Strawberry Danish is a buttery, flaky pastry filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and topped with fresh strawberries. These easy-to-make danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. You can finish them with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or warm strawberry jam for extra sweetness.
For the Strawberries:
4 cups sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Danish Pastry:
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
2–3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)
For the Topping (Optional):
¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam
Or Vanilla Glaze:
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep the Puff Pastry & Oven:
Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Strawberries:
Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until fully combined.
Prepare the Danish:
Unfold a puff pastry sheet and cut along the folds to make six smaller rectangles.
Score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle with a knife.
Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese filling inside each rectangle border.
Layer strawberries decoratively on top.
Brush edges with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar over the top, if desired.
Chill & Bake:
Optional: Chill prepared pastries in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for better puffing.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Add Toppings:
Warm strawberry jam and brush over the top.
Or make a glaze: whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over cooled danishes.
Chill for puff: Chilling the filled puff pastry before baking helps the edges puff up beautifully.
Room temp ingredients: Make sure cream cheese is soft for a smooth filling.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Warm slightly before serving for best flavor.
Variations: Try a braided strawberry danish or swap cream cheese for almond paste for a different twist.