Description: Indulge in the delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet strawberries with this easy-to-make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these pastries are sure to impress with their beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or other fruit preserve)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash, optional)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry
Begin by gently unfolding the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, lightly roll the pastry to even it out and smooth out any creases. Then, carefully slice the sheet lengthwise down the center, creating two long rectangular pieces. These will form the base of your individual danishes.
Step 2: Scoring the Pastry
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, score a border around each puff pastry rectangle. Aim for a border that is approximately ½ inch wide. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry; you only want to score the top layers. This scored border will puff up beautifully during baking, creating a defined edge for your danish.
Step 3: Docking the Center
Using a fork, poke holes across the entire center portion of each puff pastry rectangle, inside the scored border. This process, known as docking, prevents the center of the pastry from puffing up excessively during baking, ensuring that it remains flat enough to hold the cream cheese and strawberry filling.
Step 4: Making the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice adds a touch of tanginess that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and cream cheese.
Step 5: Assembling the Danishes
Take the prepared cream cheese filling and spread it evenly over the center portion of each puff pastry rectangle, inside the scored border. Leave a small uncovered border of cream cheese to frame the strawberry jam. Next, dollop spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer, and gently spread it, allowing some cream cheese to peek through. Finally, arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the jam layer, pressing them lightly into the filling.
Step 6: Applying the Egg Wash (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the scored border of each puff pastry danish. The egg wash will help the border to turn golden brown and shiny during baking, adding visual appeal.
Step 7: Baking the Danishes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the danishes from sticking. Carefully transfer the assembled danishes onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the puff pastry are golden brown and the filling is set.
Step 8: Cooling and Icing
Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the danishes are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Once the danishes are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top of each danish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet strawberries creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
- Versatile: These danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a special treat for any occasion.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves and fresh fruits to create your own unique variations.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers and vibrant colors of these danishes make them a visually stunning dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
- Perfect for all Occasions: Be it a weekend brunch, festive holiday, or just a regular day. This recipe is flexible and suits every need.
- Great for Sharing: These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are excellent to bake as a gift for friends and family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Serve them with a side of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- They are also a beautiful addition to a brunch buffet alongside other pastries and fruits.
Tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling.
- Don’t overfill the danishes, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- If the puff pastry becomes too warm and sticky, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to chill.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
- To prevent the bottom of the danishes from burning, place a baking stone or pizza stone in the oven while preheating.
- To make the danishes ahead of time, prepare them up to the baking stage and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving.
- If you do not have strawberry jam you can substitute it with raspberry, blueberry or any other fruit preserves.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
(Note: These are approximate values and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.)
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Sodium: 200-300 mg
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. With its flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet strawberries, it’s a treat that is sure to please everyone. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast, a delicious dessert, or a show-stopping treat to impress your guests, these danishes are the perfect choice.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberries? While fresh strawberries are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Be sure to thaw the frozen strawberries completely and pat them dry with paper towels before using them in the recipe to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese with another type of cheese? While cream cheese is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as mascarpone or ricotta. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the danishes will be slightly different.
- How do I store leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes? Leftover danishes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in a low oven or microwave for a few minutes before serving.
- Can I make these danishes gluten-free? Yes, you can make these danishes gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry. Look for gluten-free puff pastry in the freezer section of your local grocery store. Be sure to follow the package instructions for thawing and handling.
- Can I add other fruits to the danishes? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or blackberries. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added flavor and texture. Ensure that the fruits are ripe for optimal flavor.
