© Original recipe by The Culinary Delight ©
🍓✨ Flaky Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling: A Delightful Morning Pastry! 🥐🌸
1. Introduction
Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry layered with luscious, ripe strawberry filling infused with aromatic vanilla, all topped with silky cream cheese. This Strawberry Danish — also known as a Fruit Danish or Cream Cheese Danish — promises a sensory experience that combines buttery crispness with sweet, vibrant fruit flavors. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful treat, this pastry elevates any coffee break into a moment of pure indulgence.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 45 minutes, making it perfect for a spontaneous weekend indulgence.
- Eye-catching, with its beautiful layers and vibrant strawberry color.
- Rich and creamy, thanks to the smooth cream cheese filling that complements the sweet fruit.
- Versatile, easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free dietary needs.
3. Ingredient Notes
Start with high-quality, fresh strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor. Ripe berries will give your Danish an aromatic burst and vivid color. For the filling, choose softened cream cheese — full fat varieties lend the best creaminess. Using genuine vanilla extract enhances the aroma, while a touch of lemon juice balances the sweetness with subtle tang.
Opt for good-quality puff pastry, preferably homemade or store-bought but frozen from a reputable brand for the best flaky layers. If making it from scratch, creating a light, airy dough with plenty of butter will ensure that signature crispy texture.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — perfect for quick baking with even heat, ensuring a perfectly golden crust without turning on your oven.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — makes handling pastry and filling easier with its nonstick surface.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange — great for mixing the cream cheese filling to silky perfection and preparing your dough with ease.
5. How to Make Flaky Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling
Preparation of the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. You want a thin, even sheet that crisps beautifully during baking. Cut the pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on your preference.
Making the Filling
In your stand mixer, blend softened cream cheese with a splash of vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a teaspoon of lemon juice until smooth and creamy. This adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness of the strawberries. Slice fresh strawberries thinly and set aside.
Assembling the Danish
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese mixture onto each pastry piece, leaving a small border to prevent overflow. Arrange strawberry slices over the cream cheese, and gently fold the edges inward to create a rustic, flaky border that will turn irresistibly crispy as it bakes.
Baking
Place the assembled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. The aroma of baked pastry combined with sweet strawberries will fill your kitchen. Cool slightly before glazing or serving.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Ensure the puff pastry is kept cold until baking to maximize flakiness.
- Slice strawberries thinly for even distribution and a balanced bite.
- For a glossy finish, brush the baked Danish with apricot jam warmed slightly, then glaze with powdered sugar icing.
- Let the pastry cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting or soaking.
7. Variations & Substitutions
- Fruit variations: Swap strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for seasonal twists.
- Dietary adjustments: Use dairy-free cream cheese and fruit spreads for vegan-friendly options.
- Gluten-free: Substitute puff pastry with gluten-free pie crust or laminated dough if available.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, warm in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy again. For best flavor and texture, fresh is always preferable, but this pastry rewarms well with minimal sogginess.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare this strawberry Danish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and bake the pastries, then store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness before serving.
What makes a strawberry Danish flaky?
Using high-quality, well-chilled puff pastry and baking until golden brown ensures a crispy, flaky texture. Avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess.
Can I freeze this pastry?
Yes, freeze baked or unbaked pastries in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or air fryer for best results.
10. Conclusion
This Flaky Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling is a dreamy pastry for berry lovers and pastry connoisseurs alike. With its buttery layers, luscious fruit, and velvety cream cheese, it elevates any breakfast or brunch spread. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought pastries. For a special treat, pair it with your favorite coffee or tea, and enjoy the perfect harmony of textures and flavors!
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Flaky Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese Filling
A flaky Danish pastry filled with creamy cheese and topped with fresh strawberries. Perfect for brunch, snack, or dessert.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into squares.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square.
- Top with sliced strawberries and fold the corners to slightly overlap, sealing the filling.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed for easy handling.
- You can substitute strawberries with other berries for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 290 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg