This Strawberry Cream Danish is pure pastry bliss! Flaky, buttery layers of golden puff pastry cradle a luscious cream cheese filling, topped with sweet, juicy strawberries. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend brunch or just want to spoil yourself with a bakery-style treat at home, this recipe delivers. It takes a little time, but trust me—every minute is worth it for that first warm, melt-in-your-mouth bite. The perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and flaky, this danish is a total crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakery-Style at Home: This danish has that professional, glossy finish and indulgent taste you’d expect from a top bakery—without the bakery price tag.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Since the dough needs time to rest, this is perfect for prepping in advance and baking fresh when you’re ready.
Heavenly Texture: Buttery, flaky pastry with creamy, rich filling and bursts of sweet strawberries? Yes, please!
Showstopper Dessert or Breakfast: It looks as impressive as it tastes. Great for entertaining or just treating yourself right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes this danish so special. Every ingredient has a purpose—and substitutions can be simple if you’re in a pinch.

Puff Pastry Dough: The flaky, buttery base of the danish. Go homemade if you have the time, or use good-quality store-bought to save effort.
Cream Cheese: The heart of the filling—rich, smooth, and slightly tangy. It’s what gives the danish that creamy center.
Sugar: Sweetens the filling and enhances the strawberries. A mix of granulated and powdered works best for layers of flavor and presentation.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling.
Egg: Used for the egg wash to give the pastry that gorgeous, golden-brown finish.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring color, freshness, and a naturally sweet-tart contrast to the creamy filling.
Lemon Juice: A splash in the strawberry topping brightens the flavor and keeps the fruit vibrant.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry mixture so it stays beautifully layered on top of the danish.

Variations

This recipe is fabulous as-is, but you can absolutely make it your own:

Berry Swap: Use blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix for a burst of different berry flavors.
Jam Shortcut: No fresh berries? No problem. Use your favorite strawberry jam instead—just spread it lightly over the cream cheese before baking.
Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled danishes for extra sweetness and that bakery look.
Almond Twist: Add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese filling and sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If you’re using homemade puff pastry, prepare it in advance and let it rest in the fridge for a few hours. If using store-bought, thaw according to package directions.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This should be thick but spreadable.

Step 3: Prep the Strawberries

Chop fresh strawberries and cook them down with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until they form a thick, jam-like consistency. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 4: Shape the Danish

Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into rectangles. Score a smaller rectangle inside each one without cutting through—it helps create that puffed border. Prick the center with a fork to keep it from rising too much.

Step 5: Fill and Assemble

Spread the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle, then spoon on the cooled strawberry topping. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the danishes cool slightly before serving. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze for extra flair.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the pastry to get soggy or leak during baking.
Chill the Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm dough won’t puff as nicely.
Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
Cool the Fruit Topping: Hot strawberries will melt the cream cheese and mess with the texture. Let it cool before assembling.

How to Serve

These danishes are best served slightly warm or at room temperature, ideally within an hour or two of baking.

Breakfast Spread:

Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, a fresh fruit salad, or even some scrambled eggs for a sweet-savory contrast.

Dessert:

Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant finish.

Brunch Board:

Add them to a brunch board with other pastries, cheeses, and fresh fruit to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pastry will soften slightly, but it will still taste great.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked danishes after assembling but before baking. Place on a tray to freeze individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to refresh the flakiness. Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with a softer crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them first. Cook them a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture so the filling stays thick and doesn’t make the pastry soggy.

Do I have to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry is ideal for that flaky texture, but crescent dough or Danish pastry dough can work too—just keep an eye on the baking time.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Prick the center of the pastry with a fork before filling, and don’t overload it with cream or fruit. Starting with cold pastry and a hot oven also helps.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Look for a gluten-free puff pastry brand (they’re out there!), and make sure your other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cream Danish is the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but is simple enough to make at home. With buttery, flaky pastry and a dreamy filling that balances sweet and tangy perfectly, it’s one you’ll want to make again and again. So take your time, enjoy the process, and get ready for bakery-level deliciousness right in your own kitchen!

Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe