Strawberry Danish

There’s something magical about walking into a bakery and seeing rows of glossy fruit danishes behind glass, each one promising a sweet and flaky bite. I remember the first time I tried to recreate that bakery magic at home—I was nervous, convinced I’d mess up the puff pastry or overdo the filling. But to my surprise, the recipe turned out not only delicious but also surprisingly easy.

This Strawberry Danish easy sheet pan dessert quickly became my go-to for impressing guests, celebrating weekend mornings, or just treating myself. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills. Whether you’re new to baking or just short on time, this lemony, creamy, berry-filled delight is your new favorite treat.

With its flaky crust, sweet-tart strawberries, and creamy vanilla center, this Strawberry Danish recipe is a perfect example of quick and healthy meals that feel indulgent without the fuss.

Why This Recipe is Special

What makes this Strawberry Danish recipe stand out is its simplicity. You’re working with store-bought puff pastry, fresh strawberries, and a few pantry staples. The combination is elegant and satisfying, yet incredibly forgiving for beginners.

The strawberry danish also doubles as both a breakfast and dessert, making it one of the most versatile baked goods you can whip up. It’s a no-fail crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours making it—even though the prep takes under 20 minutes.

Ingredients and Preparation

Let’s walk through the key components of this Strawberry Danish and what role each plays:

Puff Pastry Sheets: These form the flaky, golden base of your danish. Store-bought versions save time and effort. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in gluten-free puff pastry.

Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.

Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese and also forms the base for a simple glaze. It dissolves quickly and keeps the filling smooth.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the cream cheese and the glaze with a warm, aromatic undertone.

Strawberries: The star of the show. Fresh berries are preferred for their vibrant color and texture, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry mixture and prevents the danish from becoming soggy. Can be replaced with flour or arrowroot powder.

Granulated Sugar: Used with the strawberries to boost their natural sweetness and assist in caramelizing slightly during baking.

Egg: A quick egg wash over the pastry before baking gives it that classic bakery shine. Optional but recommended.

Strawberry Jam (Optional): Brushed on after baking for added color and a glossy finish. Especially useful if your berries lose their brightness in the oven.

Milk and More Powdered Sugar (Optional): Used for a simple glaze that can be drizzled over the top for an extra-sweet touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

• No cream cheese? Try mascarpone or even a thick Greek yogurt.
• No fresh strawberries? Go with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Just make sure they’re dry.
• No puff pastry? Crescent roll dough works in a pinch, though it won’t be quite as flaky.
• No egg for brushing? Use a bit of milk or melted butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Let the puff pastry thaw at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2
In a bowl, combine cleaned and sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Let this sit for 15 minutes to macerate—the juices will thicken slightly, helping them bake beautifully.

Step 3
In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Taste it to adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 4
Unfold one puff pastry sheet and cut it along the fold lines. Then cut each strip in half to create six rectangles. Lightly score a smaller rectangle inside each piece, creating a border about ¼ inch from the edge.

Step 5
Spread about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling within the inner rectangle of each piece. Layer sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese.

Step 6
Brush the outer edges of the puff pastry with beaten egg to help them brown beautifully in the oven. Optional: Sprinkle a little sugar over the top for added crunch.

Step 7
If the pastry has become warm or soft, pop the trays into the fridge for 15–20 minutes before baking. This helps ensure a better rise and flakier texture.

Step 8
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the danishes are golden brown and puffed. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9
Once cooled, brush the strawberries with a bit of warmed strawberry jam or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Don’t overfill: Too much cream cheese or fruit can lead to soggy or collapsed pastries.
• Pat strawberries dry: This helps prevent sogginess and keeps the filling thick.
• Chill before baking: Cold puff pastry puffs better. If yours feels sticky, don’t skip the fridge time.
• Use a cookie scoop: A small scoop makes it easy to portion the cream cheese evenly.
• Forgot to thaw your pastry? Microwave on low for 10-second bursts, but be careful—it can become gummy if overdone.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Strawberry Danish with a side of Greek yogurt for breakfast or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For an elegant brunch, serve with mimosas and a spring salad.

Storage Tips
Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To crisp them up again, warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. While freezing is not ideal due to the cream cheese and strawberries, you can freeze them in a pinch—just flash freeze first, then store in an airtight bag for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy sheet pan dessert that looks bakery-made but takes less than an hour to pull off from start to finish. Whether you’re making this Strawberry Danish sweet cousin for a family brunch or just indulging in some self-care baking, this strawberry danish checks all the boxes for quick and healthy meals that feel luxurious.

If you give this a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add a twist? Try a different fruit? Drop a comment below and share your delicious creations. Let’s bake something beautiful together.

FAQ About Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese

More Relevant Recipes

• Strawberry Bread
• Strawberry Earthquake Cake
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

Print