Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups sliced strawberries; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sugar; 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature; ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed; 1 large egg (lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water); 2 - 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional; ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping; 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 - 3 tablespoons (30 - 45 ml) milk

I absolutely love sharing this delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe because it combines simple ingredients into a truly irresistible treat. The flaky, buttery puff pastry paired with creamy, tangy cream cheese and fresh, sweet strawberries always brings a smile to my face. It’s my go-to recipe when I want to impress friends or enjoy a special breakfast that feels like a little celebration. Every bite is light, fruity, and luscious, making it one of my favorite ways to enjoy strawberries all year long.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe

What I adore most about this Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe is its perfect balance of flavors. The rich cream cheese filling blends seamlessly with the fresh strawberries’ natural sweetness, all wrapped in buttery, crispy puff pastry that melts in your mouth. It’s not overly sweet but wonderfully decadent, offering a fresh and satisfying taste experience every single time I make it.

Another thing that wins me over is how easy it is to prepare. Even if you’re new to baking, assembling these danishes feels like a fun, rewarding craft project rather than a chore. Puff pastry is forgiving and lends itself to quick assembly, and the cream cheese mixture comes together in minutes. I especially appreciate that I can whip this up with pantry staples and fresh fruit for an elegant dessert or breakfast without stress.

I love pulling these out for brunches, weekend breakfasts, or casual gatherings with friends. They’re a standout on any pastry tray and make every occasion feel special. Plus, since they’re individually sized, they’re perfect for serving a crowd or packing for a delightful on-the-go treat. Honestly, once you try this Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe, it soon becomes a family favorite worth making over and over.

Ingredients You'll Need

A rectangular piece of dough with a light beige color and soft texture lies on a white rectangular plate at the top center of the image. Below it, there are seven small glass bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The left side has a bowl filled with white cubed butter pieces, next to it a small bowl of granulated white sugar, and below that a small bowl containing bright yellow lemon zest. In the center, there is a bowl of dark red strawberry jam with a shiny texture, and beneath it, a bowl with a single bright yellow egg yolk. To the right, a bowl is filled with whole fresh strawberries, displaying their red color and green leaves, and next to it, a small bowl of light brown sugar. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but essential to achieve the ideal balance of taste, texture, and stunning color. Each component contributes something special—fresh strawberries for brightness, cream cheese for creamy richness, and puff pastry for that flaky, buttery foundation.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Sliced strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide juicy sweetness and vibrant color that brings these danishes to life.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the strawberry filling and keep it from getting too watery as it bakes.
Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tartness of the strawberries.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a luscious, creamy filling that balances the fruit perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese mixture and provides a lovely glaze if used as a topping.
Vanilla extract: Adds cozy warmth and depth to the cream cheese and glaze.
Puff pastry sheets: The star of the show, these flaky sheets bake into golden layers that are crisp yet tender.
Egg wash: A mixture of beaten egg and water that gives the puff pastry its beautiful golden sheen.
Optional toppings: Granulated sugar and strawberry jam add sparkle and extra flavor on top if you want to dress them up.
Milk: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

Directions

Step 1: Start by pulling the puff pastry out of the freezer to thaw at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes. While waiting, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Make sure all the berries are well coated — this helps thicken the juices as they bake. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for 15 minutes; this brings out their natural sweetness beautifully.

Step 3: Meanwhile, soften your cream cheese until smooth and creamy in a separate bowl. Blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until combined. Taste the filling and adjust sweetness if needed—it should be sweet but still tangy.

Step 4: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it along the creases to form six smaller rectangles. Using a small knife, score a ¼-inch border around each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through. This border allows the edges to puff up around the filling.

Step 5: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored border. Top each with a generous layer of the macerated strawberries, arranging them decoratively.

Step 6: Lightly brush the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg wash to promote beautiful golden browning. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar over the whole danish for extra sparkle and crunch.

Step 7: If the puff pastry feels tacky or warm by this point, pop the assembled baking sheets into the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This chill time helps the pastries puff up beautifully in the oven.

Step 8: Bake the danishes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastries are a lovely light golden brown color. The kitchen will start smelling amazing as the strawberries soften and the cream cheese filling sets.

Step 9: Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to reach room temperature. Once cooled, brush each with warm strawberry jam for a glossy finish and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Step 10: For a luscious vanilla glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle generously over the cooled pastries. Serve and enjoy your homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 individual strawberry cream cheese danishes, perfect for serving a crowd or savoring throughout the week. The prep time, including thawing the puff pastry, is about 40 minutes, with roughly 25 minutes of baking time. Including cooling and optional chilling steps, you should expect around 1 hour total from start to finish, making it a great option for weekends or relaxed mornings.

How to Serve This Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe

The image shows a stack of two square pastries, each with three layers visible: a golden-brown flaky puff pastry base with crisp edges, a creamy light yellow custard layer in the middle, and a topping of bright red glazed strawberry slices that look shiny and fresh, placed in the center of each pastry. The pastries sit on a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these danishes warm or at room temperature because the puff pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is perfectly set but still creamy. They pair wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a rich latte for a charming breakfast or brunch. For a more festive occasion, I enjoy adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside each piece, turning them into a dessert-worthy treat.

Presentation-wise, I like to arrange a few danishes on a pretty serving platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for added texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar always adds a touch of elegance. If I’m serving these to guests, placing a small bowl of extra strawberry jam on the side never goes amiss — it boosts the berry flavor and lets everyone customize their danish.

As for beverages, sparkling rosé pairs perfectly in the afternoon or at brunch, while a glass of chilled sparkling water with a lemon twist keeps things fresh and light. These danishes are ideal for celebrations like Mother’s Day, weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or casual get-togethers when you want to delight your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy most about this Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to switch things up, fresh blueberries or raspberries can replace the strawberries for a different berry twist. Sometimes I mix in a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an autumnal vibe.

If you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free puff pastry alternatives. They might behave slightly differently when baking, but the flavor and overall effect remain fantastic. For a vegan adaptation, try dairy-free cream cheese and an egg wash substitute like almond milk mixed with maple syrup to get that golden finish on the pastry.

Flavor-wise, you could incorporate citrus zest like lemon or orange into the cream cheese filling for a citrusy pop. Or, for an easy shortcut, skip fresh fruit and use your favorite fruit preserves inside the danish. Baking them in mini tart pans also works nicely if you want a different shape or a more structured presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to preserve the puff pastry’s flaky texture. If you need to keep them longer, the fridge is a better option, but the pastry may soften slightly. Using a container with some height prevents squishing the delicate layers, which keeps them looking as good as they taste.

Freezing

These danishes freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this recipe any time with minimal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the pastry re-crisps. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the pastry soggy. If using frozen danishes, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. A few minutes under the broiler can revive that golden color if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

You can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing to avoid excess moisture, which can make your puff pastry soggy. Fresh strawberries always give the best texture and flavor, but frozen works in a pinch.

Is it necessary to score the edges of the puff pastry?

Yes, scoring the edges creates a border that allows the center to puff up independently, giving the danish that classic layered appearance and keeping the filling neatly in place.

Can I prepare these danishes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking. Just bring them back to room temperature for 15 minutes before putting them in the oven for even baking.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, try ricotta cheese for a milder flavor or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Just ensure it’s softened and smooth for easy spreading.

How do I make the vanilla glaze thicker or thinner?

Simply adjust the amount of milk to control glaze consistency. Add less milk for a thicker glaze that can hold its shape better, or more milk to achieve a thinner drizzle that flows smoothly over the danishes.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe because it’s one of my absolute favorites to make and share. It brings together the magic of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and fresh fruit in a way that always feels special and comforting. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a breakfast table or surprise someone with a homemade pastry, these danishes deliver every time – and I know you’ll love them as much as I do!