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Strawberry Danish (with Cream Cheese)

Flaky, buttery pastry filled with rich cream cheese and fresh strawberries, creating an irresistible bakery-style treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 8 danish
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pastry
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed if frozen
  • 1 egg beaten for wash
Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk
Strawberry Topping
  • 1.5 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Cool completely.
  4. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 12x16 inches. Cut into 8 rectangles (approximately 4x3 inches each).
  5. Place pastry rectangles on prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a border about 1/2 inch from edges, cutting halfway through the pastry.
  6. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly within the scored borders of each danish.
  7. Top each danish with a spoonful of the cooled strawberry mixture, distributing evenly.
  8. Brush the borders with beaten egg wash for golden color.
  9. Bake for 15-18 minutes until pastry is golden brown and puffed around the edges.
  10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  11. If using glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled danish before serving.

Notes

For best results, keep puff pastry cold while working. Danish are best served fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to crisp the pastry.