Name: Strawberry Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups sliced strawberries; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sugar; 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed; 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water; 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional; ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping; 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk

If there’s one treat that can instantly add a bit of sweetness and joy to your day, it’s the Strawberry Danish Recipe! Picture layers of flaky, buttery puff pastry cradling a creamy, dreamy vanilla-speckled cream cheese filling, finished with fresh strawberries and a glimmering touch of strawberry jam or vanilla glaze. Whether you’re serving them warm for breakfast or as a cheerful dessert to delight guests, every bite showcases the unbeatable combination of tender pastry, luscious filling, and juicy fruit. Read on to create your new favorite homemade bakery delight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Danish Recipe pulls its weight in flavor, color, or structure, and they all come together with surprising simplicity. Here’s what you’ll gather before you’re swept up in easy, breezy baking bliss:

Strawberries: Choose the ripest, reddest berries you can find for the juiciest, most flavorful topping.
Cornstarch: Just a spoonful thickens the strawberry mixture perfectly so it sits beautifully atop the cream cheese.
Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both the strawberry mixture and the pastry topping.
Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese is key for creating that ultra-smooth, rich filling.
Powdered Sugar: Melts effortlessly into the cream cheese and creates a dreamy sweet finish for the glaze.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash gives the filling and glaze a warm, inviting aroma.
Puff Pastry Sheets: Thawed frozen sheets mean you skip the fuss but keep all the buttery, flaky layers.
Egg: Brushed over the pastry edges, the egg wash helps achieve that golden, bakery-style shine.
Strawberry Jam (Optional): Gently warmed, it’s a quick way to add gloss and a burst of berry flavor.
Milk: Loosens the glaze just enough for perfect drizzling—go for whole milk for the most luxurious texture.

How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Puff Pastry

First, get set up. Pull your frozen puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw for about 30 to 45 minutes on the counter—this is just enough time to prep everything else. Preheat your oven to 400 F (204 C), and line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, combine your sliced strawberries with a tablespoon each of sugar and cornstarch. Give them a gentle stir to coat every piece. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This little pause allows the berries to release juices, mingle with the sugar, and develop a juicy, jammy texture that won’t leak out during baking.

Step 3: Blend the Cream Cheese Filling

While your strawberries macerate, grab a separate bowl for the cream cheese. Beat it until smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s silky and fragrant. Taste and tweak the sweetness if you like. This dreamy filling is what makes this Strawberry Danish Recipe so irresistible.

Step 4: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry

Unfold a sheet of thawed puff pastry and gently flatten if needed. Cut along the folded lines, and then cut each long rectangle in half to make six smaller rectangles per sheet. With a small, sharp knife, lightly score a 1/4-inch border around the edge—don’t cut all the way through. This lets your pastry puff up around the creamy center for that classic bakery look.

Step 5: Assemble the Danishes

Spoon about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each rectangle, staying inside the border. Artfully layer the sweetened strawberries on top of the filling. Finish by brushing the edges with egg wash, and if you crave a little sparkle, sprinkle a bit of sugar across the whole pastry.

Step 6: Chill, Then Bake

If the pastry feels soft or warm, slide your baking sheet into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps your danishes puff up beautifully during baking. Once chilled, bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until they’re lusciously golden and puffed.

Step 7: Cool and Add Toppings

Let your danishes cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack. While still slightly warm, brush with warm strawberry jam for an irresistible glossy finish. If you prefer a drizzle, mix powdered sugar with milk and a little vanilla extract for a decadent vanilla glaze. This is the moment your Strawberry Danish Recipe comes to life!

How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way! Dusting your danishes with powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze adds that bakery sparkle. You can also top with a sprig of fresh mint or extra sliced strawberries for a picture-perfect presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Danish Recipe with hot coffee, a foamy cappuccino, or a pot of fragrant tea for a classic breakfast spread. For dessert hour, these danishes are equally lovely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them on a pretty cake stand for brunch, arrange on a platter with other fruit pastries for a DIY bakery buffet, or wrap a couple in parchment and tie with twine for an utterly charming edible gift. These danishes shine on any table, any time of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Cool the danishes to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. While absolutely best fresh, they’ll still be delicious the next day—just give them a little care to restore their magic.

Freezing

To freeze, let the Strawberry Danish Recipe cool completely, then layer them between parchment in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest, bakery-style texture, reheat leftover danishes in a toaster oven or oven at 300 F for around 8–10 minutes. Skip the microwave, which makes puff pastry soggy. With a quick warm-up, your leftovers will taste freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

You can, but let them thaw and drain well first so the filling doesn’t get watery. Fresh strawberries really shine in this Strawberry Danish Recipe for the best flavor and color.

Is it possible to make this recipe without cream cheese?

Absolutely! If you want to skip cream cheese, try using a sweetened ricotta or a thick pastry cream as your filling for a fun twist on the classic danish.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Always bake your danishes in a fully preheated oven, and don’t overload with too much filling. Chilling the assembled pastries before baking also helps them puff up beautifully and keeps the bottom crisp.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Substitute regular puff pastry with your favorite gluten-free puff pastry from the store. The rest of the ingredients in this Strawberry Danish Recipe are naturally gluten free.

What’s the secret to the best strawberry glaze?

Warm your strawberry jam gently before brushing it over the danishes for a glossy coat with pure berry flavor. For a vanilla glaze, use real vanilla extract and sift your powdered sugar for a silky finish.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Danish Recipe truly brings simple joys to your kitchen—crisp, buttery pastry, cloud-like filling, and bright summer berries in every bite. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or just want to treat yourself, I hope you give this recipe a whirl. Gather your ingredients and let a little homemade magic brighten your table!