Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery pastry with smooth, tangy cream cheese and sweet, fresh strawberries. The layers of crisp dough and the creamy filling make each bite feel special and satisfying without being too heavy.
I love making these danishes because they’re so simple to put together, but they look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. One tip I’ve learned is to use fresh strawberries that are ripe and juicy—they add a bright pop of flavor that balances perfectly with the richness of the cream cheese. Plus, a little sprinkle of sugar on top gives them just the right amount of crunch.
These danishes are perfect for weekend breakfasts or brunch with friends. I often serve them warm, right out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea. Sometimes, I’ll even add a drizzle of icing or a dusting of powdered sugar to make them extra pretty. They’re definitely a crowd-pleaser and bring a little bit of sweetness to any morning!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Puff Pastry
- This is the base of your danish, giving that flaky, buttery texture. Frozen puff pastry works great for an easy shortcut. If you don't have puff pastry, you can try croissant dough for a softer texture.
- Cream Cheese
- Softened cream cheese adds a rich, tangy creaminess. For a lighter option, try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese instead.
- Strawberries
- Fresh and ripe strawberries give a juicy, sweet-tart burst. If strawberries aren't available, blueberries or raspberries make tasty alternatives.
- Egg Wash
- Beaten egg brushed on the pastry edges helps achieve a golden and shiny finish. For a vegan option, try brushing with plant-based milk mixed with a little maple syrup.
- Glaze
- Powdered sugar mixed with milk or lemon juice adds a sweet, glossy drizzle. You can swap milk for almond or oat milk, and lemon juice adds a nice tang if you like.
How Do I Get Perfectly Flaky and Golden Puff Pastry?
The puff pastry quality makes all the difference. Here’s how to bake perfect flaky danishes:
- Keep it cold: Work quickly once thawed and avoid warming the dough too much. Cold dough puffs better.
- Don’t overload: Spread cream cheese and strawberries evenly but keep fillings to the center. Overfilling may cause soggy edges.
- Egg wash magic: Brush the pastry edges gently with egg wash for a shiny, golden look.
- Oven time: Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and puffed, usually 15-20 minutes. Watch closely — pastry can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Rest before glaze: Let the danish cool slightly before drizzling glaze to avoid it melting off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – provides a flat surface for even baking of the danishes.
- Parchment paper – keeps danishes from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla smoothly.
- Rolling pin – helps to roll out the puff pastry evenly (optional if pre-rolled).
- Pastry brush – perfect for applying the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Whisk or fork – useful for beating the egg and mixing the glaze ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different berry twist that still pairs well with cream cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm spice note.
- Mix in some lemon zest with the cream cheese to brighten the flavor with citrus freshness.
- Top with slivered almonds or chopped pistachios before baking for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry and Filling:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk or lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the danishes, plus 15-20 minutes baking time. After baking, allow 5 minutes to cool a bit before glazing. Altogether, it takes roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pastry:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry into a 12×12 inch square. Cut this square into four equal squares. This will be the base for each danish.
2. Mixing the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir or beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth, with no lumps.
3. Assembling the Danishes:
Spread about 2 tablespoons of your cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, leaving a small border of about half an inch around the edges. Arrange the thin slices of strawberries on top of the cream cheese, overlapping them slightly in a pretty circular pattern.
4. Baking:
You can gently fold the edges of each pastry square inward if you like or leave them as they are. Brush the edges with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden color as they bake. Place the danishes on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
5. Making and Adding the Glaze:
While the danishes bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and your choice of milk or lemon juice to make a smooth glaze. When the danishes come out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes so the glaze sets nicely. Then drizzle the glaze over the top.
6. Serving and Enjoying:
Serve these warm or at room temperature as a sweet treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave something fruity and flaky. Enjoy your homemade strawberry cream cheese danishes!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe because they hold their shape and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the pastry soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Danishes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to keep the pastry flaky.
Can I Make These Danishes Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the danishes and assemble them, then refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
What Can I Use Instead of Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can try using crescent roll dough or a homemade pastry dough, but the texture will be less flaky and buttery.