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Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Delight

strawberry cream cheese danish - featured image

A quick and easy homemade flaky pastry filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and strawberry jam, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package puff pastry sheets (usually 2 sheets), thawed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 small lemon
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting or glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon milk or cream (optional, for thinning glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Unfold the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and gently roll out to smooth creases. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
  4. Place about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling in the center of each square, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam.
  5. Fold each corner of the pastry square toward the center, pinching slightly to seal but leaving some filling visible.
  6. Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
  7. Place the danishes on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream. Let glaze set before serving.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold for easier handling. Don’t overfill to avoid leaks. Use a light hand with egg wash to prevent sticky spots. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Messy cream cheese oozing adds character.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry danish, cream cheese danish, puff pastry dessert, breakfast pastry, easy brunch recipe, flaky pastry, homemade danish