Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish: just the name conjures up images of flaky pastry, sweet cream cheese, and juicy strawberries, doesn’t it? Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown Danish, the buttery layers practically melting in your mouth as the tangy cream cheese filling and burst of fresh strawberry flavor dance on your tongue. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible!

The Danish pastry, or “wienerbrød” as it’s known in Denmark, has a fascinating history. Ironically, it wasn’t actually invented by the Danes! In the mid-19th century, Danish bakers went on strike, and Austrian bakers were brought in as replacements. These Austrian bakers brought with them their own pastry techniques, which the Danes later adapted and perfected, creating the delectable treat we know and love today. The addition of a creamy, sweet cheese filling and bright, fresh strawberries elevates this classic pastry to a whole new level of indulgence.

What makes a Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish so universally appealing? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, rich and light. The flaky, buttery pastry provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy filling and the slightly acidic strawberries. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon treat, or even as a light dessert, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is guaranteed to brighten your day. Plus, while it might seem intimidating to make, with our easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be whipping up these delightful pastries in no time!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ? cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ? cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Strawberry Filling:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is alive and active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined. The melted butter should be cooled slightly before adding it, so it doesn’t cook the egg.
3. Add Flour Gradually: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon or your hands. The dough should start to come together and form a shaggy mass.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes on medium speed. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This rise is essential for developing the flavor and texture of the danish.

Preparing the Fillings:

1. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until well combined. Set aside. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened, or you’ll end up with lumps in your filling.
3. Make the Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
4. Cook the Strawberry Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The cornstarch will help to create a nice, glossy filling.
5. Cool the Strawberry Filling: Remove from heat and let the strawberry filling cool completely before using. This prevents the filling from making the dough soggy.

Assembling the Danishes:

1. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
3. Cut the Dough: Cut the rectangle into 12 equal squares or rectangles. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for this.
4. Add the Fillings: Place the dough squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a dollop of cream cheese filling onto the center of each square, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Top with Strawberry Filling: Top the cream cheese filling with a spoonful of the cooled strawberry filling.
6. Create the Danish Shape: To create the classic danish shape, bring two opposite corners of each square towards the center and pinch them together. You can also fold the corners over the filling, creating a pinwheel shape. Get creative with your shapes!
7. Second Rise: Cover the danishes with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes in a warm place. This second rise will help them become light and fluffy.

Baking the Danishes:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash.
3. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the danishes with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the danishes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
5. Cool: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glazing (Optional):

1. Make the Glaze: While the danishes are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Glaze the Danishes: Once the danishes are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for this.
3. Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes! They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that because I created it. The combination of the flaky, buttery pastry, the tangy cream cheese filling, and the sweet burst of fresh strawberries is simply divine. It’s the kind of treat that will impress your guests, satisfy your sweet tooth, and leave you feeling like you’ve just indulged in something truly special.

But what makes this recipe a real winner is its versatility. While I’ve presented it as a classic Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Imagine a blueberry cream cheese danish, bursting with juicy blueberries, or a raspberry version with a slightly tart and vibrant flavor. You could even try a combination of fruits for a colorful and flavorful treat.

Beyond the fruit, you can also play around with the cream cheese filling. A touch of lemon zest adds a bright and citrusy note, while a dash of vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness. For a richer flavor, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese, or even adding a swirl of Nutella for a decadent chocolate hazelnut twist.

Serving Suggestions:

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is perfect on its own, warm from the oven, with a dusting of powdered sugar. But it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert, or alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch. For a more sophisticated presentation, drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or top it with a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Variations to Explore:

* Individual Danishes: Instead of making one large danish, cut the pastry into smaller squares or rectangles and create individual danishes. This is perfect for portion control and makes them easy to grab and go.
* Braided Danish: For a more visually appealing presentation, try braiding the pastry dough before baking. This adds a touch of elegance and creates a beautiful pattern.
* Savory Danish: While this recipe focuses on a sweet danish, you can easily adapt it to create a savory version. Simply omit the sugar from the cream cheese filling and add ingredients like spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.

I truly believe that this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is a winner, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a relatively simple recipe to follow, even for beginner bakers, and the results are truly rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible, and the first bite is pure bliss.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable treat. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade danishes.

And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and any tips or tricks you discover along the way. Share your photos on social media and tag me – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!