Dreamy Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe for Sweet Brunch Magic

Sweet mornings bloom with a delightful strawberry cream danish that promises pure indulgence.

This classic danish combines delicate pastry with luscious strawberry cream in a way that melts hearts.

Buttery layers of flaky dough cradle a rich, smooth filling bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore the elegant simplicity of this breakfast treat.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender pastry and creamy fruit filling.

Delicate, golden-brown edges hint at the delectable experience waiting inside.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible danish that transforms an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Everything Needed For Strawberry Cream Danish

• Flour: A core ingredient that provides structure and texture to the danish pastry.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Egg: Contributes to the dough's richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds richness to the pastry.

• Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy base of the danish filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Strawberries: Provides a fresh, fruity element to the danish.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a sweet, smooth drizzle for topping the danishes.

Simple Guide For Strawberry Cream Danish

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Wake up your yeast by mixing it with warm water.

Let it sit and become bubbly and frothy, creating a magical brewing moment that takes about 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Milk
• Egg
• Sugar
• Salt
• Flour

Mix everything until you have a smooth, silky dough.

Gradually fold in remaining flour and knead until the dough feels soft and elastic.

Step 3: Butter Magic

Gently work cold butter into the dough, creating delicate layers by folding and turning.

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour to let the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 4: Shape Delicate Hearts

Sprinkle flour on your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut charming heart shapes using a cookie cutter or your creative hand-cutting skills.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Arrange heart-shaped dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Find a cozy, warm spot and let them rise until they look slightly puffy and adorable, which takes around 30 minutes.

Step 6: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375F (190C), preparing it for the delicious transformation ahead.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Optional: Fold in chopped strawberries or reserve them for topping.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Dollop a small amount of strawberry cream filling into the center of each heart.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the danishes turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Create Sweet Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Until you have a silky smooth glaze.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Allow danishes to cool slightly.

Drizzle with glaze and top with fresh strawberry slices for a stunning presentation that will make everyone swoon.

Top Tips For Strawberry Cream Danish Success

• Choose ripe, sweet strawberries and high-quality cream cheese for the most vibrant flavor in your danish.
• Ensure warm water is between 100-110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
• Keep butter cold and work quickly when incorporating it into the dough to achieve those signature buttery, delicate pastry layers.
• Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack and avoid overcrowding to ensure even baking and crisp pastry edges.
• Add glaze only after the danishes have cooled slightly to prevent it from melting and maintain a beautiful, clean drizzle pattern.

Strawberry Cream Danish Unique Filling Ideas

• Chocolate Berry Danish: Replace strawberries with fresh raspberries and add cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling for a rich chocolate variation.
• Vegan Danish Delight: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, almond cream cheese, and use plant-based butter for a completely dairy-free pastry.
• Gluten-Free Danish: Use gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to create a celiac-friendly version of the classic strawberry cream danish.
• Savory Herb Danish: Transform the sweet recipe into a savory option by replacing sugar with herbs like thyme and chives, and using goat cheese instead of cream cheese.

Serving Strawberry Cream Danish At Brunch

• Romantic Breakfast Treat: Serve these heart-shaped danishes as a sweet surprise for your partner during a lazy weekend morning.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange the danishes alongside other pastries and fruits for an elegant dessert spread that looks Instagram-worthy.
• Tea Time Companion: Pair these strawberry cream danishes with a light Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a delightful afternoon snack that feels like a mini celebration.
• Picnic Paradise: Pack these portable pastries in a cute container for a romantic outdoor picnic, adding a touch of homemade love to your al fresco dining experience.

How To Store Strawberry Cream Danish Pastry

• Store these delightful strawberry cream danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
• Wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Let danishes sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth. Consume within this timeframe for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

• What type of yeast works best for this danish recipe?

Active dry yeast or instant yeast are perfect. Both will work well, but make sure the yeast is fresh and not expired for the best rising results.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. After mixing, cover and refrigerate overnight. This actually helps develop deeper flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.

• How do I know if my dough has risen correctly?

The dough should look slightly puffy and feel soft when gently pressed. It won’t necessarily double in size, but it should look noticeably larger and feel lighter than the original dense dough.

Strawberry Cream Danish Reasons To Savor One

• Craft with Love: This recipe allows bakers to create a delightful pastry that feels like a homemade gift from the heart, perfect for showing affection to family and friends.
• Master Pastry Skills: Despite seeming complex, the step-by-step process helps home cooks develop professional-level baking techniques like folding dough and creating delicate layers.
• Customize Your Treat: Flexible recipe lets you adjust filling, swap fruits, or modify glaze, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and available ingredients.
• Celebration-Ready Dessert: Elegant heart-shaped design makes these danishes ideal for special occasions like Valentine's Day, brunch gatherings, or weekend breakfast surprises.

Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Strawberry Cream Danish celebrates sweet Danish pastry traditions with luscious strawberry filling and silky cream cheese. Crisp, buttery layers melt in your mouth, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this classic European treat.

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Ingredients

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Danish Dough

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) warm water
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Fat:

• 1 cup (2 sticks or 227 grams) unsalted butter, cold

Strawberry Cream Filling:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, sliced for topping

Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk or water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by dissolving in warm water, letting it foam for 5-10 minutes until bubbling and fragrant.
2. Combine yeast mixture with milk, egg, sugar, salt, and gradually integrate flour to form a smooth, elastic dough.
3. Methodically incorporate cold butter into the dough, creating delicate layers through strategic folding and turning techniques. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour to develop structure.
4. Roll chilled dough on floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, cutting precise heart-shaped portions using cookie cutter or knife.
5. Arrange dough hearts on parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to proof in warm environment until slightly puffy and expanded, roughly 30 minutes.
6. Heat oven to 375F (190C), ensuring proper temperature for optimal baking results.
7. Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until silky, deciding whether to fold chopped strawberries directly into mixture or reserve for post-baking garnish.
8. Delicately place strawberry cream filling in center of each dough heart. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown and pastry appears crisp and flaky.
9. Craft optional glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until achieving smooth, drizzling consistency.
10. Cool danishes briefly, then embellish with glossy glaze and fresh strawberry slices for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Activate yeast carefully by using lukewarm water, not hot, to prevent killing the active cultures and ensure proper rising.
• Develop rich layers by keeping butter cold and handling dough gently, creating those signature flaky pastry textures.
• Customize filling options by substituting strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for seasonal variations.
• Achieve golden perfection by brushing pastry edges with egg wash before baking, which creates a beautiful glossy and crisp exterior.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg