Strawberry Cheese Danish Recipe

Quick & Fluffy Strawberry Cheese Danish Recipe

Sweet mornings bloom with a delectable strawberry cheese danish that whispers comfort and joy.

Bakers adore this simple yet elegant pastry crafted with buttery layers.

Flaky dough embraces rich cream cheese and vibrant strawberry filling like a warm culinary hug.

Delicate strawberries peek through golden-brown edges, promising a burst of fruity freshness.

Each bite combines tangy cream cheese with subtle sweetness that dances across your palate.

Homemade pastries connect us to traditions of slow, intentional cooking that nourish both body and soul.

Grab your apron and let this danish transport you to a cozy weekend breakfast adventure.

What Makes Strawberry Cheese Danish So Irresistible

  • Craft with Ease: No advanced baking skills needed, perfect for beginners wanting to create a professional-looking pastry without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe ideal for spontaneous gatherings, weekend brunches, or dessert after a casual dinner.
  • Sweet Versatility: Adaptable recipe allows swapping strawberries with seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches, keeping the treat exciting and fresh throughout the year.
  • Impressive Presentation: Golden-brown pastry with glossy edges and powdered sugar dusting creates a bakery-quality dessert that looks much more complex than the simple preparation suggests.

What You’ll Need For Strawberry Cheese Danish

Base Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry Sheets: A delicate and flaky pastry foundation that creates a light and crisp exterior for the danish.
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy filling that provides rich texture and tangy flavor to the pastry.
Fruit Components:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add vibrant color and fresh taste to the danish.
  • Strawberry Jam: A concentrated fruit spread that enhances the strawberry flavor and adds natural sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers and Binding Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Egg, Vanilla Extract, Salt: Classic baking ingredients that balance sweetness, provide structure, add depth of flavor, and enhance overall taste.
  • Lemon Juice: A bright citrus element that adds a subtle tang and helps balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
Finishing Touches:
  • Powdered Sugar: A light and delicate topping that adds a sweet, decorative finish to the danish.
Egg Wash:
  • Beaten Egg: A glossy coating that helps create a golden and shiny pastry surface during baking.

Simple Steps To Make Strawberry Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prepare Pastry Dough

Gently remove puff pastry sheets from packaging and let them rest at room temperature. This relaxes the dough and makes it easy to work with. After 30-40 minutes, the pastry will be flexible but still cool to the touch.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Add these ingredients:
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Blend everything until the mixture becomes creamy and perfectly combined.

Step 4: Prepare Pastry Surface

Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Unfold the pastry sheets and gently roll them to smooth out any creases.

Step 5: Shape the Pastry

Slice each pastry sheet into 4 equal rectangular sections. This creates the perfect base for your danish.

Step 6: Add Cheese Filling

Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of each pastry rectangle. Leave clear borders on the sides to prevent overflow during baking.

Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Diced strawberries
  • Strawberry jam
  • Lemon juice

Gently mix the ingredients to create a vibrant fruit topping.

Step 8: Layer Strawberry Mixture

Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese filling on each pastry section.

Step 9: Fold Pastry Edges

Carefully fold the pastry edges inward, creating a border that partially covers the filling. This gives the danish its classic rustic look.

Step 10: Egg Wash Preparation

Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg. This creates a golden, glossy finish that makes the danishes look professionally baked.

Step 11: Arrange for Baking

Place the danishes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for expansion.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and puffy texture.

Step 13: Cool Down

Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.

Step 14: Final Sweet Touch

Dust the cooled danishes with powdered sugar. This adds a delicate sweet glaze that makes them irresistible.

Helpful Tips For Strawberry Cheese Danish

  • Perfectly Thaw Pastry: Remove puff pastry from freezer 30-40 minutes before baking to ensure easy handling without becoming too soft.
  • Control Cream Cheese Consistency: Whip cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, lump-free filling that spreads evenly across pastry.
  • Balance Strawberry Moisture: Gently mix strawberries with jam and lemon juice to prevent excess liquid from making pastry soggy during baking.
  • Create Elegant Edges: Fold pastry borders slightly over filling and brush with beaten egg for a professional, golden-brown, glossy appearance.
  • Serve with Delicate Finish: Dust cooled danishes with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain crisp pastry texture and add subtle sweetness.

Creative Twists For Strawberry Cheese Danish

  • Blueberry Blast Danish: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries and blueberry jam, adding a hint of lemon zest for brightness and complexity.
  • Chocolate Cream Danish: Incorporate cocoa powder into cream cheese mixture and top with chocolate chips, creating a rich decadent version.
  • Peach Almond Danish: Swap strawberries for diced ripe peaches, mix almond extract into cream cheese filling, and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
  • Raspberry White Chocolate Danish: Use raspberry jam instead of strawberry, fold white chocolate chips into cream cheese mixture, and garnish with fresh raspberries after baking.

Perfect Pairings For Strawberry Cheese Danish

  • Pair with Fruity White Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Moscato to complement the sweet strawberry and creamy cheese flavors, enhancing the danish's delicate taste profile.
  • Create Breakfast Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth vanilla latte or light roast coffee to balance the pastry's richness and highlight its delicate strawberry notes.
  • Match with Fresh Morning Sides: Serve alongside Greek yogurt with honey or a light citrus fruit salad to provide refreshing contrast and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Elevate with Sweet Sparkling Beverage: Pour chilled prosecco or sparkling rosé to add celebratory elegance and cut through the cream cheese's richness.

How To Store Strawberry Cheese Danish Easily

  • Store cooled danishes in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicate texture and fresh flavor.
  • Wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving their flaky pastry and creamy filling. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Keep danishes at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving same day. Place on a plate loosely covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispness.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed danishes in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

Strawberry Cheese Danish Questions You May Have

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s beginner-friendly and requires basic baking skills. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are common kitchen staples.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries can make the filling too watery and might compromise the pastry’s crispness.

  • How do I know the cream cheese mixture is properly mixed?

The mixture should be smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. Whip the cream cheese first, then gradually add other ingredients while mixing until well-incorporated.

  • What if my puff pastry cracks while handling?

Work quickly and keep the pastry cool. If small cracks appear, gently press the edges together. If significant damage occurs, you may need to start with a new sheet.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Strawberry Cheese Danish Recipe

Strawberry Cheese Danish Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent Strawberry Cheese Danish brings European bakery charm straight to your kitchen, blending creamy cheese and sweet strawberry in a flaky, golden pastry. Sweet and tangy flavors dance together, promising a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with pure breakfast bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Dough:

  • 2 sheets puff pastry
  • 1/4 cup flour (for dusting)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Strawberry Topping:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 tbsp strawberry jam
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Thaw puff pastry sheets at room temperature for 30-40 minutes until pliable but still cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth, then blend in sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy and well-incorporated.
  4. Lightly dust work surface with flour and unfold pastry sheets, gently rolling to smooth out creases.
  5. Cut each pastry sheet into 4 equal rectangular sections.
  6. Spread cream cheese mixture down the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving clear borders on sides.
  7. Combine diced strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice in a separate bowl, mixing gently.
  8. Spoon strawberry mixture over cream cheese filling on each pastry section.
  9. Fold pastry edges inward, creating a border that partially covers the filling.
  10. Brush pastry edges with beaten egg to ensure golden, glossy finish.
  11. Arrange danishes on prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  12. Bake for 18-22 minutes until pastry turns golden brown and puffy.
  13. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
  14. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, creating a delicate sweet glaze.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
  • Ensure puff pastry remains chilled but pliable to maintain its delicate, flaky texture during baking.
  • Fresh strawberries enhance flavor complexity, so choose ripe, vibrant berries for maximum sweetness.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based pastry.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Danish Cuisine

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star