Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese

Introduction

Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where fresh strawberries meet creamy cheese in a heavenly marriage of flavors and textures. A Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese is a true sweet indulgence that combines the buttery richness of a Danish pastry with the tangy sweetness of ripe strawberries and the luxurious creaminess of cream cheese.

This delectable treat has its roots in traditional Danish pastry recipes, known for their light, flaky layers and delicious fillings. What sets this recipe apart is the luscious combination of juicy strawberries and velvety cream cheese, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely breakfast, a special brunch, or a delightful dessert.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (270g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (120ml)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (57g)
• 1 large egg

For the Filling

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (150g)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (226g)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then let it rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. For the filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the sliced strawberries gently.
5. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling on top and roll it up tightly.
6. Cut the roll into slices and place them on a baking sheet. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. While the pastries bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries and serve.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Serving Size: 8 pastries
Yield: 8 servings
Difficulty: Medium

Tips & Variations

• For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
• Ensure the dough is rolled out to an even thickness for consistent baking.
• Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispness.

Nutritional Information

Estimated Per Serving:
Calories: 380
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe for this scrumptious Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese, it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful pastry experience. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to a meal, these pastries are sure to impress. Get creative with the fillings and make this recipe your own!

Pair these pastries with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist. Share your baking adventures and creations with us in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear how this recipe brightens your day!