Name: Quick & Easy Strawberry Danish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: European-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Powdered sugar, for dusting or glaze (optional); 1–2 tsp lemon juice or milk (if making glaze)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Quick & Easy Strawberry Danish is a deliciously flaky pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and juicy strawberries, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a last-minute dessert. I love how simple it is to make with store-bought puff pastry, yet it looks like something right out of a bakery case. Golden, creamy, and fruity—it’s everything I want in a quick treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, foolproof, and totally customizable. It’s made with minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor and texture. The flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry topping come together in just a few steps, making it ideal for when I want something impressive without the effort. Quick & Easy Strawberry Danish

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets, thawed
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Egg (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze, optional)
Lemon juice or milk (if making a glaze)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
I roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on the look I want.
I lightly score a border around each piece and prick the center with a fork to keep it from puffing too much.
I spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry and top with a few strawberry slices.
I brush the edges with egg wash and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
I let them cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little lemon juice or milk.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 danishes and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast treat, brunch tray, or afternoon snack.

Variations

I swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or peach slices.
I add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese for brightness.
I use jam instead of fresh fruit for a quicker option.
I make mini versions for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. I avoid microwaving, since that makes the pastry soft. Quick & Easy Strawberry Danish

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh works best to avoid sogginess, but I can use frozen strawberries if I thaw and drain them first.

Do I need to sweeten the cream cheese?

Yes, just a bit of sugar adds balance to the tanginess and complements the fruit.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I prep them and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. I bake them fresh for the best texture.

What puff pastry should I use?

Any frozen puff pastry brand works. I make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions.

Can I add a glaze?

Yes! I mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled danishes for a sweet finish.

Conclusion

Quick & Easy Strawberry Danish is a bakery-style treat that I can whip up in no time. With crisp, golden pastry, smooth cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, it’s the perfect mix of textures and flavors. Whether I’m serving guests or just treating myself, these danishes are always a favorite.