If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both elegant and utterly comforting, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry squares bursting with a luscious cream cheese filling and topped with juicy, sweet strawberries—each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that can effortlessly transform any gathering or quiet weekend morning into a celebration of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the tender pastry, the rich filling, and the luscious strawberry topping that make these Danish delights so irresistible.
- Sliced strawberries (4 cups): Fresh and ripe, they bring natural sweetness and vibrant color that shine brightly in every bite.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the strawberry mixture, keeping the filling juicy without becoming soggy.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon plus optional for topping): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the strawberries and enhances their natural flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz., room temperature): Provides a rich, tangy base that complements the fruit perfectly and creates that silky, dreamy filling.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup for filling, 1 cup for glaze): Gives a smooth sweetness to the cream cheese filling and a delicate finish if you opt for the vanilla glaze.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for filling, ½ teaspoon for glaze): Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the cream cheese and glaze beautifully.
- Puff pastry sheets (2, thawed): The star of the show—these flaky, buttery layers are what deliver that irresistible Danish texture.
- Egg wash (1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water): Brushed on the pastry for a beautifully golden and glossy finish.
- Strawberry jam (optional, ¼ cup): For an extra glossy, fruity top layer that intensifies the strawberry flavor.
- Milk (2 to 3 tablespoons for glaze): Helps create a smooth, pourable consistency for the vanilla glaze topping.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by cleaning and slicing your fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Toss them gently with a tablespoon of sugar and the cornstarch. This simple mixture allows the strawberries to macerate, releasing their natural juices and thickening slightly, which helps keep your filling wonderfully moist yet not watery. Let this sit for about 15 minutes to get that perfect strawberry sweetness and texture.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the strawberries are resting, beat your softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is luxuriously smooth. This creamy filling will add a lovely tang and sweetness that balances the berries and puff pastry perfectly. Make sure it’s well blended without lumps for that silky texture in your Danish delights.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Now for the fun part! Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into equal squares—aim for around 12 squares total to match the servings. On each square, spread a dollop of the cream cheese filling, then layer on the macerated strawberries. Don’t overload, as the puff pastry will puff up beautifully during baking. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash to help seal the pastry and give it a beautiful golden color.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the prepared Danish squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and gleaming golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry layers separate into delicate, crisp flakiness that contrasts perfectly with the soft filling.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, you can enhance the flavor and appearance by spreading a thin layer of warmed strawberry jam over the tops or sprinkling powdered sugar for a classic touch. Alternatively, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a drizzly glaze that adds a sweet, creamy finish. Serve warm or at room temperature for the ultimate Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
Garnishes
Try topping your Danish delights with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon for a subtle flavor twist. A fresh strawberry sliced thinly and arranged on top adds an elegant look and extra juicy burst that will impress anyone lucky enough to dig in.
Side Dishes
These Danish delights pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a lightly steeped herbal tea. For brunch, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or a fruity yogurt parfait to create a balanced meal with a festive flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch buffet or party, arrange the Danish squares on a tiered dessert stand or rustic wooden board. Sprinkle fresh berries and edible flowers around to complement the strawberries and create a charming, inviting display that guests will flock to.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these irresistible Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the puff pastry from becoming soggy while maintaining the freshness of the filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these Danishes before baking by assembling them on a parchment-lined tray and placing them in the freezer until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for fresh, flaky results.
Reheating
To revive the flaky texture and gooey filling, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the pastry crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries tend to release more water, which can make the pastry soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them well, then reduce or skip the added cornstarch to avoid excess moisture.
Is it necessary to use puff pastry sheets?
Yes, puff pastry is key for that classic flaky Danish texture. Other doughs won’t give the same buttery layers that make this recipe so special.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before assembling the Danishes.
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
Thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight for even thawing, or for quicker prep, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until pliable but still cool to the touch.
Can I substitute the strawberry jam topping?
Yes, you can swap strawberry jam for apricot or raspberry jam to add a different fruity twist, or leave it off entirely for a simpler look focused on the fresh fruit and cream cheese.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe truly captures all the flavors you love in a dessert while being straightforward enough to whip up any time the craving hits. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, these delightful pastries will bring joy and sweetness to your table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite sweet indulgence!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh, sweetened strawberries. Baked to a golden perfection and optionally glazed with strawberry jam or vanilla glaze, these Danish treats offer a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crispy textures for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Puff Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)
Toppings and Glaze
- ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional for topping)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Clean and slice the strawberries. In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with the sugar and cornstarch. Let this mixture rest for 15 minutes to macerate and thicken the strawberry juices slightly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets fully. Cut each sheet into evenly sized squares or rectangles depending on your desired Danish size. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling onto each piece, followed by a layering of the strawberry mixture on top.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the edges and exposed tops of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash to give a golden finish when baked. Optionally, sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of sugar over the tops for added caramelized crunch.
- Bake the Danishes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the prepared puff pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the pastries bake, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth to make a vanilla glaze. Adjust the milk quantity for desired thickness.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked and slightly cooled, optionally brush the tops of the Danishes with warm strawberry jam for added shine and flavor. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the pastries or dust with additional powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before assembling to prevent tearing.
- If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed and drained well before mixing.
- The Danish can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat lightly before serving to refresh the pastry crispness.
- Adding sugar on top before baking gives a slight crunchy texture but can be omitted for less sweetness.
- The glaze can be thickened by adding more powdered sugar or thinned with more milk for a drizzle effect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
