Description
This Strawberry Danish recipe is a delightful combination of flaky, buttery pie crust filled with a creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese mixture topped with macerated frozen strawberries. Perfectly portioned and baked to golden brown, these Danish pastries offer a sweet and tangy treat that’s easy to make using store-bought pie crusts and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Pie Crust and Topping
- 2 premade pie crusts
- 1 ¼ cups frozen strawberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Cream Cheese Filling
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 tsp whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to the temperature indicated on the package of your store-bought pie crusts to ensure perfect baking.
- Prepare strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine frozen strawberries, half of the sugar (¼ cup), and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the strawberries to macerate and release their juices.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a separate medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip cream cheese, the remaining sugar (¼ cup), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare pie crusts: Roll out the pie crusts and cut into twelve 4x3 inch rectangles. On half of these rectangles, cut a smaller rectangle in the center to form a window piece. Pair each solid rectangle with a window piece to create the Danish bases.
- Assemble the Danishes: Spoon a portion of cream cheese filling onto each solid rectangle and then top with a spoonful of the strawberry mixture. Cover with the window piece and gently press edges together.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the edges of each Danish with the egg wash to help them brown nicely. Place the Danishes on a large baking sheet and bake for 11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Final touch and serve: When the Danishes come out of the oven, top them with extra strawberries from the mixture for a fresh look and added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use frozen strawberries as they macerate well and provide a juicy topping.
- Be careful when cutting the window pieces to avoid tearing the dough.
- Brush egg wash only on the edges to maintain a shiny finish without overwhelming the filling.
- Serve Danishes warm for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries when in season for a fresher taste.
