Strawberry Danish Recipe

If there’s ever been a pastry that truly feels like a celebration of summer, the Strawberry Danish Recipe is it. This glorious treat features flaky, buttery layers wrapped around luscious cream cheese, sweet homemade jam, and bursts of fresh strawberries. Each bite balances creamy, fruity, and crisp textures in perfect harmony. Whether you’re an enthusiastic brunch host or just want to brighten up your weekend baking, this Strawberry Danish Recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple as they may seem, every ingredient in this Strawberry Danish Recipe plays its part in creating a pastry that’s vibrant and utterly irresistible. From tangy lemon zest to velvety cream cheese, these components are the building blocks of a classic that never fails to impress.

• Homemade Danish pastry: The buttery, flaky foundation that sets this recipe apart from ordinary pastries!
• Full-fat cream cheese (125 g): This creamy base makes the filling rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying.
• Granulated white sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough sweetness to balance the tart fruit and zesty cream cheese.
• Milk (2 teaspoons): Lightens the cream cheese mixture, making it silky and easy to spread.
• Zest of half a small lemon: Lifts all the flavors with a hint of brightness and complexity.
• Good quality strawberry jam (1/4 cup): Infuses concentrated berry flavor and gives a beautiful glossy finish.
• Fresh strawberries (12 small): When diced and scattered, they add pops of juiciness and color—incredible when in season!
• Egg yolk mixed with water: For that tantalizing golden sheen on each baked Danish.
• Demerara (turbinado) sugar (1 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top, it gives an unforgettable crunch and caramelized finish.

How to Make Strawberry Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Danish Pastry

Start by making your homemade Danish pastry the day before you want to bake. Giving it overnight in the fridge allows the dough to relax and the flavors to develop, resulting in those divine, flaky layers. Don’t rush this step—patience pays off!

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Baking Trays

Preheat your oven to 200C (395F), or 180C if using a fan-forced oven. This is a crucial moment: a hot oven ensures that every Strawberry Danish Recipe bakes up golden and crisp. Line two baking trays with parchment so the pastries don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.

Step 3: Shape the Danishes

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough out to just over 30×40 cm (about 12×16 inches). Trim the edges and cut into either 12 large squares (10 cm each) or 20 smaller ones if you prefer mini treats. For picture perfect Danishes, keep those cuts neat. Arrange your pastry squares on the trays.

Step 4: Fold and Dent the Pastry

Dab a bit of water in the center of each square, then gently fold each corner toward the middle and press down to make a little dip. This is where the magic happens—the filling will nestle right in! Let the shaped pastries rest for 10-15 minutes while you make the filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Give your strawberries a good rinse and dry, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, milk, and lemon zest until creamy and smooth. An electric mixer is great, but a sturdy spatula works too—just make sure it’s lump-free and luscious.

Step 6: Assemble the Strawberry Danish Recipe

Spoon about ½ to 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam into the center dent of each pastry, pressing it gently so it stays put. Next, dollop 1 to 2 teaspoons of your cream cheese mixture over the jam and use the back of a spoon to carefully fan it out, covering the jam and preventing it from bubbling over. Top generously with the fresh strawberry pieces for bursts of color and flavor.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle

Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with egg wash. Sprinkle demerara sugar on top for that caramelized crunch that sets these Danishes apart. The extra step is simple but makes a world of difference in both flavor and appearance.

Step 8: Bake!

Bake for 18-22 minutes, depending on the size of your pastries, until gloriously golden and puffed. For even baking, rotate the trays after 10 minutes. The scent that fills your kitchen? Absolutely heavenly. Let them cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Danish Recipe

Garnishes

The Strawberry Danish Recipe shines even brighter with simple garnishes. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy look, or add an extra swirl of lemon zest for elegance and zing. Fresh mint leaves are a lovely touch if you want things café-chic.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Danish with a cold glass of milk or a frothy cappuccino for that European café feel. If you’re serving these at brunch, a fresh fruit salad or bowl of Greek yogurt balances the pastries’ richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the pastries on a vintage cake plate or wooden board for rustic charm. For a twist, you can slice each Danish into fingers and serve with tiny forks—great for buffets or dessert tables. Stack minis in a pyramid for a show-stopping centerpiece that guests won’t stop talking about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Strawberry Danish Recipe (a rare occurrence in my house!), store them in an airtight container once completely cool. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature, though the pastry is always best on the day it’s baked.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pastries cool completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap. Place them all in an airtight bag or container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving for a freshly baked taste.

Reheating

Reheat your Strawberry Danish Recipe in a 160C (320F) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the pastry crisps up again. Avoid the microwave to maintain that signature flakiness!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pastry for Strawberry Danish Recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade Danish pastry offers unbeatable flavor and texture, quality store-bought puff pastry will save time and still deliver delicious results.

Is it possible to swap the strawberries for another fruit?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even thinly sliced peaches—just make sure fruits aren’t overly juicy to prevent soggy pastry.

Do I need to chill the assembled danishes before baking?

A short chill (10-15 minutes) before baking helps the pastry hold its shape and maximizes flakiness, but if you’re pressed for time, you can bake straight away and they’ll still be delightful.

Can I make the filling in advance?

Yes, both the cream cheese mixture and chopped strawberries can be prepped a day ahead and stored separately in the fridge for quick assembly the next morning.

What if I don’t have demerara sugar?

If you can’t find demerara or turbinado sugar, regular granulated sugar gives a sweet finish too, though you’ll miss out on that signature crunch. Even a pinch of coarse sea salt can add a fun twist!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about baking up a batch of this Strawberry Danish Recipe—the kind of joy that only shares itself when you pass around a plate of warm, fruit-filled pastries. Whether it’s for a family breakfast, a show-off brunch, or just a treat-yourself moment, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Go on and give it a whirl—your kitchen (and your loved ones) will thank you!

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