Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese is a delightful pastry that blends creamy richness with fresh, juicy strawberries, all wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry. This recipe brings classic Danish pastry traditions straight into your kitchen, offering an elegant yet easy-to-make treat that’s ideal for brunches, breakfast gatherings, or as a delicious snack to brighten any day.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, combine sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch, mixing until strawberries are evenly coated.

4. Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into four equal squares.

5. Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, topped evenly with strawberries.

6. Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, gently pressing down to seal over the filling.

7. Transfer pastries to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

8. While pastries bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.

9. Allow pastries to cool slightly once removed from the oven, then drizzle glaze generously over the top.

10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients

(Per serving, approximately)

• Calories: 290 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 34g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 34mg

• Sodium: 154mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 13g

The Allure of Flaky Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is the foundation of this Danish, and its light, buttery layers are what make the pastry so irresistible. When baked, the dough rises and separates into delicate, crisp layers that provide a contrast to the creamy and soft filling inside. This pastry’s texture is essential—without the characteristic flakiness and buttery crunch of puff pastry, the dessert wouldn’t feel quite as special.

Using store-bought puff pastry keeps the process accessible while still ensuring an authentic, flaky result. When handled properly—keeping it cold and not overworking the dough—puff pastry transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical. The golden hue and airy texture of the baked pastry create a luxurious vessel for the cream cheese and strawberry filling.

Cream Cheese Filling: Rich, Smooth, and Slightly Tangy

The cream cheese filling is the heart of this pastry. Whipped together with sugar, vanilla, and an egg yolk, the mixture becomes smooth, rich, and slightly tangy—offering a luscious counterpoint to the sweetness of the strawberries. This balance of flavors is what elevates the Danish beyond a simple fruit pastry.

The inclusion of egg yolk not only enriches the filling but also helps it set nicely during baking, ensuring that each bite contains creamy, yet stable, cheese filling. The hint of vanilla adds warmth and depth, while the sugar brings just enough sweetness to complement the tartness of the fresh fruit.

Fresh Strawberries: The Bright and Juicy Element

Fresh strawberries are the star fruit in this Danish, bringing a burst of freshness and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich cream cheese. The berries are tossed with lemon juice and cornstarch to enhance their flavor and ensure the filling stays moist but not watery.

Lemon juice brightens the strawberries, balancing their natural sugars and adding a light citrus note that enhances the overall freshness of the pastry. Cornstarch thickens the strawberry juices during baking, preventing the puff pastry from becoming soggy and helping to create a glossy, jam-like topping over the cream cheese.

Simple Glaze for a Sweet Finish

The powdered sugar glaze drizzled on top of the pastries adds a final touch of sweetness and a pretty shine. This glaze not only enhances the appearance of the Danish but also provides a subtle sugary contrast to the tart berries and tangy cream cheese.

The glaze is quick and easy to prepare, consisting simply of powdered sugar and milk. It can be adjusted in thickness to suit your preference—from a thin, glossy drizzle to a thicker, more decadent icing.

Versatility and Serving Occasions

Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese is an incredibly versatile dish that fits a variety of occasions. It shines at weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, tea parties, and casual get-togethers. Served warm, the Danish offers a comforting, freshly baked experience, while at room temperature it retains its flaky texture and full flavor, making it ideal for making ahead and serving later.

The recipe is also easily adaptable for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or apricots can be substituted for strawberries to reflect seasonal availability or personal taste preferences. The cream cheese filling works well with any of these fruits, maintaining the richness and balance of flavors.

Nutritional Considerations

While indulgent, this Danish recipe balances richness with fresh fruit and moderate portion size. Each serving provides a satisfying combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, offering energy and comfort in every bite. The use of cream cheese and butter contributes to the fat content, giving the pastry its characteristic richness, while strawberries add fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Portion control is straightforward with this recipe, as the Danish is made in individual squares that are easy to serve and enjoy without overeating. It’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation, paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfectly balanced breakfast or afternoon snack.

Tips for Perfect Danish Pastry at Home

To achieve the best results, it’s important to keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to bake. This helps ensure maximum puff and flaky layers. Avoid over-handling the dough to prevent it from warming up or becoming tough.

When assembling, be careful not to overfill the pastry squares. Too much filling can cause the pastry to leak or become soggy during baking. Folding the corners gently toward the center and pressing lightly helps seal the filling and encourages the pastry to rise beautifully.

Baking until the pastry is a deep golden brown is key—this guarantees a crispy crust and fully cooked filling. Allow the Danish to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze so it sets perfectly on top.

Elevating Your Danish

For added flair, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or coconut flakes over the glaze before it sets. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add elegance for special occasions. If you prefer a richer filling, a dollop of mascarpone cheese can be folded into the cream cheese mixture for an ultra-smooth texture.

Conclusion

Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese is a quintessential pastry that brings together flaky, buttery puff pastry, creamy tangy filling, and fresh juicy strawberries in perfect harmony. This recipe combines classic baking traditions with accessible ingredients to create an elegant yet approachable treat that can elevate any breakfast, brunch, or snack occasion.

Its balance of textures—from crisp pastry to creamy filling to tender fruit—and layers of sweet, tart, and rich flavors make it a memorable and satisfying dessert. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, it offers a taste of bakery-quality pastry at home without the fuss.

Perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself on a cozy morning, this strawberry Danish stands out as a timeless and versatile recipe destined to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.