There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Strawberry Danish wafting through the kitchen. This easy yet elegant pastry features buttery, flaky layers filled with sweet cream cheese and juicy strawberry filling. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply as a treat with your morning coffee, this danish brings bakery-quality results right to your home. With a golden crust, creamy center, and vibrant fruit topping, it’s the kind of pastry that looks as good as it tastes—and it’s much easier to make than you might think.
Ingredients Notes
- Puff Pastry – Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this recipe quick and convenient while still delivering a flaky, golden crust.
- Cream Cheese – The creamy, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Powdered Sugar – Used in the filling and the glaze for a smooth sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
- Strawberry Jam or Fresh Strawberries – For the fruity topping. Use jam for simplicity or cook down fresh strawberries for a homemade touch.
- Egg Wash – A beaten egg brushed on top gives the pastry a beautiful golden shine.
- Lemon Juice (optional) – Enhances the brightness of the strawberry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Danish (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry
Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. Roll it out slightly on a floured surface and cut into equal rectangles or squares depending on your preferred danish shape.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
Place a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry. Add a spoonful of strawberry jam or cooked strawberries on top. Fold the corners in or leave open, depending on your chosen style. Brush with egg wash for shine.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let cool slightly.
Step 5: Glaze (Optional)
Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once slightly cooled.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Danish
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold – Work quickly and chill if needed before baking to maintain flaky layers.
- Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can cause the danish to burst open or become soggy.
- Egg Wash Edges – Brush the exposed pastry with egg wash for that bakery-style golden color.
- Use Parchment Paper – Prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cool Before Glazing – Let the danish cool a bit so the glaze sets nicely instead of melting off.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Danish
🍓 Bakery-Style at Home – Get professional pastry flavor without leaving the house.
🍓 Quick and Easy – Using puff pastry cuts down prep time without sacrificing texture or taste.
🍓 Creamy and Fruity – The perfect balance of rich cream cheese and fresh, sweet strawberries.
🍓 Perfect for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for a brunch table, easy enough for a weekday treat.
🍓 Customizable – Swap strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, cherries, or peaches.
The Magic Behind the Flaky Layers
The secret to those golden, crisp, and buttery layers lies in the puff pastry. Made with layers of butter and dough, puff pastry rises beautifully when baked, giving you a light and airy bite in every mouthful. When baked at the right temperature, the butter in the layers steams and causes the dough to puff up, creating a crisp texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling and sweet fruit topping.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Pair With Coffee or Tea – Makes the perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
🍽️ Brunch Platter Star – Add to a mix of savory and sweet brunch items for a standout centerpiece.
🎁 Gift It – Wrap in parchment and twine for a homemade treat to give friends or neighbors.
🌼 Spring or Summer Parties – Great for baby showers, Easter brunch, or garden gatherings.
Variations to Try
🍑 Peach Danish – Swap the strawberry jam for peach preserves and add a dash of cinnamon.
🍒 Cherry Cheesecake Danish – Use cherry pie filling and top with a bit of graham cracker crumbs.
🫐 Lemon Blueberry Danish – Add lemon zest to the cream cheese and top with fresh or jammy blueberries.
🍏 Apple Cinnamon Danish – Use sautéed apples and a pinch of cinnamon sugar for a fall version.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature – Best enjoyed the day of, but can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
Refrigerator – Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat slightly in the oven or toaster oven for the best texture.
Freezer – Freeze baked danishes (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
FAQ
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the danishes and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
Absolutely! Simmer chopped strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until thickened for a homemade filling.
Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes, but freeze them without glaze. Reheat in the oven and add glaze after warming.
Do I need to cook the strawberries first?
If using fresh strawberries, cooking them into a jam-like filling prevents the danish from becoming soggy.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Danish recipe delivers that perfect combination of flaky, buttery pastry, rich cream cheese filling, and sweet strawberry topping that makes every bite a little moment of joy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend hobbyist, this recipe is forgiving, fun, and foolproof. Using puff pastry takes out all the guesswork, so you can enjoy impressive results without hours in the kitchen. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this danish is a treat that never goes out of style. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easily you can turn a few simple ingredients into a show-stopping pastry!
