Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries

Makes: 6 Danish pastries | Prep Time: 25 minutes | Bake Time: 18–22 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pastries

• 1 sheet (14 oz / 400 g) all-butter puff pastry, thawed

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)

• Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Topping

• 1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced

• ¼ cup strawberry jam

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp water

For the Vanilla Glaze

• ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp whole milk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

• Fresh strawberry slices

• Powdered sugar (optional)

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat together:

   • Cream cheese

   • Granulated sugar

   • Egg yolk

   • Vanilla extract

   • Lemon juice

   • Lemon zest

   • Salt

2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Refrigerate while preparing the pastry.

Step 2 – Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, combine:

   • Strawberry jam

   • Lemon juice

2. Heat over low heat until smooth.

3. Mix the cornstarch with water and stir into the jam.

4. Simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.

5. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3 – Shape the Danish Pastries

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Cut the puff pastry into 6 equal squares.

4. Twist or fold the corners of each square toward the center to create a pinwheel or flower shape.

5. Press the center gently with the back of a spoon to create a shallow well.

Step 4 – Fill the Pastries

1. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry.

2. Top with a spoonful of the strawberry topping.

3. Arrange several fresh strawberry slices over the jam.

4. Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg.

Step 5 – Bake

1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until:

   • The pastry is puffed and deeply golden.

   • The filling is set.

2. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes.

Step 6 – Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

1. Whisk together:

   • Powdered sugar

   • Milk

   • Vanilla extract

2. Mix until smooth and pourable.

Step 7 – Finish

1. Drizzle the vanilla glaze lightly over the warm Danish pastries.

2. Garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices if desired.

3. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Chef's Tips

• Use all-butter puff pastry for the flakiest, bakery-style layers.

• Keep the pastry cold until ready to bake to ensure maximum rise.

• Pat the strawberries dry before adding them to prevent excess moisture.

• Brush the baked pastries with a thin layer of warm apricot jam for an attractive glossy finish.

• These pastries are best enjoyed the day they are baked while the pastry is crisp and flaky.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Danish)

• Calories: ~410 kcal

• Protein: 6 g

• Fat: 25 g

• Carbohydrates: 41 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 20 g

• Sodium: 220 mg

Serving Suggestion

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries feature buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with silky vanilla cream cheese and topped with sweet strawberry preserves and fresh strawberries. Finished with a delicate vanilla glaze, they make a perfect breakfast pastry, brunch centerpiece, or afternoon treat. Serve warm with freshly brewed coffee, cappuccino, Earl Grey tea, or a chilled glass of fresh orange juice for an authentic bakery-style experience.