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Flaky Strawberry Danish Recipe With Creamy Cheese Delight

flaky strawberry danish - featured image

A homemade flaky strawberry danish featuring a buttery crust, creamy cheese filling with a hint of vanilla and lemon zest, topped with sweet fresh strawberries. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Β½ cups all-purpose flour (312g), sifted
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter (226g), cut into small cubes
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25g)
  • Β½ tsp salt
  • Β½ cup ice-cold water (120ml)
  • 1 large egg yolk (for egg wash)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (225g), softened
  • ΒΌ cup powdered sugar (30g), sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries (150g), hulled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25g)
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: apricot jam for glazing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry Dough (15-20 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together sifted flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and cut into flour using a pastry cutter or two forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring gently until dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  2. Chill the Dough (30 minutes): Shape dough into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling (5 minutes): Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping (5 minutes): Toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let macerate for 5-10 minutes to release juices.
  5. Roll Out the Dough (10 minutes): On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough into a 12×12 inch square about ΒΌ inch thick. Cut dough into 9 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  6. Assemble the Danishes (10 minutes): Place a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each square, top with a spoonful of strawberry mixture. Fold corners toward center to create pinwheel or square shape, pressing edges lightly to seal.
  7. Apply Egg Wash and Bake (20-25 minutes): Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Beat egg yolk with a splash of water and brush over each danish. Bake on parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
  8. Optional Glaze (5 minutes): Warm apricot jam slightly and brush over warm danishes for a shiny finish.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let danishes cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. Best served warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep butter cold throughout preparation to ensure flaky pastry. Chill dough and tools if possible. Drain excess juice from strawberries to avoid soggy pastry. Do not overfill danishes to prevent leaking. Dough can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and chilled. For vegan or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted in recipe. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispness; reheat in oven instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry danish, flaky pastry, cream cheese filling, homemade danish, brunch recipe, easy pastry, sweet treat