Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly first, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Frozen berries tend to release more liquid during baking.

How do I know when the puff pastry is properly thawed?

Properly thawed puff pastry should unfold without cracking but still feel cool to the touch. It typically takes 30-40 minutes at room temperature.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk for the glaze. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What if I don't have strawberry jam?

You can omit the jam entirely, use any berry jam you prefer, or make a quick strawberry compote by cooking diced strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar for 3-4 minutes.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?

Don't overfill the pastries, ensure strawberries aren't too wet, and make sure to create proper edges by not cutting too close to where you'll place the filling.

Can I prepare these the night before?

Yes! Assemble the Danish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Strawberry Danish Recipe: Easy Homemade Pastry in 30 Minutes

Name: Strawberry Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 pastries
Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced; 2 tablespoons strawberry jam; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons whole milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Description

Strawberry Danish is an irresistible pastry with flaky layers and sweet strawberry filling that makes every bite feel special.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastries:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons whole milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dietary Substitutions:

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free puff pastry (available at most grocery stores)
Dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use plant-based milk for the glaze
Vegan: Replace egg yolk with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons plant milk, and use aquafaba for the egg wash

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly roll out puff pastry.
Make Filling
Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
Shape Pastry
Cut pastry into 6 rectangles. Make small diagonal cuts on the short sides.
Fill
Spread cream cheese down the center. Top with strawberries and a little jam.
Braid & Brush
Fold pastry strips over filling and brush with beaten egg.
Bake
Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm pastries.

Prep Time: 15m
Cook Time: 15m
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Danish / American

Nutrition

Calories: 280 calorie