Okay, let’s talk about one of the easiest ways to feel like a pastry chef without breaking a sweat: these Easy Strawberry Danishes. Flaky, golden puff pastry? Check. Creamy vanilla filling? Check. Sweet, jammy strawberry goodness on top? Triple check. It’s basically your favorite bakery treat but made in your own kitchen, and honestly? They taste even better when you’re the one baking 'em up - especially if it’s for your grandbabies.
These are one of my absolute favorite things to whip up for my littles. There's something so special about making something homemade and fresh just for them. Watching their little eyes light up when they see that drizzle of glaze… it’s the stuff core memories are made of! Bonus points if they get a little powdered sugar mustache afterward.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a tea party for the grandkids, or just need a quick dessert fix on a Tuesday morning, these strawberry danishes deliver every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (I used the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets – a classic!)
- ⅔ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 egg, beaten (for that gorgeous golden crust)
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Tools & Kitchen Gear:
Keep it simple - you’ll need:
- Measuring cups + spoons
- 2 small bowls
- Baking sheet + parchment paper
- Butter knife
- Spoon + fork
- Pastry brush
Let’s Get Baking!
1. Preheat & prep.
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the filling.
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Try not to eat it by the spoonful (but no judgment if you do!)
3. Cut the puff pastry.
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each one into thirds, then cut those in half so you end up with 12 rectangles total. Arrange them on your baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
4. Score the edges.
Use a butter knife to lightly score a border about ¼–½ inch from the edge around each rectangle. Don’t cut all the way through - just enough to help the edges puff up like a fancy frame.
5. Fill ‘em up!
Spoon a little of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square and spread it within the scored border. Top with a spoonful of strawberry jam or preserves.
6. Brush & bake.
Beat your egg in a small bowl, then brush the outer edges of each pastry with egg wash. This helps them get that dreamy, golden-brown crust! Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes until puffed and lightly browned.
7. Glaze & serve.
While those beauties bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Once the danishes are cool enough to handle (but still warm - hello, perfect timing!), drizzle the glaze over each one like the pastry artist you are.
8. Enjoy with love!
Serve fresh and warm to your grandkids, your family, or just yourself with a cup of coffee. They’re flaky, creamy, fruity heaven in every bite.
Tara’s Tips & Sweet Twists:
- Make 'em mini! Want bite-sized versions for smaller hands? Cut the pastry into smaller squares and reduce the bake time slightly!
- Switch up the jam. Not a strawberry fan? Try raspberry, blueberry, or even peach preserves for a fun twist.
- Add fresh fruit. If you’ve got fresh strawberries on hand, throw a slice or two on top of the jam before baking!
- Extra flaky hack: Chill the danishes in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help that puff pastry do its thing.
Bakery-Style Strawberry Danishes
These Easy Strawberry Danishes are flaky, golden, and filled with creamy vanilla goodness and sweet strawberry jam!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 sheets of puff pastry. Thawed
- ⅔ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 egg, beaten
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon mil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Set aside.
- Cut each pastry sheet into thirds, then in half, so you will have a total of 12 rectangles. Arrange on the baking sheet, but make sure they are not touching. Now use the butterknife to make a score mark ¼-½ inch from the edge, around the entire pastry.
- Fill the center with the cream cheese mixture, then top with the strawberry jam.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl, then use a pastry brush to brush the edges of each pastry with the egg.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden.
- Mix the powdered sugar and milk together, then drizzle over the pastries.
These danishes are everything I love about baking - easy, cozy, nostalgic, and made with love. And when you see your grandkids take that first bite with a powdered sugar smile? Total heart-melter. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make memories - they happen right here, one flaky, gooey, strawberry-filled pastry at a time.
Here are some more great recipes you might love:
- Easy 4 Ingredient Sweet Strawberry Fudge
- Dip Into Dessert Bliss: Easy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake Dream
- Add A Fun Surprise To Your Strawberry Cupcakes
