Ingredients
For the Danish pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the optional cream cheese filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine diced strawberries, strawberry jam, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat.
- Stir and cook until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Cut & Shape the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface.
- Cut it into 4-6 equal squares (depending on the size you want).
- To create a classic Danish shape, fold the edges inward, creating a small well in the center for the filling.
4. Fill the Pastries
- If using cream cheese filling, spread a small spoonful in the center of each square.
- Add a spoonful of the strawberry mixture on top.
5. Brush with Egg Wash & Bake
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden brown finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden, puffy, and crisp.
6. Drizzle with Glaze & Serve
- While the pastries cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
- Drizzle over the warm pastries for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Danish
🔥 Use cold puff pastry – Keeping it cold before baking ensures the flakiest layers.
🍓 Fresh strawberries = best flavor – While jam enhances sweetness, fresh fruit brings a natural tartness that balances the flavors.
🧀 Cream cheese adds richness – If you love a creamier Danish, the cheese filling adds a velvety texture.
🌡 Don’t overfill – Too much filling can cause leakage, so keep it neatly in the center.
❄️ Chill before baking – Letting the assembled pastries rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking makes them hold their shape better.
🍯 Try different toppings – Swap the glaze for honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
With these simple tips, your homemade Danish pastries will be just as good—if not better—than bakery ones!