Strawberry Cream Danish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Danish Dough
01 -
1/4 cup warm water
02 -
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
03 -
1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
04 -
1 large egg, at room temperature
05 -
1/4 cup sugar
06 -
1 teaspoon salt
07 -
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
08 -
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold
→ For the Strawberry Cream Filling
09 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 -
1/4 cup sugar
11 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 -
Fresh strawberries, sliced for topping
→ For the Glaze (Optional)
13 -
1 cup powdered sugar
14 -
2 tablespoons milk or water
15 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Instructions:
01 -
Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
02 -
In a large bowl, mix the frothy yeast mixture with milk, egg, sugar, salt, and half the flour until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour and mix until a dough forms.
03 -
Work the cold butter into the dough, then fold and turn the dough several times to create layers. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
04 -
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or by hand.
05 -
Place the heart-shaped dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise in a warm place until slightly puffy, about 30 minutes.
06 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
07 -
Mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. You can either stir in chopped strawberries at this point or save them for topping after baking (for a whiter filling).
08 -
Spoon a small amount of the strawberry cream filling into the center of each heart-shaped dough piece. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the danishes are golden brown.
09 -
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth.
10 -
Allow the danishes to cool slightly, then drizzle with the glaze if using. Top with fresh strawberry slices if you didn't mix them into the filling earlier.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure the butter is well-chilled before incorporating it into the dough for flakier layers
02 -
Allow the danishes to cool slightly before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting
03 -
You can experiment with the thickness of the dough to find your preferred balance of filling to pastry