© Original Recipe By Serena Recipes ©
🍓✨ Flaky Strawberry Danish Cream Cheese Pastry — The Ultimate Breakfast Delight! 🥐
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a show-stopping pastry that combines layers of buttery, flaky pastry with a luscious strawberry filling and rich cream cheese, you’re in the right place. The Strawberry Danish pastry is a classic for brunch or a special breakfast treat. Its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the juicy sweetness of strawberries creates an irresistible experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Making this pastry at home allows you to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors, and the best part? It’s easier than you think!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 40 minutes — perfect for spontaneous weekends or weekday mornings.
- Impressively flaky pastry with a tender, golden-brown exterior.
- Cream cheese filling adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of strawberries.
- Customizable with fresh or frozen strawberries, and optional toppings like glaze or powdered sugar.
- One-pan baking makes clean-up a breeze!
3. Ingredient Notes
For this strawberry Danish pastry, quality ingredients matter. Use high-fat, cold buttery puff pastry—either homemade or store-bought for convenience. The flaky pastry’s layered structure is what gives this treat its signature crispiness. Fresh, ripe strawberries crushed into a sweet compote provide vibrant flavor, but if strawberries are out of season, frozen berries are a fine substitute. The cream cheese should be softened until smooth, ensuring easy spreading and a creamy filling that won’t tear the dough.
Sweeteners like honey or vanilla extract can enhance the filling, while a sprinkle of lemon zest can bring a bright, aromatic note. For a more indulgent touch, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling a glaze after baking.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Equipping yourself with the right tools simplifies the baking process. Check out this Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer for perfectly baked pastries with a golden finish and even heat distribution. A high-quality T-fal 14-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set makes handling delicate layers and spreading fillings easy, without sticking. And for mixing your cream cheese filling smoothly, a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer can be a game-changer, giving you consistent, fluffy cream cheese every time.
5. How to Make Flaky Strawberry Danish Cream Cheese Pastry
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by slicing or mashing ripe strawberries, then cook them gently in a small saucepan with a tablespoon of sugar until they form a thick, jammy consistency. This deepens their flavor and prevents excess moisture from sogging the pastry. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a touch of sugar and vanilla until smooth. The creamy, tangy filling should be fluffy and spreadable. This contrast elevates the sweet, fruity layer and adds richness.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastry
If using frozen puff pastry, thaw it slightly, then roll it out gently on a floured surface. Cut into squares, about 4×4 inches. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese in the center, then spoon the cooled strawberry compote on top. Fold the edges slightly inward for a rustic look—don’t seal it completely, as the filling should peek through and burst with flavor as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the assembled pastries onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the edges with an egg wash for extra shine and golden color. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until puffed, flaky, and beautifully golden. The aroma of butter and strawberries filling your kitchen is simply heavenly!
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Keep your puff pastry cold until baking to maximize flakiness.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks and sogginess.
- Use an egg wash on the pastry edges for that shiny, crisp finish.
- Place your pastries on a hot baking sheet to ensure maximum puffing.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If strawberries aren’t available, blueberries or raspberries make excellent alternatives. For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese for coconut cream or almond-based spreads. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the strawberry compote for a warm, spiced twist. For an extra decadent pastry, drizzle with a light vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar after baking.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Freshness is at its peak within the first 24 hours, so enjoy it while still warm and aromatic!
9. FAQ
Can I prepare the strawberry filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the strawberry compote up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more.
Is store-bought puff pastry suitable for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly. Look for cold, high-quality brands to ensure a crisp, flaky crust without any sogginess.
Can I freeze the assembled pastries?
Yes, unbaked pastries can be frozen for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and thaw in the fridge before baking.
What other toppings go well with this pastry?
Fresh whipped cream, vanilla glaze, or a drizzle of honey add extra layers of indulgence. Consider adding chopped nuts for crunch, too.
10. Conclusion
This Strawberry Danish pastry combines flaky layers, sweet strawberry filling, and cream cheese goodness for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. With a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create bakery-quality pastry right at home. Whether for a weekend breakfast or an elegant brunch spread, this pastry is sure to impress and satisfy every time.
Print
Flaky Strawberry Danish Cream Cheese Pastry
A delightful pastry combining flaky layers, creamy cheese, and fresh strawberries, baked to perfection for a luscious brunch treat.
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Arrange sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
- Fold edges inward or roll up to form a spiral shape.
- Brush the outer edge with beaten egg for a golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Optional: Warm apricot jam and brush over the top for a shiny finish.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Allow the pastry to cool slightly before serving.
- Can be made ahead and lightly reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
