Welcome to your next favorite treat—Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish! This delightful pastry combines flaky puff pastry, rich cream cheese, and fresh strawberries for a sweet bite you’ll love. It’s simple to make, and I promise it will impress your family and friends. In this guide, we’ll explore easy steps, tips, and fun variations. Get ready to indulge in a sweet creation that’s perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 package of refrigerated puff pastry (2 sheets)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
To make this Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, you need three main things. First, you use refrigerated puff pastry. It puffs up nice and flaky when baked. Next, you need cream cheese mixed with sweeteners. This filling adds a smooth taste. Lastly, fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor and color. They make the danish even more appealing.
Optional Ingredients
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tbsp milk (optional, for a glossy finish)
– Extra powdered sugar for dusting
You can add some optional things for extra flair. An egg wash gives the pastry a golden finish. If you want a glossy look, use a splash of milk. After baking, dust with extra powdered sugar. This adds sweetness and makes the danish look pretty.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps the danishes bake evenly. Next, take the puff pastry out of the fridge to thaw. Follow the package instructions for thawing. Once thawed, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to make it smooth and easy to work with.
Filling
Now, let’s make the filling. In a mixing bowl, add 8 oz of softened cream cheese. Then, mix in 1/3 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat these together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This will be the sweet surprise inside your danishes!
Next, cut the puff pastry into squares, about 4×4 inches. You should have about 6-8 squares in total. Place 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Now, add some diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese. This adds freshness and a pop of flavor.
Baking
It’s time to fold the pastry. Fold the corners of each square over the filling. You can pinch them to seal or leave them open for a rustic look. This makes each danish unique! After that, brush the tops with the beaten egg. If you want a glossy finish, add a splash of milk to the egg wash.
Now, place the danishes in the oven. Bake them for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. The smell will be amazing! Once they are done, let them cool for a bit. Finally, dust with extra powdered sugar before you serve. Enjoy your Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish! For the full recipe, check the recipe section above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Pastry
To get a flaky texture, handle the dough gently. Roll it out lightly on a floured surface. This helps keep the layers intact. You want air pockets to form while baking. A few good brands of puff pastry are Pepperidge Farm and Trader Joe’s. These brands work well for easy cooking. Look for puff pastry that is cold but not frozen. This ensures it puffs nicely in the oven.
Cream Cheese Filling
To enhance the cream cheese filling, consider adding lemon zest or a pinch of salt. These small changes can boost the flavor. You can also use honey instead of powdered sugar for a different taste. If you have leftover filling, store it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about three days. Use it for other treats like fruit dip or on toast.
Variations
Fruit Alternatives
You can use different fruits for your danish. Blueberries or raspberries work well. They add a nice burst of flavor. You can even mix fruits together. This creates a fun flavor combo that brightens your treat.
Flavor Infusions
Want to switch things up? Add lemon zest for a tangy kick. Almond extract also gives a nice nutty taste. You can change the sweetness, too. Using brown sugar or coconut sugar can add a new depth of flavor. Each choice brings a unique twist to your Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish. Check out the Full Recipe for more details!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Store your leftover danishes in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you use a plate, cover it with plastic wrap. This keeps the pastry from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled danishes. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat, take a danish out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This makes the pastry warm and flaky again. Enjoy your Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish anytime!
FAQs
What is a Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish?
A Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a tasty pastry. It has a flaky crust filled with sweet cream cheese and fresh strawberries. The dish has roots in Denmark, where pastries are a big part of their culture. This treat became popular in the U.S. thanks to bakeries that wanted to share a bit of that joy. It is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry. Making your own can be fun and rewarding. It allows you to control the ingredients. However, it takes time and skill to get it right. Store-bought puff pastry is quick and easy. It saves time and still gives great results. If you’re short on time, use the store-bought option.
How long do these danishes last?
These danishes can last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. They may lose some crispness over time. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven for a few minutes. The taste will be almost as good as fresh.
Full Recipe
You can find the full recipe at the end of the article.
You learned about making delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes. We covered the key ingredients, like puff pastry, cream cheese, and strawberries. I shared tips for perfecting the pastry and different flavor options. You can store leftovers easily, whether in the fridge or freezer.
Now, you can create a tasty treat for any occasion. Enjoy your baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!
