Description
This Easy Gluten-Free Strawberry Danish recipe offers a delicious, flaky pastry filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and fresh strawberries. Perfect for a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, this recipe uses a gluten-free pie crust mix and simple ingredients to create charming heart-shaped danishes that are golden baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 14 oz gluten free pie crust mix
- 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup ice water
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups sliced strawberries
Finishing
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- Optional: turbinado sugar for sprinkling
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten free pie crust mix and cold cubed butter. Mix the ingredients with your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add Ice Water to Form Dough: Gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until the dough forms and holds together when squeezed.
- Roll and Chill Dough: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper and fold it several times to form a mound. Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place the dough in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling and Strawberries: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Slice the strawberries and set aside.
- Cut Dough into Hearts: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove chilled dough from freezer, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. Place each heart on the prepared baking sheet. Refold and re-roll scrap dough as needed to cut more hearts.
- Add Filling and Strawberries: Spread about one teaspoon of cream cheese mixture onto the center of each heart, then top with 2 to 3 slices of fresh strawberries.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the exposed edges of the dough with the whisked egg to create a golden finish. Optionally sprinkle turbinado sugar over the hearts. Bake in the preheated oven for 24 to 26 minutes or until the danishes are golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the danishes cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the ice water quantity as needed to ensure the dough holds together without being too wet.
- Using cold butter helps create a flaky crust.
- You can substitute the heart-shaped cookie cutter with any shape of your choice.
- For an extra sparkling finish, use turbinado sugar but it's optional.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and spreading.
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
