Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

$- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting To make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, gather these ingredients. Puff pastry is the base. It gives the danish its flaky texture. You need one sheet, thawed and ready to roll out. Next, prepare the cream cheese filling. You will use 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Mix this with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. This mixture makes the filling rich and sweet. Then, focus on the strawberries. You need 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Slice and hull them, then toss with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This step brightens their flavor. You can add a bit of powdered sugar if you want them sweeter. Finally, prepare the egg wash. You will beat one egg to brush over the danishes. This helps them turn golden brown when baked. Optionally, keep some powdered sugar nearby for dusting after baking. With these ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that is sure to impress. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps your danish bake evenly. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a smooth texture. Next, cut the pastry into four equal squares. This will be the base for your delicious filling. In a mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese. Add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until you get a smooth and creamy filling. This will add a rich taste to your danish. Now, take 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced. Place them in a separate bowl. Toss the strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. If you want them sweeter, add a bit of extra powdered sugar. This enhances their flavor. Place a dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square. Then, arrange a few strawberry slices on top. Fold the corners of the pastry squares toward the center to create a diamond shape. Pinch the corners to seal them well. Brush the tops of your danishes with a beaten egg. This gives them a golden color when baked. Then, place them in your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and puffed-up pastry. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly. Enjoy your tasty treat! To make puff pastry shine, handle it with care. Start with a cold surface. Lightly flour your counter before rolling out the dough. Roll it evenly to avoid thick spots. Cut the pastry into squares, but don’t waste any dough scraps. You can re-roll them to make more pastries! Always keep the dough chilled until you are ready to bake. This helps it puff up nicely. If you want a natural twist, try honey or maple syrup. These sweeteners pair well with strawberries. Toss the sliced strawberries with lemon juice and a drizzle of your chosen sweetener. This adds flavor and keeps the fruit fresh. You can also use agave nectar for a lighter touch. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Serving is just as important as baking. For a lovely look, dust your danish with powdered sugar. Add fresh mint leaves on the side for color and flavor. You can also serve them on a nice platter, arranged with strawberries around them. This makes each bite feel special. Use a small plate for each danish to make it feel personal. Don’t forget to enjoy them warm! Pro Tips Use Cold Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold when working with it to achieve the best rise and flakiness during baking. Experiment with Fruits: While strawberries are delicious, feel free to try other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist. Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture to suit your sweetness preference. Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the pastries with egg wash before baking gives them a lovely golden color and shiny finish. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in your Danish. Blueberries and raspberries are great choices. They both add a juicy burst of flavor. Blueberries make the pastry sweet and tangy. Raspberries give it a nice tartness. You can mix and match these fruits too. This creates a fun twist with every bite. If you want to switch up the cheese, try using mascarpone or ricotta. Mascarpone is creamy and rich. It adds a lovely texture. Ricotta is lighter and has a mild taste. Both options work well in this recipe. They let the fruit shine while still being creamy. Adding lemon zest or almond extract gives your Danish more flavor. Lemon zest brightens the dish and pairs well with strawberries. It adds a fresh, zesty note. Almond extract gives a nutty flavor. It creates a warm and cozy feeling in each bite. Just a little goes a long way. To keep your strawberry cream cheese danishes fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down completely before sealing. If you leave them out, they can get soggy. You want to enjoy their crispy texture, so refrigeration is key. You can freeze your danishes either before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, assemble the danishes, but do not bake. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool first. Then, wrap them and store them in the same way. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and reheat. To enjoy your leftovers, 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 flaky texture. You can also use a microwave, but that may make them soft. If you want a quick snack, a short time in the microwave works, too. Enjoy your tasty treat! Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. You can make the cream cheese filling a day before. Store it in the fridge. The puff pastry can also be cut into squares ahead. Just keep them covered to stop them from drying out. Look for a golden brown color on the pastry. The edges should be puffed and crisp. If the pastry feels light and airy, it’s ready. A good test is to touch it lightly; it should feel firm and not doughy. These danishes pair well with coffee or tea. You could also serve them with fresh fruit or whipped cream. For a more festive touch, add a drizzle of chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can make a delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish with simple steps. We covered everything from ingredients to storage tips. Remember to prep your oven, assemble the pastry with care, and try different fruit options to keep it fun. Enjoy each bite fresh or as leftovers. With these methods, you'll impress anyone who tries your tasty danish. Take this guide and make your own delightful treats today!$

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Delicious puff pastry filled with cream cheese and fresh strawberries.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
optional additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into four equal squares.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
In another bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with lemon juice and a tablespoon of powdered sugar (if desired for sweetness).
Place a dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square.
Arrange a few strawberry slices on top of the cream cheese.
Fold the corners of the pastry squares towards the center to create a diamond shape, pinching the corners to seal.
Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly before dusting with additional powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Serve warm on a platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Keyword cream cheese, danish, dessert, strawberry