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

Few things bring as much joy to the breakfast table as a homemade Strawberry Danish Recipe. This irresistible treat combines buttery, golden puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese center and a lush topping of juicy strawberries. Whether served for brunch, dessert, or as a midday pick-me-up, each bite offers layers of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and bright berry flavor—finished with a glossy sweep of strawberry jam or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. It’s an easy recipe, brimming with flavor and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to snag a piece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Danish Recipe relies on a small list of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one has a purpose—from creating tender layers to giving bursts of sweetness and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters in the delicious final result.

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add bright flavor, beautiful color, and a juicy texture to each danish.
Cornstarch: A small spoonful thickens the juicy strawberries so your danish never turns soggy.
Sugar: Granulated sugar brings subtle sweetness and enhances the strawberries’ natural flavor.
Cream Cheese: The base for the filling; it adds creamy, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with berries.
Powdered Sugar: Dissolves easily into the filling and glaze, creating velvety smoothness and delicacy.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the cream cheese’s flavor and adds warmth to the glaze and filling.
Puff Pastry Sheets: Frozen puff pastry gives you effortlessly flaky layers with bakery-style results.
Egg: Creates a shiny, golden crust when brushed on before baking.
Sugar for Topping (optional): A light sprinkle before baking adds sparkle and extra crunch.
Strawberry Jam (optional): A quick brush after baking adds a gorgeous glisten and extra berry punch.
Milk: Used for thinning the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry

Before you begin anything else, remove your puff pastry from the freezer and let it thaw on the counter for 30 to 45 minutes. This ensures it unfolds easily without cracking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400 F (204 C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper so your Strawberry Danish Recipe turns out perfectly golden and never sticks.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

In a mixing bowl, gently combine your sliced strawberries with the sugar and cornstarch. Give everything a good toss so the berries are coated completely. Then, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This rest time allows the sugar and cornstarch to draw out and thicken the berries’ juices, which later protects your puff pastry from soaking up too much liquid.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While your strawberries are marinating, move on to your filling. In a fresh bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well until you have a luscious, sweet, and slightly tangy cream. Take a little taste—this is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Shape the Pastry

Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry into a square and use the natural fold lines as a guide to cut it into strips. Split each strip in half for a total of six rectangles. With a paring knife, carefully score a border about 1/4 inch from the edge of each rectangle—don’t cut all the way through! This step helps the edges puff up around the filling, creating that signature danish look.

Step 5: Assemble the Danish

Spread a heaping tablespoon of your silky cream cheese mixture inside each rectangle, staying within your scored border. Top with a decorative layer of sliced strawberries for maximum appeal (and even more flavor). Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the edges of each pastry with your beaten egg wash—this will help the pastry bake up shiny and golden. For extra crunch, sprinkle a bit of sugar over everything.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

If your kitchen is warm or the pastry feels sticky, don’t rush! Pop the assembled danishes in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This quick chill helps firm up the dough and ensures your Strawberry Danish Recipe bakes up extra flaky instead of flat.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the danishes for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully puffed and a light golden brown. The delicious aroma will let you know you’re close. Let the finished pastries cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling, which keeps the bottoms crisp.

Step 8: Add Your Toppings

Now for the finishing touch! While the pastries are still a little warm, brush them with strawberry jam for an extra glisten and a hit of berry flavor. If you love a sweet vanilla glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and some vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled danishes. Both toppings are classic, so why not do a little of each?

How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your Strawberry Danish Recipe simply or lavishly! A dusting of powdered sugar makes them look bakery-ready, or try a few extra strawberry slices and a fresh mint leaf for a colorful, fresh touch. The glossy jam or glaze topping gives a professional, inviting finish.

Side Dishes

Pairing these danishes with a creamy vanilla latte or hot tea creates a dreamy breakfast or brunch. On a bigger breakfast spread, serve alongside yogurt parfait with granola, a fresh fruit salad, or scrambled eggs for a contrast between sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive display, arrange your danishes in a circular pattern on a pretty platter, or line them up bakery-style on a wooden board. If you want to get fancy, braid the puff pastry or try making them in mini tart pans for individual servings. No matter how you present them, your Strawberry Danish Recipe will be the star of the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra pastries (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 days. This helps keep the pastry fresh and the filling safe. They’re best eaten the day they’re made, but still utterly delicious for breakfast the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze your baked Strawberry Danish Recipe for longer storage! Let the danishes cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment and tuck them into a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop your danishes in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 F (175 C) for 5–8 minutes, until warmed through. This revives the pastry’s crispness and the filling’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Danish Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry with paper towels to minimize excess moisture, which can make the pastry soggy. Fresh strawberries do give the best flavor and color, but frozen work beautifully in a pinch.

How can I make these danishes without cream cheese?

If you’d prefer a dairy-free or simply different filling, try using ricotta cheese or mascarpone, lightly sweetened. You could also skip the cheese filling entirely and use a thick layer of strawberry preserves for a super-simple twist on the traditional Strawberry Danish Recipe.

What’s the best way to keep puff pastry from getting soggy?

Pre-thickening your strawberry mixture with cornstarch is key, as is cooling the danishes on a wire rack! Chilling the assembled pastries before baking also helps—they’ll puff up beautifully without absorbing too much moisture.

Can I assemble these danishes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble your pastries, then chill them on the baking sheet (covered lightly) in the fridge for up to an hour before baking. This can streamline your morning routine and ensure warm, freshly-baked danishes whenever you’re ready to serve.

Can I make a larger Strawberry Danish Recipe as one big braid or tart?

Definitely! Simply lay out your puff pastry on a sheet, spread filling and berries down the center, then braid or fold the edges over. Bake until deeply golden, then slice and serve for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Final Thoughts

I promise, once you try making this Strawberry Danish Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever waited! Whether you bake them up for a special brunch or a spontaneous weekday treat, these danishes are guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients and enjoy every flaky, creamy, berry-filled bite—your friends and family will thank you!