How to make Strawberry Danish Pastry

Have you ever craved something sweet, flaky, and fruity—but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? If so, you’re in for a delicious surprise! This Strawberry Danish recipe might just become your new favorite treat. With a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll have a pastry that looks straight out of a bakery—without the fuss!

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🥐 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Danish

This Strawberry Danish is:

• 🍓 Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor
• 🧀 Filled with creamy vanilla-scented cream cheese
• 🕒 Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish
• 🧑‍🍳 Beginner-friendly with no fancy equipment needed

Strawberry Danish Pastry @Kitchennest

Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as a sweet snack, this pastry is as versatile as it is irresistible.

🛒 Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Strawberry Danish:

Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed) – Gives the Danish its classic flaky layers. Frozen puff pastry works great and saves tons of time.

Strawberry Sauce

• 2 cups chopped strawberries – Use fresh for the best flavor, or frozen if needed.
• 1/4 cup white sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the tartness.
• 3 tbsp water – Helps dissolve sugar and prevent burning.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it doesn’t run off the pastry.

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (room temp) – Creates a smooth, tangy base.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth and aroma.

Egg Wash + Topping

• 1 large egg + 1 tsp cold water – For a golden, shiny crust.
• Coarse sugar – Adds sparkle and crunch.

Substitutions:

• Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries.
• Try mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a twist.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Thaw the Puff Pastry

Let your puff pastry sheet thaw according to the package—either 2 hours on the counter or overnight in the fridge.

2. Make the Strawberry Sauce 🍓

1. Wash, hull, and chop 2 cups of strawberries.
2. In a small pot, combine strawberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch.
3. Stir until cornstarch dissolves.
4. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Let the sauce cool to room temperature.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling 🧁

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until light, fluffy, and smooth.

4. Assemble the Danish 🧺

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Unfold the thawed puff pastry and lay flat.
4. Fold in thirds to mark the center.
5. Spread cream cheese mixture down the center strip.
6. Add strawberry sauce on top.
7. Cut 1/2-inch diagonal slits along both sides.
8. Remove top and bottom corner strips.
9. Fold the top and bottom edges over.
10. Cross strips over filling, alternating sides (braid pattern).

Strawberry Danish Pastry @Kitchennest

5. Add Egg Wash and Sugar ✨

1. Whisk egg with water.
2. Brush egg wash over the pastry.
3. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top.

6. Bake and Cool 🕒

1. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Cool slightly before slicing.

Strawberry Danish @kitchennest

🍽️ Assembly & Presentation Tips

• Let the Danish cool before slicing to avoid a runny mess.
• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
• For a café-style look, cut into diagonal slices and garnish with mint leaves.

🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes.

Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

🔄 Recipe Variations

• Berry Mix: Add blueberries or blackberries to the sauce.
• Citrus Twist: Mix lemon zest into the cream cheese.
• Mini Danishes: Cut puff pastry into smaller squares and follow the same steps for bite-size versions.
• Glazed Finish: Drizzle with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

✅ Conclusion

This Strawberry Danish is a joy to make and even more fun to eat. With a little creativity and just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be serving bakery-level pastries at home in no time. Whether you make it for brunch guests or a cozy weekend treat, it’s sure to impress! 💕

Final Thoughts on Your Strawberry Danish Journey

The Strawberry Danish also makes a lovely gift or a beautiful addition to a brunch spread. When you’re looking for a quick yet stunning dessert, this Strawberry Danish recipe is your go-to. It brings together the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of strawberries, and the flakiness of puff pastry in every bite. Strawberry Danish pastries are also great for holiday mornings, baby showers, or just to brighten up an ordinary day. 🌟

Remember, the beauty of a Strawberry Danish is in its simplicity and flavor. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite fruits, spreads, or spices. It’s a delicious way to express your creativity in the kitchen. 🍴For savory inspiration, don’t miss this flavorful Spatchcock Chicken Recipe that’s perfect for dinner gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a light dessert like a Strawberry Danish, making it a great addition to any menu.

❓FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes! Just thaw and drain them before cooking.

Q: Can I use store-bought jam instead of making the sauce?
A: Absolutely. Just warm slightly before spreading.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Definitely! Kids love the sweet fruit and creamy filling.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based puff pastry, and skip the egg wash.

Q: How do I avoid soggy pastry?
A: Make sure the filling isn’t too hot or watery when assembling.

Q: What makes this Strawberry Danish different from other pastries?
A: The perfect balance of sweet strawberries, creamy filling, and buttery layers makes this Strawberry Danish truly special.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes! Simply use two sheets of puff pastry and double the filling ingredients.

Q: How often should I make this Strawberry Danish?
A: As often as you like! It’s a great go-to recipe for any occasion.

Enjoy baking your delicious Strawberry Danish! 🥰🍓 The more you make this Strawberry Danish, the better it gets—so keep practicing and sharing the joy!

Looking for more delicious ideas? Check out this helpful guide to making Sourdough Discard Raspberry Danishes for another tasty twist on fruit-filled pastries. It’s a great way to use up sourdough discard and explore different flavors beyond the classic Strawberry Danish.