Strawberry Danish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Strawberry Danish because it combines the best of both worlds—light, flaky puff pastry and a creamy, sweet filling. The strawberry preserves give it that perfect fruity sweetness, while the cream cheese adds richness and a subtle tang. The pastry gets golden and crisp in the oven, and when you add the glossy glaze or fresh strawberries on top, it turns into a breakfast that feels extra special. It’s the kind of treat that looks like it took a lot of effort but comes together in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Optional:

• Fresh strawberry slices for garnish

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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

2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it into four equal squares.

3. In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, then top with a dollop of strawberry preserves.

5. Fold each corner of the puff pastry toward the center, gently pressing to form a seal, creating either a pinwheel or envelope shape.

6. In another small bowl, whisk the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush each pastry lightly with the egg wash.

7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffy and golden brown.

8. Remove from the oven and, if desired, top each Danish with fresh strawberry slices. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 18 minutes

• Total Time: 28 minutes

Variations

This Strawberry Danish is incredibly versatile. While strawberry preserves are a classic choice, you can easily swap them out for other fruit fillings such as raspberry, blueberry, or peach preserves. If you prefer a richer filling, try adding a little lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a tangy kick. You can also drizzle some powdered sugar glaze over the top after baking for a sweet finish.

Storage/Reheating

These Strawberry Danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp up the pastry again.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastries ahead of time! Assemble the Danishes and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready, just brush with the egg wash and bake as directed.

Can I use puff pastry sheets from scratch?

If you have the time and ingredients to make puff pastry from scratch, feel free to do so! However, store-bought puff pastry is a great shortcut that works wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I use a different type of filling?

Definitely! The cream cheese and fruit combo is highly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves or even make your own by cooking fresh fruit with sugar to create a homemade preserve-like filling.

Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter filling or don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with mascarpone, ricotta cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a different twist.

Can I freeze these Danishes?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just assemble the Danishes and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Danish is an easy, delicious pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The buttery, flaky puff pastry combined with the sweet cream cheese filling and fruity preserves creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s so simple to make—you can have a bakery-worthy pastry ready in just under 30 minutes. Try it for your next brunch or as a special breakfast, and watch it become a favorite!