Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese : A Buttery, Flaky Hug from the Oven 🍓There’s something about a warm Danish that feels like love wrapped in buttery pastry, don’t you think? And when it’s filled with sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese? Oh my… we’re talking next-level comfort. I’m so grateful you’re here, because this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a recipe that needs to be shared — not just for how stunning it looks, but for how incredibly easy and joyful it is to make. ❤️
This one’s for lazy weekend mornings, impromptu brunches, or anytime your sweet tooth whispers “give me fruit and flaky pastry, please.” And yes, if you want this recipe delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe now — let’s keep the oven love going! 🍓🥐📩
What Is a Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish?
Let’s start with the basics: a Danish is a type of laminated pastry made with layers of buttery dough — think puff pastry, but sweeter and a touch softer. This version is built on that tender, flaky foundation and filled with tangy cream cheese and luscious strawberry jam (or fresh berries if you’ve got them!).
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! You can use store-bought puff pastry or make your own, go seasonal with the fruit, and get creative with the shapes. But no matter what, the smell when this is in the oven is incredible!!
Reasons to Love This Strawberry Danish 🍓
- Quick to prep, elegant to serve – A brunch showstopper without the stress.
- Perfect balance of flavors – Tangy cream cheese, sweet berries, buttery pastry.
- Customizable – Use whatever fruit’s in season or your favorite jam.
- Minimal ingredients – Big return with just a handful of staples.
- Freezer-friendly – Yep, you can make these ahead!
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine this: a golden, crisp exterior that shatters into buttery flakes with every bite, revealing a rich, slightly tangy cream cheese filling, swirled with sweet-tart strawberry. It’s creamy, crisp, fruity — everything you want in a morning pastry.
Benefits of Making This Danish
- Homemade magic: Store-bought just doesn’t compare.
- No mixer needed: Easy mixing and layering.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before, bake fresh in the morning.
- Crowd-pleasing: These beauties disappear fast — make double!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Spoon or piping bag (optional)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Fruit: Swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or apricot jam.
- Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup can replace sugar for a more natural vibe.
- Pastry base: Crescent roll dough works in a pinch!
- Toppings: Add a lemon glaze, slivered almonds, or a drizzle of white chocolate!
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Prepare the pastry: Unfold the puff pastry and cut into 4–6 rectangles or squares.
- Shape the Danish: Fold edges slightly or create a braid pattern — be creative!
- Add filling: Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry, then top with a spoonful of strawberry jam.
- Brush with egg wash for golden edges.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
What to Serve with Strawberry Danish
- Hot coffee or espresso (a must!!)
- Fresh fruit on the side for balance
- A mimosa or iced tea for brunch vibes
- Greek yogurt with honey for a creamy contrast
Tips for the Perfect Danish
- Keep the pastry cold – Warm pastry = soggy result.
- Don’t overfill – Less is more to prevent leaks.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Try different shapes – Braids, pinwheels, or circles for fun!
How to Store
- Room temp: 1–2 days in an airtight container.
- Fridge: Up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for that crisp!
- Freeze: Baked danishes freeze well for up to a month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F.
General Info
- Yields: 4–6 pastries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just cook them down a bit with a spoonful of sugar to make a quick jam-like filling.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based pastry like Jus-Rol’s vegan puff.
Can I prep these in advance?
Yes! Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Can I double the batch?
Oh please do — these go FAST. Just use a second baking sheet and rotate trays if baking together.
Conclusion
There you have it — the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish of your dreams. It’s easy, elegant, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a brunch crowd, this recipe delivers that “wow” moment every time.
Want more magic RECIPES? Try Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu or Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls !
Share the Love 💕
If you make this, I would love to see it! Tag me on Pinterest, leave a review, or drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s bake together — one flaky bite at a time. 🥐✨
Nutritional Info (Per Danish, approx.)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 10g