Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish offers an irresistible flavor and simple preparation. It’s made with light puff pastry, a creamy filling, and topped with fresh strawberries, making it perfect for brunch or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest, optional, but recommended
- 2 cups (332 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
- Strawberry Jam or Jelly, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each into 6 rectangles, totaling 12 pastries.
- Arrange the pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring 1 inch of space between each.
- Poke holes in the center of each rectangle with a fork, keeping the edges intact to allow for puffing.
- In a bowl, blend cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Mix in lemon zest if desired.
- In another bowl, combine sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, then drain any excess liquid.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry.
- Top the cream cheese with the prepared strawberries, distributing evenly.
- Whisk the egg and water together, then brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- For serving, optionally dust with confectioners' sugar or brush the tops with warmed strawberry jam for extra shine.
Notes
Make sure the puff pastry is well thawed for easier handling.
For a sweeter pastry, adjust the sugar according to your taste.
Store leftover pastries in an airtight container for up to two days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 48mg