Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish, a sweet and creamy treat perfect for any time of day. This homemade pastry combines the richness of cream cheese with the fruity sweetness of strawberry jam, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish at home allows you to enjoy a fresh and warm pastry straight from your oven. The combination of cream cheese, strawberry jam, and puff pastry creates a deliciously satisfying treat that is sure to impress your family and friends.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Ingredients:

• For the Danish:
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 (17.3-ounce) box puff pastry dough (2 sheets), thawed but refrigerated
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jam
  • 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:
   • Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
3. Prep Puff Pastry:
   • Lay puff pastry on the baking sheet and cut strips on both sides of the middle section.
4. Add Filling:
   • Spread cream cheese mixture, strawberry jam, and zest over the middle section.
5. Fold and Braid:
   • Fold the strips over the filling in a braiding pattern.
6. Brush with Milk and Sugar:
   • Brush the top with milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
7. Bake:
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
8. Prepare Glaze:
   • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Drizzle Glaze:
   • Drizzle over the baked Danish.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Serve the Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish warm or at room temperature. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

How to Store Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tips to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
• Be gentle when folding the pastry to avoid tearing.
• Experiment with different fruit fillings like raspberry or blueberry for variety.

Variation

For a citrusy twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese filling before spreading it on the pastry.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?
   • Yes, store-bought puff pastry works well for this recipe.
2. Can I freeze the unbaked Danish for later?
   • Yes, you can assemble the Danish and freeze it before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.
3. Can I substitute the powdered sugar in the filling with granulated sugar?
   • Powdered sugar is recommended for a smoother filling texture, but granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.