Strawberry Danish

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for pastries, the Heavenly Strawberry Bliss Danish is a recipe that will elevate your baking game and tantalize your taste buds. This delightful pastry combines the freshness of strawberries with a flaky, buttery dough, resulting in a dessert that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply indulging in a weekend treat, this Danish pastry is sure to impress.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of the Heavenly Strawberry Bliss Danish! This easy recipe combines fresh strawberries and creamy cheese with a flaky, buttery dough for a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these pastries are not only beautiful but also packed with flavor. Experience the joy of baking as you create these delicious danishes from scratch and bring a taste of summer to your kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the pastry:

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (60g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

1/4 tsp salt

4 tbsp (60ml) ice-cold water

For the filling:

1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the cream cheese mixture:

4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze:

1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar

1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Optional: Zest of 1 lemon for an added citrus flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry:

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.

- Add the cold cubed butter, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter.

- Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing.

- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Make the Filling:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir gently and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the strawberries soften and release their juices. The mixture should thicken slightly.

- Remove from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:

- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Assemble the Danish:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into smaller rectangles, each measuring approximately 4x6 inches.

- Transfer the rectangles to the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully score a smaller rectangle inside each piece, ensuring not to cut all the way through—this creates a beautiful pastry border.

- In the center of each scored rectangle, spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture, followed by a spoonful of the strawberry filling.

Bake the Danish:

- Place the assembled pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have puffed up nicely. Once baked, remove them from the oven and cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

Prepare the Glaze:

- In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk (or cream) until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If you desire a citrusy kick, stir in the lemon zest.

Finish:

- Drizzle the sweet glaze over the warm Danish pastries. Serve them immediately for a delightful experience, or let them cool completely if you prefer to enjoy them at room temperature.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 Danish

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Danish on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.