Imagine biting into something utterly irresistible: a golden, flaky pastry, thick with luscious cream cheese, swirling with sweet strawberries, and scented with vanilla. My Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights truly earn their spot as the go-to treat, perfect for breakfast with coffee, as a midday pick-me-up, or to bring cheers to your brunch table. This recipe takes the best of classic flavors—tender pastry, tangy cream cheese, and the juicy pop of strawberries—and brings them together with a simplicity that will have you making these Danish again and again. Trust me, once you’ve had a bite, you’ll know exactly why these little beauties are so beloved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights that taste like they came from your favorite bakery. Each component is chosen for maximum flavor and perfect texture, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already!
- Puff pastry: The secret to that impossibly light, buttery, and crisp base—make sure it’s thawed for easy handling.
- Cream cheese: Use it softened so blending is smooth—this provides the creamy richness that anchors each Danish.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash lifts the flavor and adds warmth to every bite.
- Strawberry jam or preserves: This brings the fruity punch and vibrant color—choose a good-quality jam for best results.
- Fresh strawberries: Their juiciness and freshness take the filling from good to outstanding; slice them just before using.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on the pastry edges, egg wash guarantees that gorgeously glossy, golden finish.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A final dusting or drizzle adds a bakery-worthy flair and a pop of sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first—set the stage for success! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it gets nice and hot for puffing up your pastries to golden perfection. Lay a sheet of parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and that splash of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is perfectly smooth—no lumps! This creamy, slightly sweet blend is the heart of what makes Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights so darn delicious.
Step 3: Shape the Puff Pastry
Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut it into 6 equally sized rectangles. Place these on your lined baking sheet, then score a 1/2-inch border around each rectangle. Take care not to cut all the way through—this encourages a beautiful, puffy edge to cradle your filling.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Strawberries
Spoon about a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry, smoothing it out within the borders you made. Top each one with a tablespoon of strawberry jam and finish with a few slices of fresh strawberries. This trio is what gives Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights their signature sweet-tart punch!
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
For that golden, glossy finish, whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water to make your egg wash. Brush this mixture around the edges of each pastry. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a little crunch.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Gorgeous
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and let those Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch for the pastry to turn puffed and deeply golden—your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 7: Cool and Finish with Powdered Sugar
Let your pastries cool slightly so the flavors settle and the filling thickens. To finish, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing. Each Danish will look—and taste—like it belongs behind a bakery counter, just waiting to be devoured!
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights
Garnishes
A light shower of powdered sugar is the fastest way to turn Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights into eye candy. You can also drizzle on a quick icing made with powdered sugar and milk, or even add a few extra strawberry slices or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these pastries with a bowl of Greek yogurt and a handful of mixed berries for a balanced breakfast, or pair them with a frothy cappuccino for that café-at-home vibe. For brunch gatherings, place them alongside sausage links, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad to create a stunning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights on a vintage cake stand or a simple wooden platter for rustic charm. For extra wow factor at parties, stack them pyramid-style and sprinkle with edible flowers or colorful sprinkles. You can also cut them into smaller pieces for a sweet finger-food dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld even more as they rest, though the pastry may lose a little of its original crispness.
Freezing
Want to stretch that Danish joy? After baking and cooling completely, wrap each Danish individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen for a quick treat.
Reheating
To recapture that bakery-fresh magic, reheat Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The heat helps revive the crispness of the pastry and perfects the filling, so they taste just as amazing the second (or third) time around.
FAQs
Can I make these with other fruit jams or berries?
Absolutely! While strawberry is a classic and crowd-pleasing choice, you can easily swap in raspberry, blueberry, or even peach jam. Mix and match fresh berries to suit your cravings or whatever’s in season.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Certainly, if you’re feeling ambitious! Homemade puff pastry gives your Danish an extra-special, buttery taste and an ultra-flaky texture. I love the convenience of store-bought, but homemade does add a wow factor.
What should I do if my cream cheese filling seems too runny?
If your mixture is a little loose, chill it in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before using. Cold cream cheese is easier to handle, and if you add a pinch more sugar, it will thicken slightly as well.
Is it possible to prepare these pastries the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the pastries (without egg wash) and refrigerate overnight, covered tightly with plastic wrap. The next morning, brush on the egg wash and bake as directed—fresh Danish without the morning rush!
Why did my puff pastry not puff?
Usually, flat puff pastry means it was too warm when it hit the oven or the oven wasn’t hot enough. Always bake it fully preheated, and work quickly so the pastry stays cold right up until baking—that’s what makes Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights so fluffy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a simple yet showstopping treat, Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights are the recipe that always wins hearts. I hope you try these and share them with loved ones—your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of fresh pastry and lots of happy smiles. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making an extra batch before you know it!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delights, a perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and sweet jam. These pastries are a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut into 6 rectangles. Score a border on each rectangle.
- Assemble Pastries: Spread cream cheese mixture inside the borders, add strawberry jam, and top with strawberry slices.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the pastry edges with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or icing if desired.
Notes
- You can use different jams and berries for variety.
- Best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
