Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe Easy Brunch Favorite

Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients: 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed; 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries, sliced, or strawberry preserves; 1 egg; 1 tbsp water

Posted on July 9, 2025

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Let’s talk about the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, shall we? Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry filled with sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake-like filling—it’s the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a standout. I first fell in love with these pastries at a local café, but after experimenting in my kitchen, I realized they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. And trust me, once you’ve had homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

This recipe combines simple ingredients with a touch of love to create a bakery-quality Danish that’s a crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant strawberry filling and pillowy cream cheese center, it’s also a visual stunner that’s worthy of any Pinterest board. Ready to bake something amazing?

Recipe Story and Background

The Danish pastry has a fascinating history that traces back to Denmark, where it became a staple in bakeries and homes alike. However, did you know that the concept of laminated dough actually originated in Austria? Danish bakers perfected it, giving us the version we know and love today. This pastry is often filled with fruits, custards, or cheese, making it endlessly versatile.

As for this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, it’s a combination of two classic fillings—the tangy, rich cream cheese and the sweet juiciness of strawberries. It’s perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak, but honestly, I’ll make it year-round using frozen berries because it’s just that good. I first made this recipe for a Mother’s Day brunch, and let me tell you, it was a hit. My mom even asked for the recipe, which is high praise in my book!

This Danish feels fancy but is wonderfully approachable, making it a go-to for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or even a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.

Ingredient Discussion

Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is the backbone of any Danish recipe, and store-bought sheets make this recipe a breeze. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and flakiness. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make it from scratch, but honestly, the frozen kind works perfectly. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it to ensure those beautiful layers puff up properly.

Cream Cheese

The cream cheese filling is where all that luscious tanginess comes from. Full-fat cream cheese is ideal for richness, but you can substitute reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily with the sugar and vanilla without lumps.

Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are your best bet for flavor and texture. Choose berries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. If it’s not strawberry season, frozen strawberries work well—just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using. You could also swap in raspberries, blueberries, or even apricots for a twist.

Granulated Sugar

This simple sweetener balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness. You could use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but they’ll slightly alter the flavor.

Egg Wash

An egg and a splash of water make the perfect egg wash for achieving that golden, glossy finish. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes your Danish look bakery-perfect!

Optional Additions

If you want to jazz things up, consider adding a drizzle of vanilla glaze or sprinkling powdered sugar on top. Both options add a beautiful finishing touch.

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Rolling pin (optional)
Pastry brush (for the egg wash)
Mixing bowls for filling
Knife or pizza cutter (to cut the pastry)
Cooling rack

If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can use a clean paper towel to dab on the egg wash. For cutting the pastry, a sharp knife works just as well as a pizza cutter.

Pro tip: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy!

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, if needed, to smooth out any creases. Cut into 4-inch (10 cm) squares.
In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz (225 g) of softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.
Top the cream cheese filling with a teaspoon of strawberry preserves or a slice of fresh strawberry.
Fold two opposite corners of the pastry square toward the center, overlapping slightly, and press gently to seal.
Brush the tops of the folded pastries with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water).
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them—puff pastry can burn quickly!
Cool the pastries on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, drizzle with vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar.

Tip: If your pastries unfold during baking, don’t panic! They’ll still taste amazing, and you can always reshape them slightly while they’re warm.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here’s the secret to keeping puff pastry flaky: work quickly and keep it cold. If the dough starts to soften, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing. This helps maintain those buttery layers.

When folding the corners, press gently but firmly to seal the dough. If you’re worried about it popping open in the oven, you can use a toothpick to secure the folds (just don’t forget to remove them before serving!).

Don’t skimp on the egg wash—it gives the Danish that irresistible golden color. And if you’re adding glaze, make sure the pastries are completely cool, or the glaze will melt and slide off.

Finally, taste your strawberries before using. If they’re particularly tart, you might want to sprinkle them with a bit of sugar to balance the flavor.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas:

Berry Swap: Use raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Seasonal Twist: In fall, try sliced apples or pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Chocolate Lovers: Add a few chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a decadent twist.
Nut-Free Option: Replace the strawberry topping with a dollop of jam to avoid potential nut cross-contamination.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For brunch spreads, consider serving alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a light salad for balance.

To store, place the cooled pastries in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.

Want to make them ahead? You can freeze assembled, unbaked pastries for up to a month. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s the rundown for one Danish (approximately):

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g

While this isn’t exactly a “health food,” it’s a delightful treat that can fit into a balanced diet. Strawberries add a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, and the cream cheese provides calcium and protein. If you’re watching sugar, consider using a sugar-free preserve or reducing the amount of sugar in the filling.

Conclusion

So, are you ready to make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe a part of your brunch rotation? It’s flaky, creamy, fruity, and downright irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple for how fancy it looks! I love this recipe because it feels like a little slice of indulgence, no matter the occasion.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below or share a photo on social media! And remember, don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

Frozen strawberries work well—just thaw and drain them first. You can also use strawberry preserves or jam.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pastries and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I prevent the pastries from unfolding in the oven?

Press the corners firmly to seal, and consider using a toothpick if needed. Keeping the pastry cold also helps.

Can I add glaze or powdered sugar?

Definitely! A simple vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch.