Strawberry Danish

With a stellar combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheesecake-like filling, and bright, juicy berries, this Strawberry Danish recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again. Best of all, these quick and easy strawberry cream cheese danish are made with only 8 simple ingredients and just 30 minutes of active time.

I love the sweet, tangy flavors of a good Danish pastry. Whenever I go to a bakery or coffee shop, I always snag one. Rather than spend an arm and a leg fulfilling my sweet breakfast cravings, I decided to make my own quick and easy version at home. 

Strawberry Danish Recipe

This delicious recipe was inspired by my air fryer apple danish recipe. I took the basic ideas from that recipe but swapped in a storebought pie crust for the biscuits and used my favorite spring fruit to adjust for the season. I’m happy to report that it worked like a charm!

• It’s made with only 8 easy-to-find ingredients.
• You can serve this strawberry danish dessert for breakfast and nobody will bat an eye. 😍
• It's full sweet fruit, tart cream cheese, and buttery pie crust for a delectable combination of flavors. 
• You can make a whole batch in just 40 minutes!

Ingredients & Substitutions 

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. A quick trip to the store (or a well-stocked pantry) is all it takes! Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of the post for exact amounts. 

• Premade Pie Crusts - Opting for pre-made pie crust cut our prep time down significantly. No need to cut butter into flour or use your food processor — just defrost and go! Of course, you’re also welcome to use homemade pie crust if you prefer. I suggest trying our super simple recipe for 3 ingredient pie crust.
• Frozen Strawberries - I love keeping fruit in the freezer. Not only is it usually cheaper than fresh, but it’s way easier to keep without letting it turn moldy. As a bonus, you can also get your fruit at peak ripeness, no matter the season. Feel free to use canned (in water or juice) or fresh strawberries instead and cut the maceration time to just 10-15 minutes.
• Granulated Sugar - Adding a smidge of sugar to fresh cut berries helps to draw out their sweet juices and turn it into a delectable syrup. While granulated sugar is the most neutral flavored, you’re welcome to swap in light or dar brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead.
• Vanilla Extract - For a touch of richness and complexity. You’re also welcome to use almond, coconut, lemon, maple, banana, orange, or rum extract instead for a fresh take on the classic.
• Lemon Juice & Zest - Fresh citrus juice is always more flavorful than the bottled kind. To get the most juice from your lemons, give them a firm roll on the countertop for 10-15 seconds before cutting them open. You can also switch up your flavor profile by using lime juice & rind, orange juice & rind, lemon extract, or white wine instead. 
• Cream Cheese - Lightly sweetened cream cheese is a classic Danish filling. You’re welcome to use Neufchatel cheese for a lighter version, or you can substitute Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead. You’re also welcome to use plant-based options if you prefer.
• Whole Milk - Use buttermilk for added tang, or half-n-half or heavy whipping cream for added richness. You’re also welcome to use a creamy plant-based milk variety (e.g. oat, soy, or full-fat coconut) if you’re dairy-free.
• Large Egg - Getting a shiny, golden exterior on your strawberry cheese danish calls for an egg wash. If eggs are a no-no, use a tablespoon or two of melted butter, whole milk, or heavy cream instead. 

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

As much as we love this strawberry danish recipe just the way it’s written, there’s always room for you to make any customizations you prefer or require. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Gluten-Free - Swap in your favorite GF pie crust, either store-bought or homemade.
• Dairy-Free - Use plant-based cream cheese and use coconut cream or vegan butter as your “egg wash.”
• Vegan - Make sure to choose a vegan pie crust and follow the dairy-free instructions listed above.
• Swap Your Fruit - Feel free to substitute your favorite berries or stone fruit here like peaches, blueberries, boysenberries, or raspberries. You’re also welcome to mix and match to your heart’s content!
• Drizzle - Use drizzled icing, strawberry sauce, chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or melted chocolate for a decadent flourish.
• Strawberry Jam - Use a fork to mash strawberries after they've macerated for more of a jam-like consistency.
• Go Nuts - Add sliced or chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for some crunch to the top before baking.
• Chocolate Cream Cheese - Add a spoonful of chocolate spread (e.g. Nutella) to the cream cheese mixture for extra oomph. You’re also welcome to swap in your favorite flavor of sweet cream cheese spread.
• Heat - For those who like it spicy, sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper on top of each danish.
• Cookie Cutters - change the rectangle shape into stars, circles, or hearts using cookie cutters.

How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

This is an incredibly easy, semi-homemade recipe to make, and you'll be in and out of the kitchen very quickly. See the overview here, and check out the recipe card at the end of the post for the full instructions.

Step 1: Macerate. Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice and let sit until juicy and syrupy.

Step 2: Make Filling. Combine cream cheese, sugar, milk, and vanilla. 

Step 3: Prepare Pie Crust. Roll out pie crust and cut into 12 rectangles. Then, cut a rectangle out of the center of half the larger rectangles.

Step 4: Assemble. Place a rectangle with a "window" on top of a solid rectangle. Fill it with cream cheese and strawberries. 

Step 5: Bake. Brush the rectangles with egg wash and bake until golden brown. 

Step 6: Garnish & Serve. Top with more strawberries right out of the oven. Enjoy! 

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store baked danish for up to 3 days in an air-tight container.

Freezer: These shouldn't be frozen.

Make ahead: Assemble the danish (through step 4) up to a day in advance, then wrap and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake as instructed. 

Serving Suggestions

These strawberry cheesecake danish are perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or even dessert. We like to pair them with some coffee or tea to help cut through the sweet richness of these breakfast pastries.

Expert Tips

• Use cold cream cheese and butter for making the cream cheese filling, as this will ensure a smoother texture.
• Roll your pie crusts on a flat surface with light pressure to create an even thickness throughout.
• Be gentle. When adding in the strawberries, gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula so they don’t become mushy from over-mixing.
• Let your danishes cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to ensure that everything is set properly.
• Use parchment paper when baking for easy cleanup and even cooking.
• Make sure to cut small rectangles for the window piece of each danish, as larger windows may cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
• Evenly spread the strawberry mixture and cream cheese filling over each danish base so that all pieces cook evenly in the oven.
• Thaw the strawberries before adding them to the mixture, as this will help ensure that they are cooked evenly.
• Preheat your oven before rolling out and cutting the dough, so it is ready when you need it.
• If you’re making multiple batches, be sure to chill any extra dough in between batches to ensure that it doesn’t become too warm or sticky while working with it
• Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for cutting your pastry.
• Use an electric hand mixer or food processor to whip together the cream cheese filling for the best results.
• Don’t forget the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden brown color.

Top Tip:

Let the strawberries sit for a least 20 minutes to fully macerate.

FAQ

More Strawberry Recipes

Do you like strawberries? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

Strawberry Danish

With a stellar combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheesecake-like filling, and bright, juicy berries, this Strawberry Danish recipe is one you'll turn to again and again. Best of all, these quick and easy strawberry cream cheese danish are made with only 8 simple ingredients and just 30 minutes of active time.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 11 minutes mins

Total Time 41 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 415 kcal

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• mixing bowl
• cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Pizza Cutter
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling Pin
• spoon
• pastry brush
• small bowl
• rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 premade pie crusts
• 1 ¼ cups frozen strawberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar divided
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon whole milk
• 1 large egg

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to the temperature directed by your store-bought pie crust.
• In a medium sized bowl, combine the strawberries, half of the sugar, and the lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes, stirring intermittently.
• In another medium sized bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip together the cream cheese, remaining sugar, milk, and vanilla until it is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
• While the strawberries sit, roll out the pie crust and divide it into 12 4x3 inch. Cut a small rectangle out of half the pieces to form a window piece. Pair one rectangle with one window to form the base of your danish.
• Fill each danish with a spoonful of the cream cheese filling and top with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture.
• Beat the egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to brush the sides of the danishes. Place the danishes on a large baking sheet and bake for 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
• Top the danishes with more strawberry as they come out of the oven, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Optional Variations:

• Gluten-Free - Swap in your favorite GF pie crust, either store-bought or homemade.
• Dairy-Free - Use plant-based cream cheese and use coconut cream or vegan butter as your “egg wash.”
• Vegan - Make sure to choose a vegan pie crust and follow the dairy-free instructions listed above.

Expert Tips:

• Use cold cream cheese and butter for making the cream cheese filling, as this will ensure a smoother texture.
• Roll your pie crusts on a flat surface with light pressure to create an even thickness throughout.
• Be gentle. When adding in the strawberries, gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula so they don’t become mushy from over-mixing.
• Let your danishes cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to ensure that everything is set properly.
• Use parchment paper when baking for easy cleanup and even cooking.
• Make sure to cut small rectangles for the window piece of each danish, as larger windows may cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
• Evenly spread the strawberry mixture and cream cheese filling over each danish base so that all pieces cook evenly in the oven.
• Thaw the strawberries before adding them to the mixture, as this will help ensure that they are cooked evenly.
• Preheat your oven before rolling out and cutting the dough, so it is ready when you need it.
• If you’re making multiple batches, be sure to chill any extra dough in between batches to ensure that it doesn’t become too warm or sticky while working with it
• Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for cutting your pastry.
• Use an electric hand mixer or food processor to whip together the cream cheese filling for the best results.
• Don’t forget the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden brown color. 

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 304mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 305IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Keyword strawberry danish

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