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Flaky Strawberry Cream Danish

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

Start with flaky danish dough, form hearts, add cream cheese and strawberry filling, bake till golden, and drizzle with icing for a dreamy breakfast option.
Hannah Author
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:17:36 GMT
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These heart-shaped strawberry cream danishes hold a cherished place in my family's recipe collection. Originally perfected in my grandmother's kitchen during Valentine's season, they've evolved into a beloved tradition that brings joy whether served for special occasions or simple weekend mornings.

These pastries consistently impress at brunches and gatherings. Their professional appearance belies how approachable they are to make, even for novice bakers. The simple techniques produce bakery-worthy results that never fail to gather compliments.

Essential Ingredients

  • Active dry yeast: Fresh yeast ensures proper dough rise and texture
  • Unsalted butter: Keep very cold for creating flaky pastry layers
  • Block cream cheese: Full-fat provides the richest, most stable filling
  • Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe berries for optimal sweetness
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances both filling and glaze flavors
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Pastry Preparation

Yeast Preparation
Combine yeast with lukewarm water between 105-110°F. Allow mixture to foam and develop a bread-like aroma, approximately 5-10 minutes. Proper activation temperature ensures optimal dough rise.
Creating the Dough
Combine activated yeast with room temperature milk, egg, sugar and salt. Incorporate flour gradually, mixing until smooth. Knead briefly until dough forms a soft, cohesive ball.
Lamination Process
Layer thin slices of cold butter over two-thirds of rolled dough. Create layers through a series of folds and rolls, chilling between each turn. This builds the characteristic flaky texture.
Shaping
Roll chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut heart shapes using template or cutter. Place on lined baking sheets, allowing space for expansion.
Filling Components
Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Create a well in each pastry center before filling. Top with arranged fresh strawberry slices.
Final Assembly
Add cream cheese mixture and berries to shaped dough. Brush edges with egg wash for professional shine. Allow brief rise before baking until golden.

These pastries adapt beautifully to creative variations. The basic technique remains consistent while allowing for seasonal fruit substitutions and filling adjustments to suit different occasions.

Serving Suggestions

Complement these danishes with freshly brewed coffee or tea. For an elegant brunch spread, serve alongside savory egg dishes and fresh fruit. They can also transform into an elevated dessert when warmed and paired with premium vanilla ice cream.

Alternative Variations

Adapt the recipe using blueberries, raspberries or seasonal stone fruits. For enhanced complexity, layer almond paste under the cream cheese filling. An autumn version featuring spiced apples and caramel drizzle offers a seasonal twist on the classic.

Storage Guidelines

Enjoy danishes fresh within 24 hours for optimal texture. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to two days, reheating briefly at 300°F to restore crispness. Unfinished dough freezes well for up to one month when properly wrapped.

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Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe | recipesbyhannah.com

This recipe combines traditional Danish pastry techniques with approachable methods suitable for home bakers. While achieving perfect results may take practice, even early attempts produce delicious pastries that capture the essence of homemade comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it possible to prepare the dough in advance?
Sure! You can keep the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for a month and use it when you’re ready.
→ What if I don’t have a cutter for heart shapes?
No cutter? No problem! Cut hearts out by tracing a paper template, or shape the dough into circles or squares instead.
→ Can I swap strawberries for another fruit?
Of course! Blueberries, peaches, apples, or raspberries work great—just make sure to dice larger fruits for an even spread.
→ Why didn’t my pastry turn out flaky?
Keep the butter nice and cold as you work. If it starts to soften up, pop the dough back into the fridge before continuing.
→ Can I use ready-made puff pastry instead?
Totally! Puff pastry or crescent roll dough makes a fast substitute. The texture will be a little different, but still yummy!

Strawberry Cream Treats

Buttery layers paired with creamy cheese and fresh strawberries make these heart-shaped pastries perfect for a romantic dessert or an indulgent breakfast treat.

Prep Time
180 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
200 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Danish

Yield: 12 Servings (12 danishes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Danish Dough

01 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter
02 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
03 1 teaspoon salt
04 1/4 cup sugar
05 1/4 cup warm water
06 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
07 1 large egg, room temperature
08 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

→ For the Strawberry Cream Filling

09 1/4 cup sugar
10 8 ounces softened cream cheese
11 Fresh strawberries, thinly sliced for garnish
12 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For the Glaze (Optional)

13 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 2 tablespoons milk or water
15 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Pour the warm water into a bowl, then sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly.

Step 02

In a big mixing bowl, stir the frothy yeast with milk, an egg, sugar, salt, and half the flour. Keep mixing until smooth, then slowly add the remaining flour until a dough forms.

Step 03

Cut the cold butter into the dough. Fold and turn the dough a few times to build those buttery layers. Pop it into the fridge to chill for at least an hour.

Step 04

Dust a surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch. Use a heart-shaped cutter (or shape them yourself) to cut the dough.

Step 05

Move the heart-shaped dough pieces to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them in a warm spot and let them rise for about 30 minutes until they look a bit puffier.

Step 06

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 07

Combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir in some chopped strawberries now if you like, or save them for decorating after baking.

Step 08

Drop a spoonful of the strawberry cream mixture into the center of each piece of dough. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 09

Mix the powdered sugar, your choice of milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 10

Let the danishes cool a little. If you’re using the glaze, drizzle it on top, then finish with fresh strawberry slices if you didn’t mix them into the filling earlier.

Notes

  1. Keep the butter chilled before working it into the dough for a flakier texture.
  2. Allow the danishes to cool down somewhat before glazing to keep the glaze from melting away.
  3. Try varying the dough thickness to find the perfect mix of filling and pastry that you like most.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Heart cookie cutter (optional)
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy products like milk, butter, and cream cheese.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Made with gluten-containing flour.