This Strawberry Danish is a buttery, flaky pastry made effortlessly with puff pastry, sweetened cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. Finished with a glossy strawberry jam glaze or a drizzle of vanilla glaze, these pastries are perfect for an elegant breakfast or a simple dessert. Quick to prepare and stunning to serve, they balance tangy creaminess with fresh fruit flavor and a golden, crispy finish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups sliced strawberries

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp sugar

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Danish Pastry:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

• 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 tsp water)

• 2–3 tbsp sugar for topping (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, warmed

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) milk

Directions

1. Prep Strawberries: Mix sliced strawberries with cornstarch and sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes.

2. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

3. Prepare Pastry: Unfold puff pastry and cut into 6 rectangles per sheet. Score a ¼-inch border on each.

4. Assemble: Spread ~1 tbsp of cream cheese filling inside each rectangle’s border. Layer strawberries decoratively on top.

5. Finish: Brush edges with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Chill for 15–20 minutes for best results.

6. Bake: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

7. Top: Brush with warm jam or drizzle with vanilla glaze. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrients (Per danish, estimated)

• Calories: ~290–350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~30–35g

• Protein: ~3–5g

• Fat: ~18–22g

• Sugar: ~10–14g

• Fiber: ~1g

• Sodium: ~150–200mg

A Pastry Rooted in Tradition

The Danish pastry originated in Denmark but was inspired by Austrian baking traditions. This cross-cultural creation became a staple in Scandinavian bakeries and has since gained popularity worldwide. While traditional Danishes can be time-consuming due to laminated dough, this modern take using store-bought puff pastry allows for all the elegance of a bakery treat with a fraction of the effort. By combining strawberries and sweetened cream cheese, this recipe adds a fresh and creamy twist to the traditional fruit-filled Danish.

Why Strawberry Danish Is a Crowd Favorite

Strawberries are universally loved for their vibrant color, sweet flavor, and juicy texture. When baked into a pastry, they soften slightly, releasing their natural juices while maintaining their shape and brightness. The contrast between the slightly tart strawberries and the rich, smooth cream cheese creates a balanced bite that satisfies a range of palates.

This Strawberry Danish also appeals to many because of its versatility. It can be served warm or at room temperature, eaten for breakfast, offered as a mid-afternoon snack, or served as a light dessert after dinner. The presentation—bright red strawberries atop glossy glaze or elegant vanilla drizzle—makes it a showstopper on any table.

Convenience Without Compromise

One of the major advantages of this Strawberry Danish recipe is its use of puff pastry, which eliminates the need for time-consuming dough preparation. Puff pastry delivers the buttery layers and crispy edges expected in a classic Danish without hours of folding and chilling. This shortcut allows home bakers to produce a professional-looking pastry in less than an hour, from prep to presentation.

Even the fillings come together quickly. The cream cheese base takes just minutes to mix, and the fresh strawberries are tossed with cornstarch and sugar to thicken naturally during baking. Whether you choose to top it with warmed jam for a glossy finish or drizzle it with vanilla glaze, the final step adds just the right amount of sweetness and polish.

Perfect for All Occasions

Strawberry Danishes are incredibly versatile when it comes to when and how they’re served. For breakfast, they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Their sweet, fruity nature also makes them a fantastic addition to brunch spreads alongside quiches, muffins, and savory tarts. During the spring and summer months, these Danishes feel particularly seasonal thanks to the use of fresh strawberries, making them an ideal choice for showers, birthdays, and picnics.

Because of their elegant appearance and balanced sweetness, they also make a wonderful dessert option. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, they offer a light yet indulgent way to end a meal. Their individual size makes them easy to serve and enjoy without the need for utensils, further adding to their convenience.

Flavor and Texture Profile

The Strawberry Danish is a masterpiece of contrasting textures and harmonious flavors. The puff pastry base is crisp, buttery, and golden, flaking gently with each bite. Inside, the sweetened cream cheese is rich, smooth, and slightly tangy, offering a luxurious contrast to the airy pastry. Topping it all are slices of fresh strawberries that soften in the oven but retain their bright flavor and natural juices.

The final flourish—whether it’s a brush of warm strawberry jam or a vanilla glaze—adds both visual appeal and a finishing touch of sweetness. This topping enhances the fruitiness or creaminess of the pastry, depending on which you choose, and helps balance the richness of the cream cheese.

Nutritional Considerations

While indulgent, Strawberry Danishes are surprisingly moderate in calories compared to other pastries. Each one contains approximately 290 to 350 kcal, depending on size and toppings. They offer a reasonable amount of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, with the cream cheese contributing to the protein content. The sugar content is kept in check by using fresh fruit and a light touch of sweeteners.

For those looking to adjust the recipe for dietary needs, reduced-fat cream cheese can be substituted, and the amount of added sugar can be lowered without greatly impacting flavor. Additionally, lactose-free or vegan cream cheese alternatives can be used for a dairy-free version, and the puff pastry can be swapped for gluten-free options for those with sensitivities.

Tips for Best Results

Achieving bakery-quality results at home is easy with a few simple tips. First, ensure the puff pastry remains cold when working with it, as this helps maintain its flaky structure during baking. Chill the assembled Danishes before baking if time permits—this firms up the butter in the pastry and helps them puff more evenly.

Do not overload the pastry with filling, as this can cause it to leak or soften the base. A thin, even layer of cream cheese and a modest amount of strawberry slices is all you need. When applying the glaze or jam, wait until the pastries have cooled slightly so it sets without running off the sides.

Variations and Customizations

This Strawberry Danish recipe serves as a great base for experimentation. Swap out strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for seasonal variation. Try mixing different fruits for a medley version or add a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese for extra brightness.

You can also play with the toppings—replace the vanilla glaze with a lemon glaze, or skip it altogether for a more rustic look. The jam glaze can be made with other flavors like apricot or raspberry, depending on your fruit filling. Adding a sprinkling of chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios can also provide a lovely crunch and visual contrast.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Strawberry Danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for 2–3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a low oven for a few minutes to re-crisp the pastry without drying it out. They can also be frozen before baking. Assemble and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Making the cream cheese filling ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator can further streamline your prep, especially when entertaining. Likewise, pre-sliced strawberries can be kept ready in the fridge a day in advance.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Danish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. It’s a dish that delivers elegance without demanding complexity, making it a favorite among home cooks and pastry lovers alike. With its flaky golden crust, creamy tangy center, and vibrant fruit topping, it brings together texture, flavor, and visual appeal in one irresistible package.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just indulging in a sweet treat with your morning coffee, these Strawberry Danishes are guaranteed to impress. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a bakery-worthy pastry that feels luxurious yet entirely doable. Once you try them, you’ll find they become a go-to recipe, one you’ll return to time and again for their ease, beauty, and delicious results.