1. Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully prepare and bake the danishes a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes before serving.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

It's not recommended. Frozen strawberries release too much water during baking, which can make the pastry soggy. If you must use them, thaw completely and pat very dry.

3. What if I don’t have puff pastry?

You can use crescent roll dough or pie crust as a substitute, though the texture will be different. Puff pastry gives the flakiest, most traditional result.

4. How do I know when the danishes are fully baked?

They’re done when the pastry is golden brown and puffed around the edges. The filling should be slightly set and not jiggly in the center.

Easy Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling

Name: Easy Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed; 1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water; 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping (optional); 1/4 cup strawberry jam (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze); 2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Description

This easy strawberry danish recipe features a creamy cheese filling and fresh strawberries layered on flaky puff pastry, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping (optional)
1/4 cup strawberry jam (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for 30–40 minutes.
In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Cut thawed puff pastry into six rectangles per sheet. Lightly score a 1/4-inch border on each rectangle.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture inside the border. Top with 4–5 strawberry slices.
Brush edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Chill pastries in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional: Brush with warm strawberry jam or drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Notes

Do not overfill pastries to prevent leakage during baking.
Use a cookie scoop for even cream cheese portions.
Ensure strawberries are dry before using to avoid soggy pastry.
If dough becomes too soft, chill it briefly in the fridge.
Puff pastry substitutes include crescent dough or pie crust, though results will vary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 danish
Calories: 220
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg