Description
This Flaky Puff Pastry Strawberry Danish recipe combines creamy sweetened cream cheese and luscious strawberry jam, enveloped in golden, buttery puff pastry. Perfectly crisp and tender, these delightful pastries are easy to make and ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed; we used Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Frozen Pastry Dough Sheets, 2-count, 17.3 oz box)
- ⅔ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 egg (beaten)
Glaze
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside.
- Cut the Puff Pastry: Take each thawed puff pastry sheet and cut into thirds, then cut each third in half, resulting in 12 equal rectangles total. Place the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Using a butterknife, gently score a ¼ to ½ inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through the pastry; this will create a raised edge when baked.
- Assemble the Danishes: Spoon a portion of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Then spoon a small amount of strawberry jam or preserves on top of the cream cheese.
- Egg Wash Application: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the pastries a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Bake the Danishes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze and Finish: While the pastries bake, mix the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Once the danishes are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed to avoid cracks and ensure even puffing.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with any fruit preserves of your choice, such as raspberry or apricot.
- For easier slicing, chill the cream cheese mixture before assembling.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- If you prefer, skip the glaze or replace it with a dusting of powdered sugar.
