Strawberry Danish: A Flaky, Fruity Pastry Delight

Introduction & Inspiration

As a passionate baker, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both beautiful and delicious. This Strawberry Danish recipe is a perfect example of that. It’s a classic pastry that’s both elegant and satisfying, perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of fresh strawberries and my desire to create a pastry that was both visually appealing and bursting with flavor.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly find pre-made danishes at the store, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making them from scratch. This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is a batch of danishes that are far superior to anything you can buy pre-made. Plus, making them yourself allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create danishes that are flaky, buttery, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The puff pastry should be golden brown and crisp, while the cream cheese filling should be smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy. The fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and a juicy texture that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in these delightful strawberry danishes:

For the Strawberries:

• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of the show, providing sweetness, juiciness, and a vibrant color to the danishes.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to thicken the strawberry filling and prevent it from becoming too runny.
• Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps to macerate the strawberries, drawing out their juices and intensifying their flavor.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth and spreadable consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling and creates a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the filling with its warm and sweet notes.

For the Danish Pastry:

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Puff pastry sheets are a convenient and versatile ingredient that creates a flaky and buttery crust for the danishes. Make sure to thaw them completely before using.
• Egg Wash: An egg wash, made with a beaten egg and a little water, helps to create a golden brown and shiny crust.
• Sugar (Optional): Sprinkling sugar on top of the danishes before baking adds a touch of sweetness and a sparkling finish.

For the Toppings:

• Strawberry Jam (Optional): Strawberry jam adds an extra layer of strawberry flavor and a touch of sweetness to the finished danishes.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used for dusting the danishes, adding a sweet touch and a beautiful finish.
• Vanilla Glaze (Optional): A simple vanilla glaze, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, adds another layer of sweetness and flavor to the danishes.

Equipment

You’ll need a few essential tools to make these strawberry danishes:

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
• Wire rack

Ingredients

Strawberries:

• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Danish Pastry:

• 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)

Toppings:

• ¼ cup (60ml) strawberry jam (optional)
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Thaw puff pastry sheets at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Macerate Strawberries: Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Prepare Pastry: Unfold a puff pastry sheet and cut into 6 smaller rectangles. Score a border on each rectangle with a knife.
5. Assemble: Spread cream cheese filling onto each rectangle, top with strawberries, and brush edges with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar (optional).
6. Chill (Optional): If the pastry is warm, chill for 15-20 minutes.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Cool: Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Top and Serve: Top with warm strawberry jam (optional) and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze.

Troubleshooting

• Pastry not flaky: Make sure the puff pastry is thawed completely before using. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make it tough.
• Filling too runny: Make sure the strawberries are not overly juicy. You can also add a bit more cornstarch to the filling to thicken it.
• Danish burning: If the danishes are browning too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use all-butter puff pastry.
• Feel free to use other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced apples, instead of strawberries.
• You can also add a layer of almond cream or frangipane to the danishes for extra flavor and texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Strawberry Danishes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a special occasion dessert.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~300
• Fat: ~20g
• Cholesterol: ~50mg
• Sodium: ~200mg
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Protein: ~5g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Strawberry Danish

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Yields: 12 danishes

Q: Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of puff pastry?

A: While puff pastry is preferred for its flaky texture, you can use store-bought pie dough in a pinch.

Q: Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can bake the danishes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I freeze these danishes?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked danishes. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.