Name: Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 batch homemade Danish pastry; 125 g full-fat cream cheese, softened (4 oz); 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar; 2 teaspoons milk; Zest of half a small lemon; ¼ cup good quality strawberry jam; 12 small fresh strawberries; 1 egg yolk mixed with a dash of water; 1 teaspoon demerara (turbinado) sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love the tender, flaky goodness of pastry paired with a creamy, fruity filling, then this Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into layers of buttery Danish pastry, a luscious cream cheese filling with just the right touch of sweetness and lemony brightness, and fresh, juicy strawberries that bring a burst of summer to every bite. It’s the kind of treat that feels elegant yet comforting, perfect for brunch, a special breakfast, or an indulgent snack. This recipe makes a generous batch, so you’ll have plenty to share—or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!

Ingredients You'll Need

A rectangular piece of dough, pale and slightly floury, lies on a white rectangular plate at the top center of the image. Below it, there are seven glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface: to the left, a bowl with white cream cheese cubes, a small bowl with white granulated sugar, and a small bowl with yellow lemon zest; in the middle, a small bowl of white liquid and a larger bowl holding bright red strawberry jam; to the right, a bowl filled with whole fresh red strawberries with green tops and a small bowl with light brown sugar. At the very bottom center, a glass bowl contains a single bright yellow egg yolk. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish Recipe plays an essential role, from the foundational pastry to the fresh fruits that top it off. Together, they create the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and fruity flavors with the ideal flaky texture and eye-catching color.

Homemade Danish pastry: The star canvas of this recipe, flaky and buttery for that authentic Danish feel.
125 g full-fat cream cheese, softened: Provides rich creaminess that melts beautifully in your mouth.
1 tablespoon granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.
2 teaspoons milk: Helps blend the cream cheese smooth and spreadable.
Zest of half a small lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy kick to lift the filling.
¼ cup good quality strawberry jam: Gives a glossy, fruity layer beneath the cream cheese for added berry goodness.
12 small fresh strawberries: Juicy and fresh, these are the highlight topping that adds vibrant color and texture.
1 egg yolk mixed with a dash of water: Creates a beautiful golden glaze on the pastry edges.
1 teaspoon demerara (turbinado) sugar: Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and a caramel-like sweetness.

How to Make Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Danish Pastry

Start by making your homemade Danish pastry the day before you plan to bake. This step is crucial as it allows the dough’s layers to develop, resulting in that signature flaky and buttery texture that makes Danish so irresistible.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Baking Trays

Heat your oven to 200°C (395°F) or 180°C if you’re using the fan setting. Line two baking trays with baking paper so your pastries won’t stick and will bake evenly. Having everything ready helps the process flow smoothly once you start assembling.

Step 3: Shape the Danishes

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 30x40 cm (12x16 inches). Trim the edges and cut it into 12 even squares approximately 10 cm (4 inches) each. If you prefer smaller pastries, split the dough into 20 squares about 8 cm wide. Place the squares on the lined trays, add a teeny drop of water in the center, fold each corner to the center, and gently press to create a slight dent. Let the dough rest for 10 to 15 minutes for a perfect puff.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Wash and dry the strawberries, then chop them into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, milk, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds that silky tang that complements the sweet fruit perfectly.

Step 5: Fill the Pastries

Spoon about ½ to 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam into each pastry dent and press it gently. Then, dollop 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture on top and carefully spread it out to cover the jam. This layering keeps everything tidy and ensures each bite hits all the right flavors.

Step 6: Add Fresh Strawberries and Finishing Touches

Scatter chopped fresh strawberries over the cream cheese layer for juicy bursts that will roast beautifully. Brush the exposed pastry with the egg wash to get that golden shine and sprinkle the edges with demerara sugar to add crunch and caramelized sweetness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your danishes for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on the size, until golden brown and inviting. Halfway through baking, rotate the trays to ensure even cooking—this little step makes all the difference for that perfect crust.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish Recipe

The image shows two baking trays on a white marbled surface. The top tray holds six square pieces of dough arranged in two rows, with one piece slightly folded at the corner. The bottom tray displays six square pastries, each with their corners folded toward the center, topped with a small dollop of red jam. To the right of both trays, there is a white bowl filled with fresh strawberries. A silver spoon rests next to a small glass jar filled with the same red jam, all set against a soft pink fabric partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a pretty finishing touch, consider dusting your danishes lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers also make a delightful, fresh garnish that enhances the strawberry theme.

Side Dishes

These danishes pair wonderfully with a simple side of fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt dip to complement the tartness and richness. A steaming cup of coffee, tea, or fresh-squeezed orange juice rounds out the experience perfectly for a lovely breakfast or brunch table.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your danishes on a rustic wooden board or a vintage platter for a charming homemade feel. You could also serve individual pastries with small dollops of whipped cream and extra strawberries on the side for a touch of indulgence that is sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Storing at room temperature helps maintain the pastry’s flakiness, but be careful to keep them away from humidity.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked shaped pastries for up to one month. Freeze them on trays first, then transfer to freezer bags to preserve their shape. When ready, bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your danishes in an oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pastry soggy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Danish pastry dough?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry can be a great shortcut. While it may not have exactly the same layers as homemade Danish dough, it will still produce delicious, flaky results with far less effort.

What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat cream cheese is best for this recipe because it gives the filling a rich, smooth texture. Low-fat or whipped versions may be more watery and less stable during baking.

Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches can be fantastic alternatives, each adding their own unique touch to the Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish Recipe.

Is it necessary to use fresh strawberries if I have jam?

Fresh strawberries add texture and brightness, but if you want a quicker version, extra strawberry jam alone can work. Just keep in mind you might lose that fresh burst of flavor and appealing contrast in texture.

How do I keep the danishes from getting soggy?

Make sure you properly seal the jam and cream cheese layers and avoid overloading the pastry. Also, bake them right away after assembling so the pastry stays crisp and flaky rather than absorbing moisture from the filling.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish Recipe is one of those wonderful desserts (or breakfasts) that feels both special and approachable. It’s a joyful way to bring a little bakery magic into your kitchen with fresh ingredients and heartfelt technique. Whether you’re sharing these with friends or savoring one alongside your morning coffee, I promise they’ll bring a smile every time. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret indulging in such a beautiful, flavorful treat!

Cream Cheese Strawberry Danish Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need