Strawberry Cream Danish
A delightful pastry combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy filling and topped with fresh strawberries, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Pastry and Egg Wash
- 1 sheet puff pastry, flaky and tender Ensure the puff pastry is chilled before working.
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash) Gives a golden sheen to the pastries.
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Let it soften to room temperature for a smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar For sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Aromatic and uplifting.
- 1/4 tsp lemon juice Adding a vibrant tang.
Strawberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced Use sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- 2 tbsp sugar To enhance the strawberries' natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Balancing the flavors perfectly.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3x3 inch squares.
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Assembling
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square, folding the edges over and brushing with the beaten egg.
- In another bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, letting them sit for 10 minutes.
Baking
- Bake the pastries for 15-18 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
- Let cool slightly, then spoon the strawberry mixture on top of each Danish.
Serving
- Serve them warm, and watch smiles spread as you enjoy this delightful pastry!
Notes
For best results, let the pastries cool before topping with strawberries to prevent a soggy base. Handle the dough minimally to maintain flakiness.