Name: Quick & Easy Strawberry Danish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: European-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 package puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup strawberry jam or 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (diced); 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)

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Quick & easy strawberry Danish is one of my favorite go-to treats when I want something flaky, fruity, and lightly sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with store-bought puff pastry and a simple strawberry filling, these pastries bake up golden and buttery with a bright berry center and a sweet glaze on top. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a last-minute dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe gives me bakery-style results with minimal effort. The puff pastry does all the hard work, and the strawberry filling comes together fast using either fresh or jammy strawberries. The end result is a beautiful, flaky pastry with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s perfect for when I need something impressive in a hurry. 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 if frozen)
Cream cheese (softened)
Sugar
Vanilla extract
Strawberry jam or fresh strawberries (diced)
Egg (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar
Milk or cream (for glaze)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut it into squares (about 4 inches each).
In a bowl, I mix the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
I spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
I top it with a dollop of strawberry jam or a few diced strawberries.
I fold the corners inward or shape the dough as desired (square, twist, or pinwheel style).
I brush the edges with egg wash for a golden finish.
I bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
While they cool slightly, I whisk powdered sugar with a bit of milk to make a glaze and drizzle it over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 pastries. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 15–18 minutes to bake, so I usually have them ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap in raspberry or blueberry jam, or use a mix of berries for a colorful twist. I’ve also added a little lemon zest to the cream cheese for extra brightness. If I want a richer pastry, I drizzle them with white chocolate or almond glaze instead of the basic sugar glaze.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes to refresh the texture. I avoid the microwave, as it softens the pastry. Quick & Easy Strawberry Danish

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, I’ve used frozen strawberries in a quick homemade compote—just cook them down with a little sugar and cornstarch until thickened.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

No, I’ve skipped it before and just used jam—it still turns out great. But the cream cheese adds a nice tang and creaminess.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I assemble them and store them in the fridge (unbaked) for a few hours. Then I bake them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

I avoid overfilling with jam and make sure the filling is thick. I also bake them until deeply golden to keep the bottoms crisp.

What type of puff pastry should I use?

I use store-bought frozen puff pastry (thawed), usually the kind that comes folded in sheets. It saves time and bakes up beautifully.

Conclusion

Quick & easy strawberry Danish is one of those simple recipes that makes any morning or gathering feel special. With buttery puff pastry, sweet strawberries, and creamy filling, it’s a treat I can pull off anytime I need something fast, fresh, and delicious. Whether for brunch, dessert, or a snack, these little pastries always impress.