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- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling) - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Rolling pin - Mixing bowls - Whisk or fork - Knife - A pinch of cinnamon for warmth - Other fruits like blueberries or raspberries - Chopped nuts for crunch - A drizzle of chocolate for extra sweetness These simple ingredients create a tasty treat. The puff pastry gives a light, flaky base. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy layer. Fresh strawberries bring a burst of flavor and color. You can add your own twist with optional ingredients. Each choice makes the danish special. Enjoy making it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a nice, even bake. Next, take your thawed puff pastry and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle that is about 1/8 inch thick. This will help the pastry puff up nicely in the oven. Cut the rolled pastry into four equal squares. Each square will hold a delicious filling. In a mixing bowl, add 4 oz of softened cream cheese. To this, mix in 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of your Danish. It should be rich and sweet. Now it’s time to fill those pastry squares! Take a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and place it in the center of each square. Next, fold the corners of the pastry squares towards the center. This will create a beautiful pinwheel shape. Press gently to seal the edges so the filling does not spill out. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a shiny finish. Then sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for added sweetness. Place your Danish on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and puffed. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, add a few macerated strawberries on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish! To get that perfect puff pastry, keep it cold. Warm pastry does not rise well. When you roll it out, flour your surface well. This stops the dough from sticking. Roll it to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut it into squares, but don’t worry about being perfect. Each piece will puff up and look great when baked. You can change the flavor of your cream cheese filling. Try adding lemon zest for a bright taste. You can also mix in some chopped nuts for a crunchy twist. For a sweeter option, add a little more powdered sugar or a splash of almond extract. If you love chocolate, try mixing in some cocoa powder. Each change can make your Danish unique! Serve your Danish warm for the best taste. You can add fresh strawberries on top for extra flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look pretty too. For a fun twist, drizzle some chocolate sauce over each Danish. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a creamy touch that everyone will love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: Always opt for fresh strawberries for the best flavor. They should be ripe but not overripe for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Chill the Cream Cheese: For a smoother filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. If it's too cold, it may not blend well with the sugar and vanilla. Egg Wash Technique: For a beautiful golden color, brush the pastry gently with the egg wash. Avoid excessive dripping to prevent uneven baking. Serve Warm: These danishes are best enjoyed warm. Reheat any leftovers in the oven for a few minutes to restore their flaky texture. {{image_2}} You can switch out strawberries for many other fruits. Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit brings a new taste and color. For a tropical twist, mango or pineapple works great too. Just remember to adjust the sugar. Some fruits are sweeter, so you may need less sugar in the filling. This recipe shines in all seasons. In spring, use fresh cherries or apricots. In summer, go for mixed berries for a colorful treat. Fall calls for apples or pears with cinnamon. In winter, consider citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits. Each season allows you to explore new flavors. Toppings can change the whole look and taste. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness. For a rich touch, drizzle with chocolate ganache. Lemon glaze gives a zesty kick. You can also use a cream cheese glaze, mixing cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk. Each topping makes your danish unique and special. To keep your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps to keep them moist and tasty. Store the container in the fridge. They will last for about three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. To reheat your Danish, use your oven or a toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Danish on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. This will help restore the pastry's crispiness. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat for 15-20 seconds, but keep in mind that it may not be as crispy. If you want to freeze the Danish, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This will help to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to two months. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them as described above for the best results. Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese. Both will give a nice flavor. Ricotta is lighter, while mascarpone is creamier. Just mix it with powdered sugar and vanilla like cream cheese. This will keep the filling delicious. You can use crescent roll dough as a quick option. It gives a nice, flaky texture. Alternatively, try phyllo dough for a lighter option. Just layer a few sheets and cut them into squares. Each will create a tasty Danish. To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese. There are many brands available. You can also use blended silken tofu with a bit of sugar and vanilla. This gives a creamy texture without any dairy. Yes, you can prepare the filling and pastry ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake when you are ready to serve. This keeps them fresh and crispy for everyone to enjoy. You learned about the key ingredients and tools to make a tasty puff pastry Danish. I shared step-by-step instructions on preparing the pastry and filling. Tips helped you achieve perfect results, and I covered fun variations to keep it fresh. Finally, I explained how to store and reheat your leftovers. Enjoy making your own delightful Danish! Experiment and find your favorite twist.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Delicious puff pastry filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and fresh strawberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the pastry into four equal squares.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  • In another bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar to macerate them slightly. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  • Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
  • Fold the corners of the pastry squares towards the center to create a pinwheel shape, pressing gently to seal.
  • Brush the tops of the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before adding a few macerated strawberries on top for added flavor.

Notes

Serve warm on a decorative plate, drizzled with a bit more powdered sugar or a light strawberry glaze for an extra touch!
Keyword cream cheese, danish, pastry, strawberry