- Prepare cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
- Roll out Danish dough into a 12-inch square on a floured surface. Cut into 4-inch squares.
- For pinwheels: Cut corners of squares three-quarters of the way toward the center. Fold alternate points inward, press to seal, and fill the center with fruit spread.
- For squares: Fold each corner to the middle, press lightly, fill, and let proof.
- For vol-au-vents: Fold squares diagonally into triangles, cut strips along the edges, unfold, and fold the strips to opposite sides to form borders. Then fill with cream cheese and fruit spread.
- Let pastries proof for 20-25 minutes, or until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brush pastries with beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve fresh or store wrapped in plastic wrap/freezer.
- Calories:350 kcal25%
- Energy:1464 kJ22%
- Protein:4 g28%
- Carbohydrates:35 mg40%
- Sugar:20 mg8%
- Salt:150 g25%
- Fat:20 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Strawberry Jalapeño Danish Pastries – Easy Cream Cheese Recipe
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. These Strawberry Jalapeño Danish Pastries are a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and totally addictive. I first made these for a potluck with friends, and they were gone in minutes! The unexpected kick from the jalapeño with the sweet strawberry is just… chef’s kiss. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your average pastries. The flaky Danish dough combined with the creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese filling and the vibrant strawberry-jalapeño jam is a flavor explosion. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just when you need a little something to brighten your day. Plus, they look beautiful!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful pastries:
- 1 recipe Danish Dough (about 300-400g)
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- Strawberry Jalapeno fruit spread (about 150-200g)
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30ml)
- Vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.
Danish Dough – Store-bought vs. Homemade Options
Using store-bought Danish dough is a huge time saver, and honestly, it turns out beautifully. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can definitely make your own, but it’s a bit of a project. I usually opt for store-bought when I’m short on time.
Strawberry Jalapeno Fruit Spread – Spice Level & Regional Variations
The star of the show! You can find Strawberry Jalapeno fruit spread in many specialty stores, or online. The spice level can vary, so taste it before you use it. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by adding finely minced jalapeño to strawberry jam – start with a small amount and add more to taste! In India, you might find similar sweet-spicy jam combinations using mango or guava.
Cream Cheese – Full Fat vs. Reduced Fat
Full-fat cream cheese really gives the filling that rich, luxurious texture. Reduced-fat will work in a pinch, but it won’t be quite as creamy. I recommend using the full-fat version for the best results.
Vanilla Extract – Pure vs. Imitation
Pure vanilla extract will always give you the best flavor. If you only have imitation vanilla, that’s okay, but try to use a good quality one. About 5ml of vanilla extract is perfect.
All-Purpose Flour – Best Types for Dusting
Any all-purpose flour will work for dusting, but I like to use unbleached flour. It just feels a little more natural.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking!
- First, let’s make that dreamy cream cheese filling. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set this aside – we’ll need it later.
- Lightly flour a clean surface. Gently roll out your Danish dough into a 12-inch (30cm) square. Then, cut it into 4-inch (10cm) squares.
- Now for the fun part – shaping the pastries! You have a few options:
- Pinwheels: Cut off the corners of each square, about three-quarters of the way to the center. Fold in alternate points, press to seal, and add a spoonful of the strawberry jalapeño spread in the middle.
- Squares: Fold each corner of the square towards the middle, pressing lightly. Add a dollop of the fruit spread in the center.
- Vol-au-vents: Fold each square diagonally into a triangle. Cut strips along the edges, unfold, and fold the strips to opposite sides to create a border. Fill with the cream cheese mixture and a little fruit spread.
- Place your shaped pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely and let them proof for 20-25 minutes, or until they’ve almost doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Gently brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden shine.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Expert Tips
A few little secrets to pastry perfection!
Achieving the Perfect Proof
The proofing stage is crucial! Make sure your pastries are in a warm, draft-free place. A slightly warm oven (turned off!) is perfect.
Preventing Soggy Bottoms
To prevent soggy bottoms, make sure your baking sheet is properly lined with parchment paper. Also, don’t overfill the pastries with the fruit spread.
Working with Danish Dough
Danish dough can be a little sticky. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of flour when rolling it out. And work quickly to keep it cool!
Adjusting Sweetness & Spice
Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling to your liking. And if you want more of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fruit spread!
Variations
Let’s get creative!
Vegan Strawberry Jalapeño Danish Pastries
Use vegan Danish dough, vegan cream cheese, and a plant-based heavy cream alternative.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Jalapeño Danish Pastries
Use a gluten-free Danish dough. There are some great options available now!
Spice Level Adjustments (Mild, Medium, Hot)
Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the fruit spread to control the spice level. My family loves a medium spice, but my friend Priya prefers it extra hot!
Festival Adaptations (Christmas, Diwali)
For Christmas, you could add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling. For Diwali, you could use mango jam instead of strawberry!
Serving Suggestions
These pastries are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of chai or coffee. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pastries wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to a month.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
What is the best way to prevent the Danish from becoming soggy?
Make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper and don’t overfill the pastries.
Can I make the Danish dough from scratch?
Yes, but it’s a bit time-consuming. Store-bought dough works great!
Can I use a different fruit spread instead of Strawberry Jalapeno?
Absolutely! Raspberry, apricot, or even mango would be delicious.
How can I adjust the spice level of the filling?
Add more or less jalapeño to the fruit spread.
How long can I store leftover Danish pastries?
Up to 2 days at room temperature, or a month in the freezer.
What is the best temperature to proof the Danish pastries?
A warm, draft-free place is best. Around 75-80°F (24-27°C) is ideal.
Neha Deshmukh
Neha holds a B.A. in History with a focus on Indian and world history, including ancient, medieval, and modern periods. At RecipesOfIndia.org — the world’s largest database of Indian recipes — she combines her love for food and history by exploring how India’s past has shaped its culinary traditions.
