Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish (Printable Version)
Golden pastries layered with sweet cream cheese and fresh strawberries, ideal for a delightful brunch.
# What You Need:
→ Pastry Components
01 - 1 sheet (approximately 17.5 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
02 - 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
→ Cream Cheese Filling
03 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Strawberry Filling
06 - 4 tablespoons strawberry preserves or jam
07 - 6 fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced (about 3.5 oz)
→ Vanilla Glaze
08 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (approximately 2 oz)
09 - 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
10 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - On a lightly floured work surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 16 heart shapes. Arrange 8 whole hearts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
03 - Using a 2-inch heart-shaped cutter, cut the center from the remaining 8 hearts to create frames. Set aside.
04 - Lightly brush the edges of the whole hearts on the baking sheet with egg wash. Carefully place the heart frames on top, pressing gently to seal the layers together.
05 - In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a fork or handheld mixer until completely smooth and well blended.
06 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center cavity of each heart. Top with 1/2 tablespoon strawberry preserves and arrange 2-3 thin strawberry slices over the preserves.
07 - Brush the exposed pastry edges with remaining egg wash for a golden finish.
08 - Bake for 16-18 minutes until pastries are deeply golden, puffed, and baked through. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before glazing.
09 - While pastries cool, whisk powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add additional milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time if needed to achieve drizzling consistency.
10 - Drizzle glaze over cooled danishes using a spoon or piping bag. Serve immediately while fresh, or store at room temperature for up to 6 hours.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These look like you spent hours at a fancy bakery but come together in under 45 minutes
- The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry is absolute morning perfection
02 -
- Don't let the puff pastry get too warm while working or it becomes sticky and impossible to handle cleanly
- The egg wash isn't optional it's what creates that beautiful golden color people associate with professional pastries
03 -
- If your heart cutters are sticking to the pastry, dip them in flour between cuts
- Brush the baked pastries with warm apricot jam for an extra glossy professional finish