Description
This Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. Perfectly golden and bursting with fruit flavor, these danishes are simple to prepare and sure to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, but cold)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Strawberry Topping
- 1 cup finely chopped strawberries
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat liners to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and slice it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters to create eight large rectangles.
- Score Borders: Using a paring knife, carefully slice a ½ inch border around the edge of each rectangle without cutting through to create a raised edge for the filling to stay contained.
- Dock Centers: Use a fork to poke holes in the center square of each puff pastry rectangle, which prevents that area from rising while the edges puff up, helping the filling stay in place.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla bean paste, mixing well until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare Strawberry Mixture: In another bowl, stir together the finely chopped strawberries, brown sugar, and fresh lemon juice, allowing the sugars to slightly macerate the fruit.
- Assemble Danishes: Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture among the eight puff pastry rectangles, spreading it only within the scored border. Then spoon the strawberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the prepared baking sheets in the oven and bake the danishes for 15 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry edges are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the danishes to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- To prevent the puff pastry from sticking, keep it chilled until you're ready to cut and fill.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Vanilla bean paste adds a richer vanilla flavor but can be substituted with vanilla extract.
- These danishes are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh crispiness before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
