Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery pastry with a smooth, creamy cheese filling and a bright, fresh strawberry topping. The golden layers of dough give a satisfying crunch, while the cream cheese adds a rich, slightly tangy balance to the sweet strawberries. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
I love making these Danishes because they bring a bit of bakery magic right into my kitchen. The cream cheese filling is simple but feels so special, and fresh strawberries add a burst of color and flavor that make each bite feel like a little celebration. They’re also wonderfully customizable—sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or a hint of vanilla in the filling for a softer sweetness.
Whenever I serve these, they’re always the first thing gone on the table. I think part of the charm is that they look fancy but are actually pretty easy to make, which makes me feel like a baking star! I like to enjoy mine with a cup of good coffee or tea, and watching my family and friends enjoy them makes all the baking effort totally worth it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your danishes and gives that flaky, buttery texture. Store-bought frozen puff pastry works great! If gluten is a concern, look for gluten-free puff pastry options in specialty stores.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy filling. For a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese or mascarpone. Make sure it’s at room temperature to mix smoothly.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries bring a sweet, juicy pop. If strawberries aren’t in season, substitute with blueberries, raspberries, or even peach slices for a different twist.
Egg Wash: Brushing the danish edges with beaten egg helps create a golden, shiny finish. You can replace with milk or cream if you prefer a softer color.
Glaze: The sprinkle of powdered sugar mixed with milk or lemon juice adds a sweet, slightly tangy drip. If you want a hint of citrus, lemon juice is my favorite. Almond extract also pairs nicely here.
How Do You Get Puff Pastry Perfectly Flaky and Golden?
Getting puff pastry just right can be tricky but worth it! Here’s how I do it:
- Keep it cold: Thaw puff pastry in the fridge, not on the counter, to keep the layers firm.
- Don’t overwork: When cutting and handling, be gentle to keep layers intact.
- Brush edges: Use egg wash to give that perfect golden shine and seal edges.
- Bake hot and fast: Baking at 400°F helps puff the layers crisp and golden without drying out.
- Cool slightly: Let danishes cool for a few minutes before adding glaze to avoid melting it off.
With these tips, your danishes will come out beautifully flaky, golden, and delicious every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding the danishes as they bake evenly.
- Parchment paper – keeps the danishes from sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- Mixing bowl – to blend your cream cheese filling smoothly.
- Whisk or spoon – helps mix the filling and glaze without lumps.
- Pastry brush – great for applying the egg wash to get a golden finish.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for cutting puff pastry into neat squares.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to change the fruit flavor and add variety.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm, cozy touch.
- Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest with the cream cheese to brighten the flavor.
- Top with slivered almonds or chopped pistachios after baking for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry and Filling:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice (to thin the glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 15-18 minutes baking time. Allow a few minutes for cooling and glazing before serving, so plan for roughly 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry and cut it into four equal squares.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of this mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square, spreading slightly but keeping a border around the edges.
3. Add Strawberries and Egg Wash:
Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese in a pretty pattern. If you like, gently fold the corners of the pastry towards the center or leave them flat. Brush the edges with beaten egg to help the danishes turn a beautiful golden color when baked.
4. Bake the Danishes:
Place the danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until the pastry has puffed up and turned golden brown.
5. Prepare and Add the Glaze:
While the danishes bake, whisk together powdered sugar with enough milk or lemon juice to make a smooth glaze that’s easy to drizzle. Once the pastries have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle this glaze on top for a sweet finishing touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your strawberry cream cheese danishes warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy. Pat them dry gently with paper towels before arranging on the danishes.
How Should I Store Leftover Danishes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the pastry’s flakiness.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days before assembling the danishes. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before using.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, phyllo dough or crescent roll dough can be a substitute, but the texture will be different—less flaky but still tasty!