Strawberry Danishes with Cream Cheese (Printer-friendly)
Buttery puff pastry filled with sweetened cream cheese and fresh strawberries, baked until golden and finished with optional vanilla glaze.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pastry Base
01 - 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8 oz), thawed
→ Cream Cheese Filling
02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - 1 tsp lemon zest
→ Strawberry Topping
06 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
07 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
08 - 1 tsp lemon juice
→ Egg Wash
09 - 1 egg
10 - 1 tbsp milk
→ Optional Glaze
11 - ½ cup powdered sugar
12 - 1–2 tsp milk
13 - ¼ tsp vanilla extract
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in bowl. Mix until completely smooth and creamy.
03 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in separate bowl. Set aside to macerate.
04 - Roll puff pastry on lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 equal squares. Score smaller square inside each piece, being careful not to cut through completely.
05 - Place squares on prepared baking sheet. Spoon 1 tablespoon cream cheese filling into center of each square, spreading within scored area. Top with strawberry slices.
06 - Whisk egg and milk together in small bowl. Brush pastry edges lightly with mixture.
07 - Bake 18–20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
08 - Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over slightly cooled danishes if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The puff pastry does all the heavy lifting while you take all the credit
- That moment when the cream cheese and strawberries merge into something magical
02 -
- Overfilling these will cause the filling to spill over and create a mess in your oven
- The scored border creates that beautiful raised edge that makes them look professionally made
03 -
- Chill your baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembling to help the puff pastry keep its shape
- Brush the baked pastries with warm apricot jam for that professional bakery shine