Strawberry Danish Recipe

If you’re searching for a luscious breakfast or brunch treat that feels as joyful as early summer, Strawberry Danish is the answer you’ve been dreaming of. Tender, flaky pastry wrapped around silky cream cheese and crowned with vibrant strawberries—this bakery-style delight is the perfect combination of crisp, creamy, and fruity. Whether you’re serving guests, treating your family, or simply making your own morning a little more special, Strawberry Danish brings sunshiny flavor and classic charm to every table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a homemade Strawberry Danish is how a handful of straightforward ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Each component brings its unique magic, building layers of taste, sweetness, and nostalgia in every bite.

• Puff pastry: Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe a breeze, giving you golden, buttery layers without the time commitment of making dough from scratch.
• Fresh strawberries: Pick firm, ripe berries for the best sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color in each Danish.
• Cream cheese: Rich, tangy cream cheese forms the creamy base and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cream cheese filling and the berries, making every bite a treat.
• Lemon zest: A pop of zest lifts the flavor and brightens the filling perfectly.
• Pure vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Egg: Brushed on the pastry before baking for a perfectly shiny, golden finish.
• Powdered sugar: Ideal for a quick glaze or a light dusting over the finished Strawberry Danish.
• Milk: Just a splash, if making a glaze, for that perfect pourable consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Begin by blending soft cream cheese with granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth, creamy, and well combined. This forms the dreamy, tangy-sweet base that gives each Strawberry Danish its signature richness. Set this aside while you work on the rest of the filling—you might have to restrain yourself from sneaking a few spoonfuls!

Step 2: Slice and Sweeten the Strawberries

Give your strawberries a quick rinse, hull them, and slice them thin. Toss them with just a tablespoon or two of sugar to bring out their natural juices and add a touch of sparkle. Allow the berries to sit while you assemble the pastry so they’re juicy and glossy by the time you’re ready to use them.

Step 3: Shape the Danish Pastries

Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into even squares. Place a spoonful of the luscious cream cheese filling in the center, then top with a few sweetened strawberries. Fold up the corners toward the center or leave open for a more rustic look—the choice is yours. Place each assembled Strawberry Danish on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

Break an egg into a small bowl, whisk it with a bit of water, then lightly brush the pastry edges for that irresistible golden sheen. Slide your tray into a preheated oven and bake until each Danish is puffed, crisp, and beautifully golden, about 15–18 minutes. The aroma will tell you when they’re nearly done—try not to dive in too early!

Step 5: Glaze and Enjoy

While your Strawberry Danish cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a simple glaze. Drizzle each Danish with the sweet icing, letting it pool among the warm berries. Enjoy them while they’re still slightly warm for maximum swoon factor.

How to Serve Strawberry Danish

Garnishes

For a classic finish, dust your Strawberry Danish with a snowfall of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze. Feeling festive? Add slivered almonds, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a few extra fresh berries on top—they’re all delightful ways to make these pastries pop.

Side Dishes

If you’re building a breakfast or brunch spread, pair your Strawberry Danish with crisp bacon, a silky omelet, or a refreshing fruit salad. A hot mug of coffee or a cold glass of fresh orange juice is the perfect companion to balance the buttery, fruity sweetness of your pastry.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Strawberry Danish into a centerpiece by arranging them in a circle on a serving platter and tucking fresh mint or edible flowers in between for color. You can also bake them in individual ramekins for an elegant dessert, or cut them small and serve them as part of a pastry sampler.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Strawberry Danish (lucky you!), simply cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, though the pastry is at its flakiest within the first day or so.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Bake the Danish, let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or bring to room temperature before reheating. You can also freeze unbaked, assembled Danish and bake fresh when the craving strikes.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat Strawberry Danish in a 325°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave—the oven keeps the pastry crisp and the filling creamy, exactly as it should be.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Danish?

Absolutely! If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. You might also want to toss them with a little extra sugar to enhance their flavor.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your Strawberry Danish. This makes assembly much faster on busy mornings.

What if I want to use a different fruit?

Go for it! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches all make excellent swaps or additions to strawberry. Just keep the fruit-to-filling ratio similar for best results.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Make sure your strawberries aren’t too wet—pat them dry after slicing, and don’t overload the pastry. Baking on parchment and giving the Danish adequate space helps the heat circulate and the bottoms crisp up perfectly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk for the glaze, and a vegan puff pastry, then skip the egg wash or use a plant-based alternative for that beautiful golden color.

Final Thoughts

There’s something unmistakably joyful about baking and sharing a homemade Strawberry Danish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a sweet weekend project, this recipe brings big flavor and plenty of smiles. Give it a try—you’re about to make mornings a whole lot sweeter!

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