There’s something truly magical about biting into a freshly baked strawberry Danish—flaky, buttery layers of golden pastry giving way to a sweet and slightly tangy strawberry filling, all balanced with a creamy center. It’s the kind of treat that instantly transports you to a cozy café or a quaint little bakery, where the scent of fresh pastries fills the air.
Making a homemade strawberry Danish might seem like a task best left to professional bakers, but this easy version proves that anyone can achieve bakery-worthy results right in their own kitchen. With the help of store-bought puff pastry, you get all the buttery flakiness without the hassle of making the dough from scratch. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour!
Perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this strawberry Danish is a must-try. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is designed to be simple, stress-free, and incredibly delicious.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to impress your family with a homemade pastry that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery—this is it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Thanks to store-bought puff pastry, you can enjoy fresh, flaky Danish pastries without spending hours making dough from scratch.
- Deliciously Sweet & Tangy – The fresh strawberry filling is naturally sweet with just the right hint of tartness, perfectly complementing the creamy center.
- Great for Any Occasion – Serve these pastries for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
- Customizable – While strawberries are a classic choice, you can switch things up by using blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a new twist on the recipe.
- Beautiful & Bakery-Worthy – These Danish pastries not only taste amazing but also look impressive, making them perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Danish:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Danish
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
The heart of this recipe is the homemade strawberry filling, which adds a fresh, juicy flavor to each bite.
Start by combining the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes. The cornstarch helps create a jam-like consistency, ensuring the filling stays perfectly in place on the pastry.
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool completely while you prepare the pastry and cream cheese filling. If you’re short on time, you can transfer the filling to a small bowl and place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
This step is what makes these Danish pastries irresistibly creamy.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. The egg yolk helps the filling set while baking, making it rich and velvety.
Set the mixture aside while you work on the pastry.
Step 3: Cut and Shape the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice it into four equal squares.
Now, you have a few options for shaping your Danish pastries:
- Traditional Square Danish: Lightly score a smaller square inside each pastry without cutting all the way through. This helps create a natural border when the pastry puffs up in the oven.
- Pinwheel Shape: Cut slits from each corner toward the center, then fold alternating corners inward, pressing lightly to hold them in place.
- Braided Danish: Cut thin strips on both sides of the square and fold them over each other, creating a crisscross pattern over the filling.
Choose whichever shape appeals to you—it all tastes delicious in the end!
Step 4: Fill the Pastry
Now comes the fun part—assembling the Danish pastries!
Spoon a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, gently spreading it within the scored area (or the center if using another shape). Next, top the cream cheese with a generous spoonful of the cooled strawberry filling.
Be careful not to overfill, as the pastries will expand in the oven, and too much filling may spill over the sides.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash & Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of the pastries—this helps them turn golden and glossy while baking.
Transfer the assembled pastries to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them so they can puff up properly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Once baked, remove the Danish pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Drizzle with Glaze
While the pastries cool, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed—it should be thick but pourable.
Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm pastries for that perfect bakery-style finish.
Helpful Tips
- Thaw the puff pastry properly – Let it sit in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving it, as this can make it too soft to handle.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor – Frozen strawberries work in a pinch, but fresh ones give the best texture and natural sweetness.
- Don’t overfill the pastries – Too much filling can cause leaks while baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon each of cream cheese and strawberry filling per Danish.
- Chill the assembled pastries before baking – If you have time, pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry hold its shape.
- Glaze while slightly warm – The glaze sets beautifully when applied to warm pastries, creating a perfect glossy finish.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 pastries
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Puff Pastry Handling: Always work with cold puff pastry for the best results. If it gets too warm while shaping, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain those beautiful flaky layers.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the strawberry filling and cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pastries even faster!
- Alternative Fillings: Not a fan of strawberries? Try using blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of fruits for a different twist. You can also use fruit preserves instead of fresh fruit if you’re short on time.
- Glaze Variations: If you want a more citrusy flavor, substitute lemon juice for the milk in the glaze. For a richer taste, try adding a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Serving Ideas: These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be paired with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey for an extra special touch.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Freezing: You can freeze baked Danish pastries for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven before serving.
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Conclusion
Making homemade strawberry Danish pastries is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Flaky, golden puff pastry filled with sweet strawberries and creamy cheese, topped with a delicate drizzle of glaze—this is the kind of treat that makes any day feel special.
Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or save them for an afternoon pick-me-up, these Danish pastries are sure to be a hit. Give them a try, and you’ll never want store-bought again! Happy baking!
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Homemade Strawberry Danish
Description
There’s something truly magical about biting into a freshly baked strawberry Danish—flaky, buttery layers of golden pastry giving way to a sweet and slightly tangy strawberry filling, all balanced with a creamy center. It’s the kind of treat that instantly transports you to a cozy café or a quaint little bakery, where the scent of fresh pastries fills the air.
Making a homemade strawberry Danish might seem like a task best left to professional bakers, but this easy version proves that anyone can achieve bakery-worthy results right in their own kitchen. With the help of store-bought puff pastry, you get all the buttery flakiness without the hassle of making the dough from scratch. The best part? It’s ready in under an hour!
Perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this strawberry Danish is a must-try. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is designed to be simple, stress-free, and incredibly delicious.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to impress your family with a homemade pastry that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery—this is it!
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
The heart of this recipe is the homemade strawberry filling, which adds a fresh, juicy flavor to each bite.
Start by combining the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes. The cornstarch helps create a jam-like consistency, ensuring the filling stays perfectly in place on the pastry.
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool completely while you prepare the pastry and cream cheese filling. If you’re short on time, you can transfer the filling to a small bowl and place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
This step is what makes these Danish pastries irresistibly creamy.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. The egg yolk helps the filling set while baking, making it rich and velvety.
Set the mixture aside while you work on the pastry.
Step 3: Cut and Shape the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice it into four equal squares.
Now, you have a few options for shaping your Danish pastries:
- Traditional Square Danish: Lightly score a smaller square inside each pastry without cutting all the way through. This helps create a natural border when the pastry puffs up in the oven.
- Pinwheel Shape: Cut slits from each corner toward the center, then fold alternating corners inward, pressing lightly to hold them in place.
- Braided Danish: Cut thin strips on both sides of the square and fold them over each other, creating a crisscross pattern over the filling.
Choose whichever shape appeals to you—it all tastes delicious in the end!
Step 4: Fill the Pastry
Now comes the fun part—assembling the Danish pastries!
Spoon a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, gently spreading it within the scored area (or the center if using another shape). Next, top the cream cheese with a generous spoonful of the cooled strawberry filling.
Be careful not to overfill, as the pastries will expand in the oven, and too much filling may spill over the sides.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash & Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of the pastries—this helps them turn golden and glossy while baking.
Transfer the assembled pastries to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them so they can puff up properly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Once baked, remove the Danish pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Drizzle with Glaze
While the pastries cool, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed—it should be thick but pourable.
Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm pastries for that perfect bakery-style finish.
Notes
- Puff Pastry Handling: Always work with cold puff pastry for the best results. If it gets too warm while shaping, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain those beautiful flaky layers.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the strawberry filling and cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pastries even faster!
- Alternative Fillings: Not a fan of strawberries? Try using blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of fruits for a different twist. You can also use fruit preserves instead of fresh fruit if you’re short on time.
- Glaze Variations: If you want a more citrusy flavor, substitute lemon juice for the milk in the glaze. For a richer taste, try adding a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Serving Ideas: These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be paired with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey for an extra special touch.