Flaky Strawberry Danish
Golden puff pastry filled with creamy vanilla, sweet jam, and fresh strawberries — a bakery‑style treat made at home.
Introduction
There’s something magical about a fruit Danish — buttery layers of pastry, creamy filling, and a burst of fruit all in one bite. This Flaky Strawberry Danish brings bakery‑quality flavor to your own kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps. Using puff pastry as the base makes it approachable for home bakers while still delivering that irresistible flaky texture.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant dessert, these danishes are as pretty as they are delicious.
Ingredients
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Step‑by‑Step Directions
Preheat Oven: Heat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Shape Pastry: Roll puff pastry into a 10×10‑inch square. Cut into 4 equal squares.
Add Filling: Spread 1 tbsp cream cheese mixture in center of each square. Top with 1 tbsp strawberry jam and a few chopped strawberries.
Fold & Seal: Fold two opposite corners toward the center, overlapping slightly. Press to seal.
Egg Wash: Whisk egg with water. Brush pastry tops for golden finish.
Bake: 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Finish: Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Baking Science
Puff pastry relies on layers of butter and dough that expand with steam, creating flakiness.
Cream cheese filling adds richness and balances sweetness.
Egg wash ensures a glossy, golden crust.
Jam + fresh fruit provide both concentrated flavor and juicy freshness.
Tips for Success
Keep puff pastry cold until ready to bake for maximum flakiness.
Don’t overload with filling — too much can cause leaks.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
For bakery‑style shine, brush pastries with apricot glaze after baking.
Variations
Mixed Berry Danish: Use blueberry or raspberry jam with fresh berries.
Chocolate Strawberry Danish: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking.
Savory Twist: Swap filling for cream cheese + herbs, topped with roasted tomatoes.
Mini Danishes: Cut pastry into smaller squares for bite‑sized treats.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm for breakfast with coffee or tea.
Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Arrange on a platter for brunch gatherings — they look stunning.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep up to 4 days; reheat in oven for crispness.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked pastries; bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes.
Storytelling Element
Imagine a cozy morning, the scent of buttery pastry filling the kitchen. You pull out a tray of golden danishes, their centers bubbling with jam and fresh strawberries. A dusting of powdered sugar makes them sparkle like bakery treasures. Each bite is crisp, creamy, and fruity — a treat that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Conclusion
This Flaky Strawberry Danish is a bakery‑style pastry made simple with puff pastry. With its creamy filling, fruity topping, and golden crust, it’s a recipe that brings elegance to everyday mornings or special occasions.