Strawberry Danish

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Strawberry Danish! These delightful pastries are a wonderful blend of flaky puff pastry, creamy cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, these Strawberry Danish are sure to impress. Let’s dive in and learn how to make these tasty morsels!

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Danish

There are so many reasons to love this Strawberry Danish recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of buttery puff pastry, sweet cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries creates a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.

But that’s not all. These Strawberry Danish are also incredibly versatile. You can customize them to suit your preferences, whether you want to add more spices, use different types of berries, or even make them gluten-free. And let’s not forget about the leftovers. These pastries taste even better the next day, making them the perfect meal prep option. Just reheat and enjoy!

Ingredients for Strawberry Danish

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Strawberry Danish:

• frozen puff pastry, thawed
• cream cheese, room temperature
• white granulated sugar
• pure vanilla extract
• (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

For the Lemon Icing:

• powdered sugar, sifted
• lemon
• lemon juice

Variations

One of the best things about this Strawberry Danish recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Danish: Swap out the puff pastry for a gluten-free alternative.
• Spiced Strawberry Danish: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Caramel Strawberry Danish: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of the lemon icing.
• Baked Strawberry Danish: For a healthier option, bake the danishes at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.

How to Make Strawberry Danish

Making Strawberry Danish is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Take the sheet of puff pastry out of the freezer and place it on the counter. Let it sit for 30 minutes to thaw slightly. While the pastry is thawing, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese on high for 1 minute. Add in the sugar and beat again on high for 1 minute. Mix in the vanilla. Cut the strawberries into thin slices and place them in a bowl.
2. Mix the Strawberries: Once the pastry is thawed, mix cornstarch and sugar into the strawberries. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your counter and place the pastry down. Roll it out slightly until the seams are blended together.
3. Cut the Dough: Use a pizza cutter and cut the dough in half. Cut each half into thirds. Place these on a cookie sheet sprayed with baking non-stick spray. Use a sharp knife to score each rectangle with a ¼ inch border.
4. Add the Filling: Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into the middle of each rectangle. Use the back of a spoon to spread it to the edge of the border. Delicately place strawberries on top of the cream cheese. There should be cream cheese poking through on the edges.
5. Egg Wash: Mix the egg and water, then brush the edges with the egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The pastry should be golden brown.
6. Lemon Icing: Mix the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. It should be smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the pastries and serve warm.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Strawberry Danish even better:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries. Avoid frozen strawberries as they can release too much water during baking.
• Monitor the Oven: Keep an eye on the danishes as they bake to ensure they don’t burn. The pastry should be lightly golden brown.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the danishes tough. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
• Drain Well: Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the strawberries before adding them to the danishes.

How to Serve

Strawberry Danish are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few additions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of caramel or vanilla sauce for dipping.
• Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Strawberry Danish are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make them ahead and store them if needed. Here’s how:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Store: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, place the danishes on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can these be made the night before?

Yes! They can. I recommend warming them in the oven slightly before serving12.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

No, frozen strawberries will affect the baking time and they will bleed a lot more and leak more juice. Use fresh1.

Do they need the icing?

You can enjoy these with no icing. The sweet and zesty lemon icing really takes the flavor up a notch. I highly recommend it1!

Can I freeze these Strawberry Danish?

While you can freeze the danishes, the texture of the strawberries after thawing won’t be the same. However, if you want to try, flash freeze completely cooled danishes on a baking sheet for 20 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container to store in the freezer for up to 2 months2.

How can I make these Strawberry Danish spicier?

Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Can I add nuts to these Strawberry Danish?

Of course! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Strawberry Danish. These delightful pastries are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, these Strawberry Danish have you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy baking!

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