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Gluten-Free Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes

A close-up of a single, golden-brown Gluten-Free Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish topped with white cream cheese and bright red strawberry jam.
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Follow this recipe to make flaky, bakery-style gluten-free strawberry cream cheese danishes using a simple puff pastry method and a rich cream cheese filling.

Ingredients

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  • 1 package (14.1 ounces) store-bought gluten-free puff pastry, thawed
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup strawberry preserves or thick strawberry jam
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the pastry: Unroll the thawed gluten-free puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. If using a block, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares (you should have 12 squares total).
  3. Shape the danishes: Place the squares on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Using a small knife, score a border about 1/2 inch from the edge of each square, being careful not to cut all the way through. This helps the edges puff up.
  4. Fill the danishes: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored border of each square. Top the cream cheese with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry preserves over the center.
  5. Chill the pastries: Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up the dough before baking. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  6. Bake: Brush the edges (the border) of each danish lightly with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
  7. Cool: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make the glaze (optional): Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or water until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danishes.

Notes

  • Use a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry designed for baking; these often work better than standard GF pie crust dough for achieving layers.
  • If your cream cheese filling seems too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before filling the pastries.
  • For a brighter strawberry flavor, you can gently warm the preserves slightly before spooning them onto the cream cheese.
  • These danishes freeze well once baked and cooled; store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly in a toaster oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/gluten-free-strawberry-cream-cheese-danishes/