Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery pastry with creamy, tangy cream cheese and sweet, fresh strawberries. The golden layers of pastry melt in your…

By Julia • February 1, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery pastry with creamy, tangy cream cheese and sweet, fresh strawberries. The golden layers of pastry melt in your mouth, while the smooth cream cheese filling brings a lovely richness, all topped with juicy strawberries that add a fresh pop of flavor.

I love making these danishes for weekend mornings when there’s time to enjoy a cozy breakfast or brunch. They feel special enough to share with family or friends, but they’re really simple to put together. One little tip I always follow is to use room temperature cream cheese so the filling mixes smoothly without lumps.

These danishes taste wonderful straight from the oven when they’re warm and fragrant, but I also enjoy them the next day with a cup of coffee or tea. They remind me of bakery mornings on vacation, and I’m always happy to have a batch on hand to brighten up any day.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Puff Pastry: This is the star for flaky, buttery layers. I use store-bought sheets for ease. If you want, homemade puff pastry works too but takes time. Frozen puff pastry is fine, just thaw it well before using.

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that rich, tangy filling. If you want a lighter option, try mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a milder taste.

Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries add sweetness and freshness. If strawberries aren’t available, sliced raspberries or blueberries make good substitutes.

Egg Wash: Brushing the pastry edges with egg wash helps give that golden, shiny finish. You can use just egg yolk or whole egg with a little water or milk.

Optional Glaze: Powdered sugar mixed with milk or lemon juice creates a simple glaze. I love adding a bit of lemon juice for a touch of tang that balances the sweetness.

How Do You Get Perfectly Puff Pastry Danishes with a Golden Border?

Here’s the key to flaky, puffy edges and a soft center:

• Score the border: Lightly cut a smaller square inside each pastry square, without cutting through. This lets the edges puff up around the filling and keeps that center soft.
• Keep it cool: Puff pastry works best when cold. Don’t let it warm up too much or it won’t puff properly. Work quickly and chill it again if needed.
• Use the egg wash: Brush the raw edges with egg wash to get a glossy, golden finish that looks bakery-fresh.
• Bake hot and fast: Oven at 400°F helps the layers rise quickly, creating crisp, airy pastry. Watch closely so the filling doesn’t brown too much.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – For baking the danishes evenly and catching any drips.
• Parchment paper – Stops the pastries from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Mixing bowl – To blend the cream cheese filling smoothly.
• Whisk or fork – Helps mix the filling and egg wash well without lumps.
• Sharp knife – For scoring the puff pastry squares to create that puffy border.
• Pastry brush – Perfect for applying egg wash to get a shiny, golden crust.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fresh berry twist.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for warm spice notes.
• Mix in a spoonful of lemon zest into the cream cheese for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Try a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the berries before baking for extra sweetness.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 6-8 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water

For the Optional Glaze:

• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk or lemon juice

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. If you make the optional glaze, add a few more minutes. Set aside some cooling time of about 5-10 minutes before serving. In total, you can have these delicious danishes ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking and Puff Pastry:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy using a spoon or electric mixer.

3. Form the Danishes:

Using a knife, gently score a smaller square about half an inch inside each pastry square—be careful not to cut all the way through. This creates a border that will puff up when baked. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling inside each inner square.

4. Add Strawberries and Egg Wash:

Arrange sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer in a single layer. Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash, then brush the edges of each pastry square to give a nice golden-brown finish once baked.

5. Bake and Glaze:

Bake the danishes on the prepared baking sheet for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry edges are puffed and golden. While baking, mix powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice to make an optional glaze. When out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the danishes.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Let the danishes cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. They are perfect warm or at room temperature for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime.

Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry, and How Should I Prepare It?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. This prevents it from becoming too soft or sticky while working.

Can I Substitute Other Fruits for Strawberries?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches work well as tasty alternatives. Just make sure they’re sliced thinly to cook evenly.

How Should I Store Leftover Danishes?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back flakiness.

Is It Possible to Make These Danishes Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.