Strawberry Danish Recipe
Flaky layers encase a silky cheese filling topped with bright, juicy berries.
Introduction to Strawberry Danish
Who doesn’t love the combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet strawberries? This classic dessert is a staple in many bakeries, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With the help of store-bought puff pastry, you can create bakery-style strawberry danishes that are both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. This recipe is perfect for special occasions like Easter or Mother’s Day, but it’s also great for any time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make these strawberry danishes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, plus 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making strawberry danishes involves several steps, but they are all straightforward and manageable. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Squares
– Thaw the Puff Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is completely thawed before you start. This will ensure it rolls out smoothly and evenly.
–
Dust with Flour: Lightly dust your countertop with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking.
– Roll Out Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
– Cut into Squares: Cut the pastry into squares. You can choose the size depending on how large you want your danishes to be.
Step 2: Shape the Pastries
– Brush Edges: Brush the edges of each square with the beaten egg to help them stick together.
– Fold Corners: Fold each corner in about 1 ½ inches towards the center and press to adhere. Use a fork to prick the center of the pastry 3 to 4 times.
– Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the exposed pastry areas with more egg wash.
Step 3: Bake the Pastries
– Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Bake Pastry Squares: Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each square. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are puffed and lightly golden.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
– Drain Strawberries: Drain the sliced strawberries and return them to a bowl. Toss them with cornstarch.
– Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, whip together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Danishes
– Press Pastry Centers: Press down the centers of the baked pastry squares if they have puffed up high.
– Add Cream Cheese Filling: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry.
– Top with Strawberries: Add a few slices of strawberry on top of the filling.
– Bake Again: Bake the pastries for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through.
Step 6: Glaze the Danishes
– Make Lemon Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until you get a thick, pourable consistency.
– Drizzle with Glaze: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled danishes.
Tips and Tricks
- Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Puff pastry should be kept cool to maintain its flaky texture. If it starts feeling sticky or soft, pop it in the fridge or freezer until firm but pliable.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries release too much liquid and can make the pastries soggy.
- Avoid Crescent Dough: While crescent dough is easy to work with, it doesn’t provide the same flaky texture as puff pastry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
No, you should not use frozen strawberries. They release too much liquid during baking, which can make the pastries soggy.
Q: Is it possible to substitute puff pastry with crescent dough?
No, crescent dough is not a good substitute for puff pastry. It lacks the flaky texture and structure needed for this type of pastry.
What others are reading
Q: How difficult is it to work with puff pastry?
Puff pastry is generally easy to work with, but it should be kept cool to maintain its flaky layers. If it becomes too warm, the butter melts, and the pastry may not puff up properly.
Q: Can I make strawberry danishes ahead of time?
These pastries are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Creating strawberry danishes at home is easier than you might think, especially with the help of store-bought puff pastry. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. With its combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet strawberries, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
References
- https://www.sugarsaltmagic.com/cream-cheese-strawberry-danish/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63903788/strawberry-danish-recipe/
- https://www.aol.com/grab-puff-pastry-easiest-strawberry-205400045.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41956782/puff-pastry-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g39957712/best-strawberry-recipes/
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