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Strawberry Danish Recipe (Bakery-Style, Easy & Flaky at Home)

Strawberry Danish Recipe (Bakery-Style, Easy & Flaky at Home)

This Strawberry Danish is a classic bakery-style pastry made easy at home using frozen puff pastry. Each danish is buttery and flaky, filled with a smooth vanilla-sweetened cream cheese layer, and topped with juicy fresh strawberries. Finished with warm strawberry jam or a simple vanilla glaze, these danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant dessert—without the need for complicated dough.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Topping

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

  • 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

Danish Pastry

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water

  • 23 tablespoons sugar, for topping (optional)

Optional Toppings

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, warmed

  • Vanilla Glaze (optional):

    • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    • 23 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven & Pastry
    Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare the Strawberries
    In a bowl, mix strawberries with sugar and cornstarch until well coated. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

  3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
    In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until fully combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

  4. Cut the Puff Pastry
    Unfold one sheet of puff pastry into a square. Cut along the fold lines, then cut each long rectangle in half to make 6 smaller rectangles. Repeat with the second sheet.

  5. Score the Pastry
    Using a knife, gently score a border about ¼ inch from the edge of each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through.

  6. Fill & Top
    Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry, staying within the border. Arrange strawberries on top.

  7. Egg Wash
    Brush the edges with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

  8. Chill (Optional but Recommended)
    If the pastry feels warm or sticky, chill the prepared danishes in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes for better puff.

  9. Bake
    Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden.

  10. Cool & Finish
    Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Top with warm strawberry jam or drizzle with vanilla glaze. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Keep pastry cold: Cold puff pastry puffs higher and bakes flakier.

  • Don’t overfill: Too much filling can leak and prevent proper rising.

  • Fruit swaps: Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches work beautifully.

  • Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked danishes overnight; bake fresh in the morning.

  • Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven or regular oven for best texture.