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To make these tasty Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes, gather these items: - 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - Zest of 1 lemon - Sea salt, a pinch You can add some fun flavors to your danishes. Here are a few ideas: - A splash of almond extract for a nutty taste - Fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist - A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth If you are missing some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some swaps you can try: - Use ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling. - Replace powdered sugar with granulated sugar if needed. - Swap fresh strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for variety. - Cornstarch can be replaced with flour if you don't have it. These options help you create a delicious treat even with what you have at home! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, let’s get everything ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things clean. Take your thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. This helps smooth it out. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix these ingredients until they blend into a smooth and creamy filling. Now, let's prepare the strawberries. In another bowl, toss 1 cup of diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of sea salt. This mixture will help thicken the berries and add flavor. Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Make sure to leave a border around the edges. Top each cream cheese dollop with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture. Fold the corners of each square inward toward the center to form little pockets. Pinch the corners together to secure them. This helps keep the filling inside while baking. Now, beat 1 egg and brush the edges of the pastries with it. This will give your danishes a beautiful golden color when baked. Place the pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should puff up and turn golden brown. Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps prevent sogginess. For a lovely presentation, serve the danishes warm on a beautiful plate. Garnish with a few fresh strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. Enjoy your delightful treat! To get the best puff pastry, keep it cold. When you roll it out, do not overwork it. This helps the layers stay flaky. Always use a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking. Cut the pastry into equal squares for even baking. If you have scraps, you can re-roll them once. Just remember, do not do it too many times. It can make the pastry tough. Serve your danishes warm. Place them on a nice plate for a fancy look. Add a few fresh strawberries on the side. A dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and charm. Feel free to drizzle some melted chocolate on top for extra fun. You can also pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely treat. One mistake is skipping the egg wash. This step gives your danishes a golden color. Don't rush the cooling time either. They taste better when slightly cooled. Avoid overfilling the pastry, as it may spill out. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different. Check for a golden brown color to know when they’re done. Pro Tips Keep It Cold: Ensure your puff pastry remains cold while working with it to achieve the best flakiness when baked. Customize the Filling: Feel free to substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile. Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the pastries with an egg wash not only gives them a beautiful golden color but also adds a lovely sheen. Serve Fresh: These danishes are best enjoyed warm out of the oven, so serve them immediately for the best flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can change up the strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work great. Each fruit adds its own fun taste. Just follow the same steps for mixing the fruit. Toss it with lemon juice and cornstarch as before. This keeps the filling thick and sweet. Don’t be scared to mix fruits too! Try a mix of strawberries and blueberries for a berry blast. Want a vegan version? Use dairy-free cream cheese. Many brands make good options now. Replace the egg wash with almond milk or soy milk. This keeps the pastry shiny and golden. For the filling, use maple syrup for sweetness instead of powdered sugar. You can also try coconut cream for a rich texture. These swaps keep the flavor while staying plant-based. Feeling daring? Try a savory danish! Swap the cream cheese for ricotta or goat cheese. Use cooked spinach, mushrooms, or herbs for a filling. Add some garlic or onion for extra flavor. You can even top it with shredded cheese before baking. These savory treats make a great brunch option. They are perfect for any meal of the day! After you enjoy your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes, you may have some left. To store them, let the danishes cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover danishes, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the danishes on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soft. If you use the microwave, warm them for about 15 seconds. Freezing danishes is a great option for later. Wrap each cooled danish in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty danishes anytime! Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead. Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also prep the strawberries. Cut and mix them with lemon juice and cornstarch. Keep them in the fridge too. When you're ready to bake, assemble the danishes and bake them fresh. If you need a substitute, try mascarpone cheese. It has a similar taste and texture. Another option is ricotta cheese. Drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Greek yogurt can work too, but it will be tangier. Adjust the sugar to balance the flavors in your recipe. Look for a golden-brown color on the pastry. The edges should be puffed and firm. If you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. Use a thermometer to check the inside. It should be around 190°F (88°C) for a perfect bake. Keep an eye on the time; 15-20 minutes is key. You now have everything you need to make delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes. We covered the essential ingredients, preparation steps, and baking instructions. I shared tips to perfect the puff pastry and avoid common mistakes. Also, I provided ways to customize your danishes and store any leftovers. Making danishes can be fun and creative, so experiment with flavors and styles. Enjoy your baking journey and savor each bite!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 unit Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Cut it into 4 equal squares.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • In another bowl, toss the diced strawberries with lemon juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of sea salt. This will help thicken the strawberry mixture.
  • Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, making sure to leave a border around the edges.
  • Top each cream cheese dollop with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture.
  • Fold the corners of the puff pastry squares inward, toward the center, to create a little pocket. Pinch the corners together to secure them.
  • Brush the edges of the pastries with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm on a beautiful plate, garnished with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar.
Keyword cream cheese, danish, dessert, puff pastry, strawberry