Strawberry Danish
INGREDIENTS:
Strawberries
* 4 cups sliced strawberries
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
* 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
* ½ cup (60 g) 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
What to do:
* Make sure to pull the puff pastry to thaw at room temperature for about 30 - 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 F(204 C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
* Add the cleaned and sliced strawberries, sugar and cornstarch to a mixing bowl. Mix all the ingredients to ensure all the strawberries are well coated. Allow the berries to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
4 cups sliced strawberries, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon sugar
* In another mixing bowl, mix the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed.
* Unfold one sheet of puff pastry to form a square. Cut the puff pastry along the folded lines. Cut each of the long rectangles in half in the center to form two smaller rectangles of puff pastry. There should be six smaller rectangles total.
With a small pairing knife, score or gently cut into the dough, but not all the way through a boarder about ¼ inch from the edges of the puff pastry rectangle.
* Smooth 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of cream cheese filling into the center of the puff pastry. Stay inside the borders of the smaller rectangle.
* Decoratively layer the fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling. Lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with the lightly beaten egg. Sprinkle the entire danish with sugar if you like.
* If the puff pastry has gotten a bit warm or sticky, transfer the baking sheet with the prepped strawberry danishes into the fridge to chill for 15 - 20 minutes. Chilling helps the puff pastry dough puff up really beautifully.
* Bake the strawberry cream cheese danish for 20 -25 minutes or until the pastries are a light golden brown color.
Dust with powder sugar and enjoy!
Strawberry Danish is a popular pastry that blends the tartness of fresh strawberries with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, all enveloped in a flaky puff pastry. This delectable dessert is not only visually appealing but also a delight for the taste buds. To achieve the best results, it’s vital to allow the puff pastry to thaw adequately; this ensures it puffs up beautifully when baked. The versatility of Strawberry Danish allows it to be customized with various fruits and fillings according to your preferences. You can substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or even apples for a different flavor experience. To enhance the flavor further, consider adding a dash of lemon juice to the strawberries during preparation; it brightens the taste and adds a delightful acidity that balances the sweetness. For a golden color and extra shine, brushing the pastry edges with an egg wash before baking is essential. If you're looking to impress at a gathering or enjoy a sweet treat at home, this Strawberry Danish recipe is ideal. Serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon snack. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe will surely be a hit!
