Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes

Featured in Sweet Treats from My Kitchen.

This easy strawberry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, finished with a sweet glaze or warm jam.
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Recipe by Reham
Updated on Tue, 18 Feb 2025 21:33:24 GMT
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Strawberry Danish | magichouserecipes.com

Luscious Strawberry Danish: Indulge in the delightful combination of buttery, flaky pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and juicy fresh strawberries with this irresistible Strawberry Danish recipe. These easy-to-make pastries are the perfect treat for a special breakfast or a delightful dessert. Top them with a drizzle of warm strawberry jam or a vanilla glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

When I first tried making these Strawberry Danishes, I was amazed at how easily they came together. The combination of the flaky puff pastry, the smooth and tangy cream cheese filling, and the sweet, juicy strawberries created a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. It quickly became a favorite in my household, and I can't wait for you to experience the same joy!

Essential Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese Filling: Use a block-style cream cheese, preferably Philadelphia, for a smooth and creamy texture. Soften it at room temperature for easy mixing. Add vanilla extract for flavor and powdered sugar for sweetness.
  • Fresh Strawberry Filling: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries. Macerate them with sugar and a touch of cornstarch to create a syrupy consistency.
  • Puff Pastry: Use store-bought or homemade puff pastry sheets. Ensure they are thawed but still cold before use. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar for a golden, crispy crust.
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Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish | magichouserecipes.com

Crafting the Perfect Danishes

Preparing the Fillings:
Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes. In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Assembling the Danishes:
Roll out puff pastry and cut into rectangles. Score a border, spread cream cheese filling, and layer strawberries. Brush edges with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
Baking and Serving:
Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving. Optional: Top with warm strawberry jam or a vanilla glaze.

One of my favorite variations is the Lemon Glaze Strawberry Danish. Instead of vanilla glaze, I use a tangy lemon drizzle that complements the strawberries and cream cheese perfectly. It's a refreshing twist that always impresses!

Serving Suggestions

Serve as part of a breakfast spread, pair with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat, or arrange on a dessert platter with other sweet treats for a stunning display.

Easy Homemade Strawberry Danish Pastries Save this recipe
Easy Homemade Strawberry Danish Pastries | magichouserecipes.com

Storage and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness. Freezing is possible but may affect the strawberries' texture.

Embark on a delightful baking adventure with these Strawberry Danishes, and let the aroma of buttery pastry and sweet strawberries fill your kitchen. Whether you're treating yourself to a special breakfast or sharing them with loved ones, these pastries are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

Recipe Tips & Questions

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best, you can use frozen in a pinch. Just thaw and drain them well first so they don't make the pastry soggy.
→ How should I store leftover strawberry danishes?
Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them briefly in the oven or toaster oven before serving for best results.
→ Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cream cheese filling a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake the danishes the day you plan to serve them for the best texture.
→ What if I don't like cream cheese?
You can leave out the cream cheese filling and just use the strawberries if you prefer. Or try using a different filling like lemon curd or Nutella.
→ Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! This recipe would be delicious with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or try sliced peaches or apples. Just be sure to adjust the sugar if your fruit is more or less sweet than strawberries.

Strawberry Danish Recipe

Buttery, flaky Danish pastry filled with sweetened cream cheese and fresh strawberries. An easy, impressive breakfast.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
Recipe by: Reham

Recipe Type: Desserts & Sweets

Skill Level: Some Experience Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 12 Servings (12 strawberry cream cheese danishes)

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

→ Strawberries

01 4 cups of fresh, ripe strawberries, cleaned and sliced
02 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the juices
03 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to sweeten the berries

→ Cream Cheese Filling

04 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
05 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to sweeten the filling
06 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for flavor

→ Danish Pastry

07 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
08 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon of water for an egg wash
09 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

→ Toppings

10 1/4 cup of strawberry jam, warmed for easy spreading (optional)
11 1 cup of powdered sugar for making a vanilla glaze (optional)
12 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for the glaze (optional)
13 2-3 tablespoons of milk for thinning the glaze to desired consistency (optional)

Let's Cook!

Step 01

Pull the puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw at room temp for 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a couple large baking sheets with parchment paper. Rinse the strawberries, then slice them up and toss them in a bowl with the cornstarch and sugar until they're nicely coated. Let them hang out and get juicy while you do the other prep.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it's well combined. Give it a taste and add more sugar if you like it sweeter.

Step 03

Unfold a thawed puff pastry sheet into a big square. Cut it into 6 smaller rectangles by first cutting along the folded lines, then cutting each of those pieces in half crosswise. Use a paring knife to gently score a 1/4-inch border around the edges of each piece, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will help the edges puff up. Smooth a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each piece, spreading it out but staying inside the scored border. Arrange the sugared strawberry slices on top in a pretty pattern. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle the whole thing with sugar if you want some extra sweetness and sparkle. If the pastry has gotten soft or sticky, pop the sheet pan in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking so the pastry will puff better.

Step 04

Slide the danishes into the hot oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes, until they're puffed and golden brown. Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 05

If you want to guild the lily, warm up some strawberry jam and brush it over the danishes for a glossy finish. Or whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk to make a sweet glaze to drizzle on top. Enjoy your beautiful homemade strawberry cream cheese danishes!

Recipe Notes

  1. Leftover danishes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. They're fine to eat at room temp within a few hours of baking, but warm them up in the toaster oven for the best flavor and texture after storing.
  2. See the blog post for variations on how to make these without cream cheese or as a braided danish instead of individual pastries.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • 1-2 large rimmed baking sheets for baking the danishes
  • Parchment paper to line the pans for easy cleanup
  • 3 mixing bowls - one each for the strawberries, cream cheese, and glaze
  • A paring knife for scoring the pastry borders
  • A pastry brush for applying the egg wash and jam (optional but helpful)

Allergy Information

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese)
  • Contains wheat/gluten (puff pastry)
  • The egg wash contains egg, but can be omitted if needed

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~