© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
🍓🥐 Flaky Strawberry Danish Cream Cheese Pastry: The Ultimate Easy Brunch Pastry! 🥐🍓
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a **delicious flaky Danish dessert** that’s perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat, look no further than this flaky strawberry Danish cream cheese pastry. Imagine layers of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry encasing a luscious, sweet strawberry filling combined with a rich, tangy cream cheese. The beauty of this pastry lies in its simplicity and irresistible texture, making it a go-to for an impressive morning presentation. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, this pastry will win hearts with its aromatic, fruity aroma and golden, crispy crust.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Perfect for beginner bakers with simple steps.
- Ready in under 1 hour: A quick yet impressive brunch pastry.
- Versatile dessert: Suitable for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack.
- Impressive visual appeal: The flaky layers and vibrant strawberry filling create a beautiful presentation.
3. Ingredient Notes
Creating a perfect strawberry Danish pastry hinges on selecting high-quality ingredients. For the pastry, opt for KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange to knead your dough effortlessly, ensuring even texture and perfect lamination. Use fresh, ripe strawberries—they should be plump, fragrant, and bright red for the sweetest flavor. Cream cheese must be softened well for smooth spreading and mixing, giving your pastry a rich, tangy flavor. For the flaky layers, butter should be cold and high-quality, like European-style butter, to achieve that fabulous crispiness. Sweeten the strawberry filling with a touch of sugar and lemon juice to enhance natural flavor without overwhelming the delicate pastry.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Preparing this flaky Danish dessert becomes much easier with the right tools. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics can be used to bake the pastry evenly, offering a crispy exterior without turning on your oven.
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo guarantees even heat distribution, ensuring your pastry bakes to perfection every time.
A quality rolling pin, sharp knife, and parchment paper will also help achieve evenly rolled dough and clean cuts, essential for beautiful layers.
5. How to Make Flaky Strawberry Danish Cream Cheese Pastry
Preparing the Dough
Start by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add cold, diced butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently mix in cold water until the dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes—this step helps with flaky layers.
Rolling & Layering
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, then roll out again. Repeat this process 3-4 times for layered flakiness. Chill again if the dough becomes too soft.
Filling & Assembly
Spread softened cream cheese over a portion of the rolled dough, leaving a border. Spoon the sweetened strawberry mixture on top of the cream cheese. Carefully roll or fold the dough as desired, then cut into individual squares or rectangles. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
Baking
Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. The aroma of baking butter and strawberries will fill your kitchen, making it irresistible!
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Keep ingredients cold to ensure the butter stays firm, forming perfect flaky layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough; minimal handling prevents toughness and keeps layers light.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices for neat presentation.
- Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of elegance.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If strawberries aren’t in season or you prefer a different flavor, try filling the pastry with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries. For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. To make it gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend. These substitutions still deliver a delightful flaky Danish dessert that impresses everyone.
8. Storage & Reheating
Keep any leftover strawberry Danish pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To enjoy warm, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked or baked pastries. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as needed for a quick breakfast treat.
9. FAQ
Can I make this pastry ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and assemble the pastries, then freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, baked pastries can be refrigerated and reheated to enjoy a fresh homemade taste.
What’s the best way to keep the pastry crisp?
Airtight storage helps preserve crispness. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore the flaky texture, avoiding the microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.
Can I use pre-made puff pastry?
Absolutely! Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe even easier and quicker. Roll out slightly if needed, then proceed with the filling and baking instructions.
10. Conclusion
This flaky strawberry Danish cream cheese pastry combines elegance and simplicity, making it perfect for any brunch table or sweet breakfast craving. With its buttery layers, luscious filling, and vibrant strawberries, it’s bound to become a favorite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking to elevate your brunch menu, this pastry delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Happy baking!
Print
Flaky Strawberry Danish Cream Cheese Pastry
A delicious, flaky pastry filled with fresh strawberries and cream cheese, ideal for brunch or a quick dessert.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the puff pastry into two equal rectangles. Spread cream cheese evenly over each rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
- Arrange sliced strawberries over the cream cheese.
- Fold the edges slightly inward to create a border and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Chill the pastry before baking for flakier layers.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
