Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes

$- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced into small pieces - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice These ingredients come together to create a sweet and creamy filling. The puff pastry provides a flaky texture. Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor. - A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth - A touch of lemon zest for extra brightness - Almond extract for a nutty hint - Other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variety Feel free to mix and match these options. They can change the taste and look of your danishes. - Baking sheet lined with parchment paper - Rolling pin for the pastry - Mixing bowls for the filling - Hand mixer or sturdy spatula for mixing - Wire rack for cooling These tools help you create the perfect danishes. They make the process easier and more fun. Enjoy the creative journey! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting a nice, even bake. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps the danishes not stick to the sheet. Next, take your puff pastry out and let it thaw if it's frozen. Once thawed, sprinkle a little flour on your counter. Roll out the pastry gently with a rolling pin. You want it to be a bit larger but not too thin. Cut the pastry into rectangles about 4 inches by 5 inches. You should make about 8 rectangles in total. In a medium bowl, place your softened cream cheese. Beat it with a hand mixer or a spatula until it’s smooth. Next, add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is creamy and well blended. Then, fold in 1 cup of diced strawberries and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice gently. Make sure the strawberries are mixed in without mashing them. Now it’s time to put it all together! Take a rectangle of puff pastry and place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese-strawberry filling in the center. If you want a nice shape, fold the corners of the rectangle towards the middle and pinch them to seal. For a rustic look, you can leave the center open. Before baking, brush the edges of the pastries with a beaten egg. This helps them get a shiny, golden finish. Place the danishes on your baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Once baked, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack. If you like, sprinkle them with more powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy the delightful taste! To get a great puff in your pastries, keep your puff pastry cold. Cold pastry puffs up better. When you roll it out, work quickly. Avoid letting the dough get too warm. If it starts to soften, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Also, brush the edges with egg wash. This helps create a nice golden color. Soggy bottoms are a common problem. To prevent this, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This allows heat to circulate and keeps the bottom crisp. Before adding the filling, bake the pastry rectangles for about 5 minutes. This quick pre-bake helps set the bottom. Make sure to not overfill your danishes. If they are too full, the filling can leak out and make the base soggy. These danishes are best served warm. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely breakfast. You might also serve them with fresh fruit like berries or mint leaves for added color. For a twist, try a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This adds richness and looks beautiful on the plate. Enjoy these treats at brunch or as a dessert! Pro Tips Keep Your Pastry Cold: For the flakiest danishes, ensure your puff pastry remains cold while working with it. If it starts to warm up, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Experiment with Filling: Feel free to substitute or add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor twist. You can also add a touch of almond extract for extra depth. Egg Wash Alternatives: If you prefer a vegan option, use a mixture of non-dairy milk and maple syrup instead of the egg wash for a golden finish. Storage Tips: Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for best results. {{image_4}} You can swap strawberries for other fruits. Raspberries add a tart flavor. Blueberries provide a sweet burst. Apples give a crunchy texture. Just chop the fruit small, like strawberries. Mix with cream cheese for a tasty filling. Mini danishes are fun and perfect for parties. Cut your puff pastry into smaller squares. Use a 3-inch by 3-inch size. Fill each square with the cream cheese mix. Fold the corners towards the center. Bake as usual, but check for doneness sooner. They make great bite-sized treats! If you want less sweetness, cut back on the sugar. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance flavors. For a fun twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This will give your danishes a new taste. Lemon zest can add freshness, too! To keep your danishes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain their taste and texture. You can freeze these danishes if you want to enjoy them later. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each danish in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you want one, just take it out and let it thaw. To reheat, place the danishes on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps the pastry flaky and delicious. You can also use a microwave, but it may make them soft. Enjoy your tasty treats warm! Yes, you can use store-bought cream cheese. It saves time and still tastes great. Just make sure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This will help you achieve a smooth and creamy filling. If you don't have fresh strawberries, try using other fruits. Raspberries, blueberries, or even diced peaches work well. You can also use frozen fruit, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid. This keeps your filling from getting too watery. These danishes stay fresh for about two days at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just reheat them in the oven for the best taste. We covered everything needed to make delicious strawberry cream cheese danishes. We looked at the right ingredients, tools, and steps to ensure you bake with confidence. Remember, the secret lies in the puff pastry and cream cheese filling. Experiment with other fruits or customize the sweetness to match your taste. Store leftovers properly, so they stay fresh. Enjoy your tasty treats, and don’t forget to share them with friends. Happy baking!$

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes

Delicious danishes filled with a creamy strawberry and cream cheese mixture, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced into small pieces
1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to slightly increase their size. Cut each sheet into rectangles measuring approximately 4 inches by 5 inches. You should yield about 8 rectangles in total.
In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and velvety.
Gently fold in the diced strawberries and lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring that the berries are evenly distributed without overly mashing them.
Position a generous spoonful of the cream cheese-strawberry filling in the center of each puff pastry rectangle.
To create the danishes, fold the corners of each rectangle towards the center, pinching them lightly to create a seal. Alternatively, if you prefer a more rustic appearance, leave the centers open.
Brush the exposed edges of the pastries with the beaten egg to encourage a beautiful golden finish while baking.
Place the prepared pastries in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle them with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a touch of elegance.

Notes

Serve the danishes on a decorative platter, perhaps garnished with whole strawberries or fresh mint leaves for a delightful visual appeal.

Keyword cream cheese, danishes, pastry, strawberry