Strawberry Danish Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Bakery-Style Pastry at Home

Introduction: Why Strawberry Danish Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Repertoire

Few pastries strike the perfect balance like the strawberry danish. With its golden, flaky layers and creamy, fruity center, it’s the kind of treat that instantly elevates your breakfast, brunch, or dessert table. Whether you’re baking for guests or indulging yourself, this recipe delivers bakery-style flavor right at home.

Looking for more brunch ideas? Try these Einkorn Pancakes — another delicious way to start your morning.

What is a Strawberry Danish?

A strawberry danish is a pastry made from a laminated yeast dough, similar to croissant dough, filled with a sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh or preserved strawberries. Finished with a glaze or dusting of powdered sugar, it’s both rich and light, tangy and sweet.

If you enjoy fruit-forward desserts, you may also like this Lemon Meringue Tart, which offers a zesty twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough (optional if using puff pastry):

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm water
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold butter
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries or strawberry preserves

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Want to explore similar dough-based treats? You might like this simple and unique Crookie Recipe.

How to Make a Strawberry Danish: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough (if homemade):
Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until frothy. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter. Add eggs, milk, and yeast mixture. Knead lightly, cover, and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.

Prefer to keep it simple? High-quality puff pastry from the store works perfectly.

2. Make the Filling:
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Keep chilled until ready to use.

3. Assemble the Danish:
Roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles or preferred shapes. Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center and top with sliced strawberries or a small amount of preserve. Fold the edges or create a braided shape.

4. Bake:
Place on a lined baking tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Add the Glaze (optional):
Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled danishes.

Creative Tips and Variations

• Add slivered almonds before baking for a crunchy topping
• Use guava paste or pineapple preserves for a tropical twist
• Mix cinnamon into the cream cheese for added warmth
• Create mini danishes for party platters or brunch tables
• Try a vegan version with plant-based puff pastry and coconut yogurt

Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese: A Classic Combination

The pairing of strawberries and cream cheese is timeless. The tangy richness of the filling balances beautifully with sweet, juicy berries. If you enjoy simple, flavorful pairings like this, you might also like these Carrot Cake Cookies.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing: Keep danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: For best results, warm in a 325°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This helps maintain the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

People Also Ask

How do I make a strawberry cheese danish at home?

To make a strawberry cheese danish at home, you can skip the laminated dough process by using high-quality store-bought puff pastry. Simply thaw the pastry according to package instructions and cut it into squares or rectangles. For the filling, blend softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth.

Spoon the mixture into the center of each pastry square, then top it with fresh strawberry slices or a small dollop of strawberry preserves. Fold the corners slightly or braid the edges for a more decorative look. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 18–22 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for that bakery-style finish.

For a similar creamy dessert with a unique twist, check out the Easy Churro Cheesecake Recipe.

Can I substitute fresh strawberries with jam or other fruits?

Absolutely. If fresh strawberries aren’t in season or you’re short on time, fruit preserves make a great alternative. Strawberry jam works perfectly and gives you a smoother, sweeter flavor with no prep.

You can also get creative by using other fruit spreads — plum jam, apricot preserves, or even a tropical option like guava paste can all add interesting twists to the classic danish. Just be mindful not to overfill your pastry, as jam tends to spread more during baking.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a homemade plum reduction or pair fruits like raspberry and lemon zest for an elevated flavor profile.

Is there a quick version of the strawberry danish recipe?

Yes, and it’s ideal for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans. By using pre-made puff pastry sheets, you eliminate hours of dough prep. Simply thaw the pastry, cut it to size, and prepare the cream cheese filling. From there, it’s a matter of assembly and baking — the whole process takes under 30 minutes.

You can even prep the filling ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to three days, making the process even faster. For individual portions or on-the-go treats, you can also make mini danishes using a muffin tin.

This quick method is also great for customizing flavors — top with chopped nuts, a drizzle of honey, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a personal touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using overly juicy strawberries without drying them
• Overfilling the pastry, which can lead to spillage
• Skipping dough chilling if making from scratch — this is key to flaky layers

Serving Suggestions

Brunch Table: Pair with eggs, fruit, and light roast coffee

Coffee Break: Serve with cappuccinos or a rich breve coffee

Dessert Platter: Complement with Chocolate Glazed Donuts or Carrot Cake

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Final Thoughts

Making a strawberry danish at home is more than just following a recipe — it’s creating a warm, welcoming experience. From the flaky pastry to the creamy filling and sweet fruit topping, each bite is comforting and satisfying.

If you enjoy making things from scratch with simple, high-quality ingredients, you’ll also enjoy this Cottage Cheese Flatbread, another recipe that balances flavor and ease beautifully.

Ready to bring bakery magic into your own kitchen? Try this recipe today and enjoy every golden, delicious bite.