Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish

Introduction

Picture this: a warm, flaky pastry with a golden, buttery crust that breaks apart effortlessly to reveal a creamy, luscious cream cheese filling complemented by sweet strawberry preserves. That’s the magic of these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish. Whether you’re craving an elegant breakfast, a quick snack, or a delightful dessert, these danishes are sure to hit the mark. With the perfect blend of creamy richness and fruity sweetness, each bite is a mini indulgence wrapped in a crisp, flaky pastry.

What makes these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish even more irresistible is how easy they are to make. With just a handful of ingredients, including store-bought puff pastry, you can recreate that bakery-quality treat right in your own kitchen. They’re so simple to prepare, yet they look and taste like something you’d pick up at your favorite café.

Ready to fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish? Let’s dive into this quick and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish. Let me tell you why:

• Quick and Simple: Using store-bought puff pastry cuts down on time and effort while still delivering incredible results.
• Customizable: You can switch up the fruit preserves or even add fresh fruit for a personalized touch.
• Impressive and Elegant: Perfect for brunch, holidays, or when you want to impress your guests with minimal fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will swoon over these irresistible pastries.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Breakfast, dessert, or just because—these danishes fit every mood!

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 8 pastries
• Calories per pastry: Approximately 270 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Fat: 17g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danishes:

For the Pastry:

• 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Ingredient Highlights

• Puff Pastry: The secret to that bakery-style flaky texture.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Strawberry Preserves: A burst of fruity goodness that complements the rich filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to bring these delightful Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish to life:

Prepare the Pastry

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll and Cut: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into four equal squares. You’ll have a total of 8 squares.

Make the Filling

3. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Danishes

4. Shape the Pastry: Take each square and fold the edges slightly inward to create a shallow well in the center.
5. Add Filling: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square.
6. Top with Preserves: Add a dollop of strawberry preserves on top of the cream cheese filling.

Bake

7. Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
8. Bake: Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Cool and Serve

9. Cool: Allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a touch of elegance, dust the cooled danishes with powdered sugar.

How to Serve

Make the most of these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish by serving them in fun and creative ways:

1. Brunch Platter: Add to a breakfast spread alongside fresh fruit and coffee.
2. On-the-Go Snack: Wrap in parchment paper for an easy treat on busy mornings.
3. Dessert Plate: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4. Hostess Gift: Wrap in a box with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips

To ensure your danishes turn out bakery-worthy every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Allow it to thaw in the fridge to prevent it from becoming too soft.
2. Don’t Overfill: Stick to the recommended filling amount to avoid spills during baking.
3. Keep Pastry Cold: Work quickly to prevent the puff pastry from becoming too warm and sticky.
4. Refrigerate Before Baking: For extra flakiness, chill assembled danishes for 10 minutes before baking.
5. Experiment with Flavors: Try other fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry.

Recipe Variations

Make these danishes your own by trying some of these fun variations:

• Fresh Fruit: Replace the preserves with slices of fresh strawberries or mixed berries.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the edges with cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor.
• Savory Option: Swap the cream cheese filling for herbed cheese and top with roasted vegetables.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pastries.

Freezing and Storage

Keep your Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish fresh with these storage tips:

1. Storage: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Refrigeration: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to a week.
3. Freezing: Freeze baked danishes in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
4. Can I freeze the assembled witch hat cupcakes? It’s best to freeze the cupcakes before they are decorated with the witch hats. The candy corn and cookie hats might not freeze well as they could become soggy or lose their shape. You can freeze the cupcakes themselves (unfrosted) and then frost and decorate them after thawing.
5. How do I freeze the cupcakes without ruining the decorations? To freeze cupcakes with their decorations, you should freeze them unassembled. Store the baked, unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container, or individually wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Once thawed, you can frost and add the cookie hats.
6. Can I freeze just the cupcake batter? Yes! If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the cupcake batter before baking. Simply pour the batter into cupcake liners in a muffin tin, freeze them until solid, then transfer the frozen batter-filled liners to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them directly from the freezer into the oven (just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time).
7. How long can I store these cupcakes at room temperature? When stored in an airtight container, these cupcakes can be kept at room temperature for 2–3 days. This keeps them fresh without losing flavor or texture. Just make sure the frosting is completely set before storing to avoid smudging.

Special Equipment

To make these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish, you’ll need just a few basic tools:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush

FAQ Section

Got questions? I’ve got answers for Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish!

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the filling and thaw the pastry a day ahead. Assemble and bake when ready.
• Can I use homemade pastry? Absolutely! If you have time, homemade puff pastry will elevate this dish even more.
• What if I don’t have strawberry preserves? Any fruit jam or even fresh fruit will work beautifully.
• How do I keep the pastry crisp? Store in a dry, airtight container and avoid refrigeration unless necessary.
• Can I use a different type of frosting for these cupcakes? Absolutely! You can use any frosting flavor you like. Cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even peanut butter frosting would be delicious alternatives to the chocolate fudge frosting. Feel free to get creative!
• How can I make these cupcakes more Halloween-themed? If you’re looking to amp up the spooky factor, consider using different Halloween-themed candies for the hats. For instance, you could use small gummy worms, candy spiders, or even mini chocolate pumpkins instead of candy corn. You could also add edible glitter or sprinkles to give them an extra sparkle.
• Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can absolutely bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost and assemble the witch hats on the day of your event to keep the cookies crispy and fresh.
• What if I don’t have a piping bag to frost the cupcakes? No worries! You can use a butter knife or an offset spatula to spread the frosting on the cupcakes. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can even use a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off to pipe the frosting.

Print

Conclusion

These Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a delicate, flaky pastry filled with a rich cream cheese mixture and topped with juicy strawberries. They’re the kind of treat that feels fancy but is easy to make, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a special celebration.

The buttery, golden-brown puff pastry, paired with the creamy cheese filling and fresh, vibrant strawberries, creates a mouthwatering combination that’s impossible to resist. These Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish are incredibly versatile—you can swap the strawberries for your favorite fruit or add a drizzle of icing for an extra touch of sweetness.

Whether you’re making them to impress guests or simply treating yourself, these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Danish are sure to add a little joy to your day. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a bite of something truly special.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!