© Original Recipe By Fresh & Fit Recipes ©
🍓🧀 Flaky Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling – A Perfect Brunch Delight
1. Introduction
There’s something irresistibly charming about a flaky strawberry danish with cream cheese filling. The golden, crispy layers of pastry paired with sweet, ripe strawberries and a luscious cream cheese filling create a harmony of textures and flavors. As a seasoned food lover, I can tell you that mastering this pastry at home transforms brunch into a special occasion. This strawberry danish recipe combines rich, flaky pastry with an aromatic fruit filling, perfect for sharing with loved ones or impressing guests.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 45 minutes: Fast enough for a weekend treat or a last-minute brunch.
- One-pan dessert or breakfast: No complicated steps or multiple bowls — just assembled and baked.
- Customizable flavors: Use fresh or frozen strawberries, depending on the season.
- Impressive presentation: Beautiful layers and vibrant colors make it Instagram-worthy.
3. Ingredient Notes
This recipe focuses on quality ingredients that elevate the final flavor. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and vibrant color. For the pastry, opt for high-quality store-bought puff pastry to guarantee that flaky, buttery texture, though you can also make your own if you prefer extra homemade touch.
The cream cheese filling calls for a full-fat cream cheese, which provides the rich, creamy consistency essential for balancing the tartness of the strawberries. A touch of vanilla extract is added to enhance the flavor. When selecting your ingredients, choose natural and unadulterated options for the best taste.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – An all-in-one appliance that makes baking pastries quicker and more efficient, especially if you want to try different finishing techniques like crisping the edges.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – Perfect for preparing your cream cheese filling and handling your pastry with ease.
5. How to Make Flaky Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling
Preparing the Pastry
Begin by thawing your puff pastry until it’s pliable but still cold—this helps achieve the perfect flaky layers. Roll out the pastry slightly and cut it into squares, roughly 4×4 inches. The cold pastry will resist tearing and help form that signature crispiness.
Place the squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. As the pastry bakes, you’ll notice it puff up and turn a gorgeous golden hue. The aroma of butter and baked pastry will fill your kitchen, signaling that your treat is coming together.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
Combine softened cream cheese, a dash of vanilla extract, and a little powdered sugar until smooth. Spread a generous spoonful into the center of each pastry square, leaving a small border. This creamy layer is what makes the danish irresistible—rich, velvety, and subtly sweet.
Adding the Strawberries
Top each with sliced strawberries, pressing them slightly into the cream cheese. The fresh fruit will release its sugary juices during baking, naturally sweetening the filling and giving your danish that vibrant, appealing look. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is flaky and golden brown. The strawberries will be soft, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Finishing Touches
Once baked, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite coffee or tea. The combination of crispy layers, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries is nothing short of divine.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Keep the pastry cold: Cold pastry results in tender, flaky layers after baking.
- Avoid overloading: Don’t overfill the pastry; it might burst or stick during baking.
- Slicing strawberries: Use ripe, thinly sliced strawberries for even distribution and optimal flavor infusion.
- Use a sharp knife: When slicing strawberries, a sharp knife prevents bruising and ensures clean cuts, which helps with presentation.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you have dietary restrictions, consider substitutions:
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and margarine or vegan puff pastry.
- Berry mix: Incorporate blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry flavor.
- Low-sugar: Reduce the sugar in the filling and glaze for a more tart, health-conscious option.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. For a quick snack, you can also enjoy these cold, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
9. FAQ
Can I make this strawberry danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry and cream cheese filling ahead, assemble, and refrigerate until ready to bake. However, it’s best to bake just before serving to retain the crispiness.
What type of strawberries works best?
Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor and appearance. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries work well—just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
Can I freeze the assembled danish?
It’s not recommended to freeze baked danishes, as the pastry may lose its flaky texture. However, you can freeze unbaked assembled danishes, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Certainly! Use a gluten-free puff pastry or make your own with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free strawberry danish.
10. Conclusion
This flaky strawberry danish with cream cheese filling is an indulgent, visually stunning brunch treat that combines buttery layers, fresh fruit, and creamy richness. With a few simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you can create a bakery-quality pastry right at home. Whether for a special breakfast or to impress your guests, this brunch recipe is guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.
Print
Flaky Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling
A delicious, flaky Danish pastry filled with cream cheese and topped with fresh strawberries, perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat.
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangles.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over the center of each pastry rectangle.
- Top with sliced strawberries, leaving space around edges.
- Fold edges slightly and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Notes
- For a sweeter glaze, add a teaspoon of apricot jam melted with a little water and brush over the pastries before serving.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor; store at room temperature if serving soon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg