Strawberry Danish: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Strawberry Danish, oh, where do I even begin? Imagine biting into a flaky, golden pastry, the delicate layers shattering to reveal a creamy, sweet cheese filling, all topped with glistening, ruby-red strawberries. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that dances on your tongue, a perfect balance of sweet and tart that’s simply irresistible. This isn’t just a pastry; it’s an experience!

The history of the Danish pastry, or “wienerbrød” as it’s known in Denmark, is surprisingly Viennese! Bakers from Austria brought their techniques to Denmark in the mid-19th century, and the Danes, ever the culinary innovators, adapted and perfected the recipe into the delectable treat we know and love today. While the original may not have featured strawberries specifically, the addition of fresh, seasonal fruit has elevated the Strawberry Danish to a springtime and summertime staple.

But why do people adore this particular pastry so much? Beyond the obvious visual appeal – those vibrant strawberries are undeniably enticing – it’s the combination of textures that truly captivates. The crisp, buttery layers of the pastry contrast beautifully with the smooth, rich cheese filling. And of course, the juicy sweetness of the strawberries adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or as a delightful afternoon treat, the Strawberry Danish is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Join me as we explore how to make this delightful pastry at home!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) lukewarm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lukewarm water (about 110°F)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, very cold
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• For the Strawberry Filling:
• 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk, or more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Making the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk and water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Incorporate the Butter: This is the key to flaky Danish! Cut the very cold butter into small cubes. Add the butter to the dough, a few cubes at a time, and use your hands or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dough. You want to leave some visible pieces of butter – about the size of peas. Don’t overmix! The goal is to create layers of butter within the dough.
5. Form the Dough: Gently bring the dough together into a rough ball. It will be shaggy and not perfectly smooth, and that’s okay.
6. First Refrigeration: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making it easier to roll out.

Preparing the Fillings:

1. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Incorporate Flour: Stir in the flour until just combined. Set aside.
4. Make the Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
5. Cook the Strawberries: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the strawberry mixture and stir constantly until the filling thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Cool the Filling: Remove from heat and let the strawberry filling cool completely. This is important to prevent it from melting the cream cheese filling when assembling the Danishes.

Assembling and Baking the Danishes:

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. First Fold: Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. This creates layers of butter and dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. This step is crucial for creating flaky layers.
3. Second Roll and Fold: Repeat the rolling and folding process. Roll the dough out again into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Fold it into thirds, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
4. Final Roll: Roll the dough out one last time into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
5. Cut into Squares or Rectangles: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 12 equal squares or rectangles.
6. Add Fillings: Place the dough squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the center of each square, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with a spoonful of the cooled strawberry filling.
7. Fold the Corners (Optional): For a classic Danish look, you can fold two opposite corners of each square towards the center, slightly overlapping the filling. Pinch the corners together to secure them. Alternatively, you can leave the squares open.
8. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the edges of the Danishes with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Danishes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is set. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
10. Cool: Remove the Danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

1. Combine Ingredients: While the Danishes are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the Danishes but thin enough to drizzle.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the Danishes are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more precise application.
3. Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. These Strawberry Danishes are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for Success:

• Keep the Butter Cold: This is the most important tip for flaky Danish pastries. The cold butter creates layers of steam as it bakes, resulting in a light and airy texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the dough tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making it easier to roll out and preventing the butter from melting.
• Use a Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: This will help you cut the dough cleanly without tearing it.
• Don’t Overfill the Danishes: Overfilling can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Adjust Baking Time as Needed: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the Danishes and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the Danishes.

Variations:

• Other Fruits: Feel free to substitute other fruits for the strawberries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
• Different Fillings: You can also try different fillings, such as almond paste, chocolate, or lemon curd.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Strawberry Danish recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that because I created it. The flaky, buttery pastry combined with the sweet and slightly tart strawberry filling is a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). It’s the perfect treat for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or simply when you need a little something to brighten your day. Trust me, the effort is absolutely worth the reward. Why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is surprisingly adaptable. While I’ve shared my go-to method, feel free to experiment! For a richer flavor, try using a high-quality European-style butter in the pastry. It makes a noticeable difference! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own puff pastry from scratch, although store-bought puff pastry works perfectly well for a quick and easy version. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions. These Strawberry Danishes are delicious served warm, straight from the oven, with a dusting of powdered sugar. But they’re also fantastic at room temperature, making them ideal for picnics or potlucks. For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts would also be a delightful addition. Looking for variations? Absolutely! If strawberries aren’t your thing (though I can’t imagine why!), you can easily substitute them with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even a combination of mixed berries would work beautifully. You could also try using a different type of filling altogether, such as a cream cheese filling or an almond paste filling. Get creative and have fun with it! And speaking of fun, don’t be afraid to get the whole family involved in making these danishes. It’s a great activity to do together, and everyone will enjoy the delicious results. Even the little ones can help with tasks like washing the strawberries or sprinkling the powdered sugar. I truly believe that this Strawberry Danish recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a classic treat with a homemade touch that’s sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delectable danishes. I promise you won’t regret it! And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I love hearing from my readers and seeing your creations. Sharing your experiences helps others who are trying the recipe for the first time, and it also gives me valuable feedback so I can continue to improve my recipes. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Strawberry Danishes! I can’t wait to hear all about your baking adventures. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I’d love to see your creations!

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