it just right:
- Make sure the pastry is fully thawed but still cold, so it rolls out easily without sticking or tearing.
- Work quickly to avoid warming it up too much—this helps create layers that puff while baking.
- Don’t overfill with cream cheese or strawberries; too much moisture can make the pastry soggy or cause it to leak.
- Brush edges with milk or beaten egg—this helps them turn golden and crisp in the oven.
- Bake on a parchment-lined tray spaced apart so hot air can circulate evenly around each danish.
These tips help you get those lovely puffed, golden layers you expect, with just the right balance of crisp outside and soft inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat, sturdy tray that lets the danishes bake evenly without spilling.
- Parchment paper – keeps the danishes from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – one for the cream cheese filling and another for macerating strawberries; helps keep things organized.
- Whisk or hand mixer – makes the cream cheese smooth and creamy quickly.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for cutting puff pastry into neat squares without tearing.
- Pastry brush – optional but helpful for brushing milk or egg wash on edges to get that golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries – gives a fresh twist with different berry flavors.
- Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling – a little citrus brightens the flavor and complements the berries.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking – adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- Use a cinnamon sugar sprinkle on top of the pastry– gives extra warmth and a sweet touch to balance the cream cheese.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Danishes:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and assembling the danishes takes about 20 minutes. Baking will take another 15-20 minutes. Add a few minutes to mix the glaze and cool the pastries before serving. In total, you should set aside about 40-45 minutes to enjoy fresh, warm strawberry cream cheese danishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
In a small bowl, mix sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit while you prepare the cream cheese filling to soften and sweeten nicely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble Your Danishes:
Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into four squares, making about eight squares in total. Place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each square, then top with a spoonful of the macerated strawberries. Fold the pastry over the filling into a triangle or rectangle, gently pressing the edges to seal. For a golden look, you can brush edges with a little milk or beaten egg.
4. Bake and Glaze:
Arrange your assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden and puffed. Meanwhile, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to make the glaze. Once the danishes are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze on top.
5. Enjoy!
Serve your warm or room-temperature strawberry cream cheese danishes for a delightful treat any time of day.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent soggy puff pastry.
Can I Make These Danishes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the danishes and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Danishes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep them flaky.
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can try using crescent roll dough or homemade pastry dough, but the texture will be less flaky and buttery.