Strawberry Danish

There's something undeniably enchanting about homemade pastries that can transform a simple gathering into a memorable experience. The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the anticipation of biting into a flaky, warm treat, and the delightful blend of flavors all contribute to the allure of baking at home. Among the myriad of pastry options available, Heavenly Strawberry Danish Delights stand out for their exquisite combination of textures and tastes.

Discover the joy of homemade pastries with Heavenly Strawberry Danish Delights. This delightful recipe features flaky, buttery dough filled with a luscious strawberry mixture, topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for brunch or afternoon tea, these treats capture the essence of summer with fresh strawberries. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create these scrumptious pastries in your own kitchen, adding a touch of bakery magic to your table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible sweet delights!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Danish Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon instant yeast

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Egg Wash:

1 large egg

1 tablespoon water

--

Instructions

Prepare the Danish Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast until well combined.

- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour this mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow it to firm up.

Make the Strawberry Filling:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the strawberries are softened and the mixture thickens.

- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the filling to cool to room temperature while preparing the dough.

Roll Out the Dough:

- After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

- Fold the dough into thirds (like a letter), wrap it again in plastic, and chill for an additional 30 minutes to maintain its flakiness.

Shape the Danishes:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

- Once chilled again, roll the dough into a rectangle one more time, and then cut it into squares of about 4x4 inches.

- For each square, make two diagonal cuts from each corner toward the center, but be careful not to cut all the way through. In the center of each square, place a generous spoonful of the cooled strawberry filling.

- Gently fold the corners of each square towards the center and pinch to seal them together. Arrange the shaped danishes on the prepared baking sheet.

Egg Wash:

- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until combined. Brush the egg wash generously over the tops of each shaped danish to give them a beautiful golden finish when baked.

Bake:

- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the danishes are golden brown and puffed up. Once baked, remove them from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and the glaze reaches a nice drizzling consistency.

Glaze and Serve:

- Once the danishes are slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over each one. Serve warm or at room temperature and indulge in these delightful strawberry treats!

---

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the danishes on a beautiful serving platter and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for an appealing touch. Enjoy!