Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe – Easy Puff Pastry Braid

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe – Easy Puff Pastry Braid

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a recipe that’s impressive and surprisingly easy. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry is exactly that! I first made this for a little brunch with my girlfriends, and it was a total hit. The flaky pastry, sweet cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries… honestly, it’s a little slice of heaven. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It uses store-bought puff pastry, which cuts down on a ton of time and effort. It’s perfect for a weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or just when you need a little something sweet. Plus, the beautiful braided design looks way more complicated than it actually is!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful Danish:

• 250g (about 1 sheet) frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
• 120g cream cheese or quark cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
• 12-14 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• Pearl sugar, for garnish
• 1 egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Puff Pastry: Types & Thawing

You can usually find puff pastry in the freezer section of most supermarkets. I prefer all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and flakiness, but any kind will work. Remember to thaw it according to the package directions – usually about 30-40 minutes at room temperature. Don’t rush this step!

Cream Cheese vs. Quark Cheese: Understanding the Difference

Traditionally, Quark cheese is used in Danish pastries. It’s a little less tangy and has a slightly drier texture than cream cheese. If you can find it, great! But honestly, regular cream cheese works beautifully and is much easier to find. Just make sure it’s at room temperature so it mixes smoothly.

Strawberry Selection: Choosing the Best Flavor

The star of the show! Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor. Local, in-season berries are always a good idea if you can get them. Don’t worry about perfectly shaped berries – they’ll all taste delicious.

Pearl Sugar: What is it and where to find it?

Pearl sugar adds a lovely crunch and sweetness. You can find it at specialty baking stores or online. If you can’t find it, coarse sugar will work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same texture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Gently roll out your thawed puff pastry into a 14×12-inch rectangle.
3. Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet. Now, using a knife or pizza cutter, cut 1-inch diagonal slits along both long sides of the pastry, leaving the center intact. These slits are key for that beautiful braided look!
4. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and strawberry jam until everything is smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the pastry, leaving about an inch of space on either side.
6. Arrange the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer. Don’t be shy – pile them on!
7. Now for the braid! Fold the top and bottom edges of the pastry over the filling, alternating diagonal strips over the filling, creating a woven pattern.
8. Brush the entire pastry with egg wash. This gives it a gorgeous golden color.
9. Sprinkle generously with pearl sugar.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
11. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving the Perfect Braid

Don’t stress about making the braid perfect! It’s supposed to look a little rustic. Just alternate folding the strips over, and it will come together beautifully.

Preventing a Soggy Bottom

Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and bake the Danish on the middle rack. The parchment paper helps, too!

Working with Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is all about keeping things cold. If it gets too warm, it will become sticky and difficult to work with. If this happens, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Strawberry Danish (Dairy-Free Options)

Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and a plant-based puff pastry. It’s surprisingly easy to make a delicious vegan version!

Gluten-Free Strawberry Danish (Puff Pastry Alternatives)

Finding a good gluten-free puff pastry can be tricky. You can try making your own using a gluten-free flour blend, or use a different pastry base altogether, like a shortcrust pastry.

Spice Level Variation (Adding a Hint of Cinnamon)

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, cozy flavor. My grandma always did this, and it’s so good!

Festival Adaptations (Valentine’s Day, Spring Celebrations)

Cut the pastry into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day, or arrange the strawberries in a floral pattern for a spring celebration.

Serving Suggestions

This Danish is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a cup of tea or coffee. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar are also lovely additions.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Danish can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will still be tasty the next day.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I make the pastry dough from scratch?

Absolutely! But it’s a bit time-consuming. If you’re up for the challenge, there are plenty of puff pastry recipes online.

Can I use other types of jam besides strawberry?

Definitely! Raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam would be delicious.

How can I prevent the pastry from puffing up too much?

Docking the pastry (poking it all over with a fork) before baking can help prevent it from puffing up too much.

Can this Danish be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the Danish ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Danish?

Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp it up, or enjoy it cold!

Enjoy your baking, and let me know how it turns out! I hope this Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish brings a little sweetness to your day.