Description
Delight in these homemade Strawberry Danishes featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Perfect as an indulgent breakfast or a charming dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry sheets
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions, usually at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, until pliable but still cool.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg to Mixture: Incorporate the egg into the cream cheese mixture and blend thoroughly to ensure a well combined filling.
- Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheets into approximately 8×8-inch squares to create the bases for the danishes.
- Assemble Filling: Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture between the two pastry squares, spreading it in the center to leave a border for folding.
- Add Strawberries: Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the cream cheese in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold Pastry Edges: Fold the edges of each pastry square over the filling to create a neat border that will keep the filling in place while baking.
- Bake Danishes: Place the assembled danishes on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet to set.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the warm danishes with powdered sugar for a delicate sweet finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the strawberry danishes warm as a delightful breakfast treat or a lovely dessert option for any occasion.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
- Do not overfill the pastry to prevent leakage during baking.
- Pastry sheets should be kept cold while working to maintain flakiness.
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container and refrigerate; best consumed within 2 days.
