Ingredients
2 sheets (17.3 oz total) frozen puff pastry, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 large egg white, for egg wash
1 tbsp water, for egg wash
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Carefully unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 4 equal squares. Repeat with the second sheet of pastry, yielding 8 squares in total.
Step 3: For each square, make a cut about 1/2 inch in from each corner, extending about 2 inches towards the center, but do not cut all the way through. This creates a frame for your filling.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.
Step 5: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square. Arrange a few slices of fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese.
Step 6: Fold one corner of the pastry over the filling, then fold the opposite corner over, slightly overlapping to create a pinwheel effect or a framed square. Gently press down on the corners to secure them.
Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg white with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the exposed puff pastry (not the filling) with the egg wash for a beautiful golden sheen.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling is set. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 9: While the danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and a tiny splash of vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
Step 10: Once the danishes are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle generously with the prepared glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold for best flakiness. Do not overfill the danishes to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. For extra flavor, you can add a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling. Leftovers store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sweet Breakfasts
- Cuisine: European-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: strawberry danish, cream cheese danish, puff pastry danish, strawberry breakfast, easy danish recipe, fruit pastry

