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Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

This delightful Strawberry Danish recipe features buttery puff pastry topped with a smooth cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, baked to golden perfection. Finished with a glossy strawberry jam glaze or a sweet vanilla drizzle, these elegant pastries are perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion treat.

Ingredients

Strawberry Mixture

  • 4 cups sliced strawberries
  • 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

Puff Pastry & Topping

  • 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

Vanilla Glaze (Optional)

  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk

Instructions

  1. Prep: Begin by thawing the puff pastry at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Strawberries: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat the berries evenly, then let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to macerate, which enhances the flavor and slightly thickens the juices.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is silky and well combined. Adjust sweetness to your liking by tasting.
  4. Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a clean surface and cut along the pre-folded lines to form six smaller rectangles (cutting the long rectangles in half). With a small paring knife, gently score a ¼-inch border around the edges of each rectangle without cutting through the dough to help create a puffed border when baking.
  5. Assemble Danish: Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored border. Arrange the macerated strawberries decoratively over the cream cheese. Lightly brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle sugar on top for an extra crunchy finish.
  6. Chill Before Baking: If the puff pastry has become sticky or warm during assembly, place the baking sheets with the assembled danishes in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This chilling step helps the pastries puff up beautifully during baking.
  7. Bake: Place the chilled baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the danishes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns a light golden brown and is fully cooked.
  8. Cool and Glaze: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to reach room temperature. If desired, warm strawberry jam slightly and brush over the tops for a shiny glaze. Alternatively, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a vanilla glaze and drizzle it over the cooled pastries before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
  • Scoring the puff pastry helps maintain the raised edges and prevents the filling from spreading.
  • Chilling the assembled pastries before baking is key to achieving optimal puffiness.
  • You can substitute fresh strawberry jam with apricot jam for a different glaze flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat danishes in a toaster oven or regular oven to restore crispness before serving.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-danish-recipe/