Flaky Perfection: Strawberry Danish

Nostalgic Appeal

These danishes remind me of charming bakeries and delightful pastry displays. The combination of flaky pastry, sweet cream cheese, and fresh fruit is a classic for a reason. It’s a treat that evokes feelings of indulgence, happiness, and those special moments savoring a delicious pastry with a cup of coffee or tea.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly buy pre-made danishes, there’s something truly special about making them from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of assembling and baking these danishes is a rewarding experience. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked pastry filling your kitchen is simply irresistible.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful balance of buttery, flaky pastry, creamy sweetness, and fresh fruit flavor. The puff pastry provides a light and airy base, the cream cheese filling adds a touch of tanginess and sweetness, and the fresh strawberries bring a burst of juicy flavor and a hint of tartness.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make these danishes so special! We start with [describe the strawberries: fresh, juicy strawberries, sliced and macerated with a touch of sugar and cornstarch to create a sweet and slightly thickened filling]. For the cream cheese filling, we combine [describe the cream cheese filling ingredients: softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, creating a smooth and creamy filling that complements the strawberries perfectly]. We use [describe the puff pastry: store-bought puff pastry, thawed for convenience, providing a flaky and buttery base for the danishes]. And finally, we brush the danishes with [describe the egg wash: an egg wash made with a beaten egg and water, giving the danishes a beautiful golden brown color].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, a small paring knife, a pastry brush, and two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Ingredients

Strawberries:

• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Danish Pastry:

• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
• 2 – 3 tablespoons sugar for topping, optional

Toppings:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) strawberry jam, optional for topping
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Add the cleaned and sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch to a mixing bowl. Mix all the ingredients to ensure all the strawberries are well coated. Allow the berries to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In another mixing bowl, mix the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry to form a square. Cut the puff pastry along the folded lines. Cut each of the long rectangles in half in the center to form two smaller rectangles of puff pastry. There should be six smaller rectangles total. With a small paring knife, score or gently cut into the dough, but not all the way through, a border about ¼ inch from the edges of the puff pastry rectangle.
4. Assemble the Danishes: Smooth 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of cream cheese filling into the center of the puff pastry. Stay inside the borders of the smaller rectangle. Decoratively layer the fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling. Lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with the lightly beaten egg. Sprinkle the entire danish with sugar, if you like.
5. Chill and Bake: If the puff pastry has gotten a bit warm or sticky, transfer the baking sheet with the prepped strawberry danishes into the fridge to chill for 15 – 20 minutes. Chilling helps the puff pastry dough puff up really beautifully. Bake the strawberry cream cheese danishes for 20 -25 minutes or until the pastries are a light golden brown color.
6. Cool and Decorate: Cool the strawberry danishes on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool to room temperature. Top each strawberry danish with warm strawberry jam and with a dusting of powdered sugar. If you prefer a vanilla glaze, whisk 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar with 1 – 2 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Drizzle on top of the cooled danishes and enjoy.

Troubleshooting

• Danish pastry is not flaky: Make sure the puff pastry is thawed completely but still cold before using. Avoid overworking the dough.
• Filling is leaking: Make sure the cream cheese filling is not too runny. If it is, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it.
• Strawberries are soggy: Make sure the strawberries are not overly juicy. You can pat them dry with a paper towel before using.

Tips and Variations

• Use different types of berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries.
• Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for an extra citrusy kick.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Strawberry Danishes are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of one danish. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Fat: Approximately 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 50-60mg
• Protein: Approximately 4-5g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
• Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
• Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
• Sodium: Approximately 200-250mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different filling), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the danishes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze these danishes?

A: Yes, you can freeze them. Bake them first, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze them. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or toaster oven.

Q: Can I use a different type of dough?

A: While puff pastry is recommended for its flakiness, you can also use croissant dough or pie crust.