Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 package of puff pastry (thawed); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash); 1 tbsp lemon juice

Highlighted under: Dessert Recipes

I absolutely adore making Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish at home! The flaky pastry, combined with the rich cream cheese and the sweetness of fresh strawberries, creates a breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet simple. Every bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. I find that using store-bought puff pastry saves me time while still delivering that homemade touch. It’s perfect for weekend brunches or a special occasion, and I love seeing the smiles it brings to my friends and family’s faces when I serve them.

Created by

Ninas

Last updated on 2026-02-08T17:42:28.270Z

When I first discovered how easy it is to make a Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, I felt like I had unlocked a hidden skill. The trick lies in using high-quality ingredients and the perfect baking time to achieve that crispy, golden-brown pastry. I once tried a different recipe that had me working with homemade dough, which turned out to be a disaster. Trust me, using store-bought puff pastry is the way to go!

Another important tip I’ve learned is to let the cream cheese mixture sit at room temperature before spreading it on the dough. It becomes creamy and easy to work with, which makes a world of difference in the overall texture of the danish. Adding a touch of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture elevates the flavor and makes it irresistibly delicious.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Flaky pastry that crumbles perfectly with each bite
Creamy cream cheese filling balanced with tart strawberry sweetness
Versatile—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

      

Choosing the Right Pastry

The choice of puff pastry is vital to achieving that light, flaky texture we all crave in a Danish. I recommend using high-quality store-bought puff pastry rather than making your own, as it saves time and guarantees consistent results. Look for a brand with good reviews that uses real butter, as this will enhance the flavor and pastry layers during baking.

Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. If you’re in a hurry, leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Just be careful not to let it become too warm or sticky, which can make rolling and cutting challenging. Keep a bit of flour handy for dusting your work surface to avoid sticking.

Perfecting the Cream Cheese Filling

To achieve the best cream cheese filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This allows for a smoother blend with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, which keeps it from becoming lumpy. Mixing until the mixture is completely smooth enhances texture and ensures an even distribution of sweetness and flavor throughout each bite.

For a twist, consider adding a pinch of lemon zest to the filling. This small addition will brighten the flavor profile and beautifully complement the sweetness of the strawberries. Alternatively, you could substitute half of the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer, more decadent filling.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful danishes:

Danish Ingredients

1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
1 tbsp lemon juice

Make sure to have everything ready before you start assembling your danishes!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut it into rectangles (about 5x4 inches).

Assemble the Danish

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle. Top with sliced strawberries. Fold the edges of the pastry slightly, pinching to seal.

Apply Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the mixture over the assembled danishes to give them a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Enjoy these delightful danishes fresh out of the oven!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate or icing over the cooled danishes for added sweetness.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes can be made ahead of time for easy breakfast or brunch prep. You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a quick stir before using it to ensure it’s smooth and spreadable.

If you want to assemble the danishes in advance, do so without baking. Place the assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge and brush with the egg wash before baking them directly from the cold to maintain flakiness.

Serving Suggestions

These danishes are delightful on their own but can elevate your brunch when paired with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. You could also serve them alongside whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt for added richness, creating a delightful contrast to the fruity filling.

For a more refreshing touch, consider serving them with a side of mixed berries or a fruit salad. This not only complements the strawberry flavor but also adds a bright, colorful presentation to your table, making your brunch spread even more inviting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the danish.

→ How can I store leftover danishes?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

→ Can I make these danishes in advance?

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and slice the strawberries a day in advance, but we recommend baking them just before serving for the best freshness.

→ What other fruits can I use?

You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.