Chef Anna Larsen - Pastry and Baking Specialist
👨‍🍳 Master Pastry Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Pastry Arts Graduate ⏰ 25+ Years Experience 🍽️ Danish Bakery Trained

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe brings me back to my grandmother's kitchen in Copenhagen, where she taught me the art of Danish pastry. Using puff pastry makes it accessible for home bakers while still achieving that perfect flaky, buttery texture that defines authentic Danish."

Anna trained in traditional Danish bakeries before bringing her expertise to American kitchens. She specializes in making European pastries approachable for home bakers while maintaining authentic flavors and techniques.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown strawberry Danish pastries with cream cheese filling, fresh strawberry pieces, and sweet glaze drizzled on top, arranged on a white marble surface

The Art of Perfect Danish Pastry

The key to exceptional Danish pastries lies in the balance between flaky pastry and creamy filling. Using high-quality puff pastry as a shortcut allows home bakers to achieve professional results without the time-intensive lamination process traditional Danish dough requires.

The cream cheese filling should be smooth and not too sweet, allowing the natural strawberry flavor to shine. Room temperature cream cheese is essential for achieving the silky texture that makes each bite luxurious and satisfying.

💡 Professional Tip

Chill the assembled Danish for 15 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry maintain its shape and prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresh strawberries work best, but you can use frozen ones that have been thawed and drained well. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy.

Bake on the lower rack of your oven and ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold. Don't overfill with strawberry mixture, and drain any excess juice from the berries.

You can assemble the Danish up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them. Brush with egg wash just before baking. For best results, bake and serve the same day.

Gently press the torn edges together with your fingers. Small tears won't affect the final result. If pastry is too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before continuing.

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or apples all work wonderfully. Adjust the jam flavor to complement your chosen fruit.

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

This usually happens when the pastry is too warm or the cuts weren't deep enough. Chill assembled Danish before baking and make sure corner cuts reach close to the center.

Yes, freeze baked Danish for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Add fresh glaze after reheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Pastry Not Flaky

Problem: Danish pastry turns out dense instead of flaky

Solution: Ensure puff pastry stays cold during assembly. Don't overwork the dough, and bake at the correct high temperature to create steam for flakiness.

✅

Filling Leaks Out

Problem: Cream cheese filling leaks during baking

Solution: Don't overfill the centers, ensure pastry corners are properly pinched, and chill assembled Danish before baking to set the shape.

✅

Uneven Browning

Problem: Some Danish brown faster than others

Prevention: Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking. Use light-colored pans and ensure even spacing between Danish on the sheets.

✅

Soggy Centers

Problem: Centers remain soggy while edges are done

Recovery: Drain strawberries well before using, don't overfill with fruit mixture, and bake on lower oven rack for better bottom heat.

✅

Glaze Too Thick

Problem: Glaze doesn't drizzle smoothly

Prevention: Add milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency. Glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still drip easily.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more lemon juice to the strawberries or reduce sugar in cream cheese filling

Too Salty: Ensure unsalted butter is used and check cream cheese salt content

Bland: Add more vanilla extract, lemon zest, or a pinch of almond extract to enhance flavors

Ingredients for strawberry Danish arranged on a white marble countertop including puff pastry, fresh strawberries, cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract

Selecting Perfect Strawberries and Pastry

Choose ripe but firm strawberries for the best texture and flavor. They should be bright red with fresh green tops and give slightly when pressed. Overripe berries will release too much juice and make the pastry soggy.

Quality puff pastry is crucial for authentic Danish texture. Look for all-butter varieties if available, as they provide superior flavor and flakiness. Thaw according to package directions - usually 40 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Strawberries: Select berries that are uniform in size for even cooking. Hull and slice just before using to prevent excessive juice release.
  • Cream Cheese Quality: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, smoothest filling. Ensure it's completely softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Puff Pastry Tips: Keep pastry cold while working. If it becomes too soft, return to refrigerator for 15 minutes. Work quickly during assembly.
Strawberry Danish pastries baking in the oven, showing golden-brown puff pastry with cream cheese filling and strawberry pieces bubbling slightly

Mastering the Assembly and Baking

The signature Danish shape is created by making diagonal cuts from each corner toward the center, then folding alternating corners to create a pinwheel effect. This technique allows the filling to nestle securely while creating beautiful visual appeal.

Proper egg wash application ensures golden-brown color and attractive shine. Mix the egg with a tablespoon of cream for extra richness, and brush gently to avoid deflating the pastry layers.

Perfect Pastry Shaping

Make cuts about 1.5 inches long from each corner toward center, leaving the center uncut. Fold every other triangle point to the center, creating a windmill pattern that holds the filling beautifully.

Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese

Prep 30 min
Cook 18 min
Serves 8 servings
Level Intermediate

📋 Ingredients

For the Danish Base

  • 300g fresh strawberries, sliced
    Choose ripe but firm berries
  • 30g strawberry jam
    Helps bind and sweeten the fruit
  • 120g powdered sugar
    For the sweet glaze finish
  • 30ml milk
    Creates smooth, drizzleable glaze
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    Brightens the strawberry flavor
  • Sliced almonds (optional)
    Adds elegant crunch and visual appeal

For Filling and Topping

  • 450g frozen puff pastry, thawed
    All-butter variety preferred for best flavor
  • 225g cream cheese, softened
    Must be room temperature for smooth mixing
  • 60g granulated sugar
    Sweetens the cream cheese filling
  • 1 large egg yolk
    Enriches and binds the filling
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Essential for authentic Danish flavor
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
    Traditional flavor that complements strawberries
  • 1 large egg, beaten
    For golden-brown egg wash finish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pastry

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 8 squares (about 4x4 inches each).

  2. Make Cream Cheese Filling

    In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

  3. Prepare Strawberry Topping

    In a small bowl, gently toss sliced strawberries with strawberry jam and lemon juice. Let macerate while preparing the Danish.

  4. Assemble Danish

    Place pastry squares on prepared baking sheets. Make shallow cuts from each corner toward center, leaving 1 inch uncut. Fold alternating corners to center. Add 2 tablespoons cream cheese filling to center, then top with strawberry mixture.

  5. Bake and Glaze

    Brush pastry with egg wash mixed with heavy cream. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle over warm Danish and garnish with almonds if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble Danish up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash just before baking. The filling can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea. These are perfect for brunch buffets, special breakfast occasions, or afternoon treats with friends.

Seasonal Variations

Try with other seasonal fruits: blueberries and lemon in summer, apples with cinnamon in fall, or mixed berries in spring. Adjust the jam flavor to complement your chosen fruit.