Strawberry Danish with Cream Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 box puff pastry sheets, (each cut into 8 strips)
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, (each cut into 4 pieces)
• 1/8 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoon water
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. 2

   --- Strawberry Filling ---

3. 3

   In a small saucepan, add strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

4. 4

   Heat over medium heat until sauce begins to form, stirring frequently.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water together, then add to the strawberries. Stir until thickened then remove from heat and let cool.

6. 6

   Cut each pastry sheet into 8 strips.

7. 7

   Take two strips of puff pastry and pinch the ends together to create one long strip.

8. 8

   Twist the strip until it forms a braided piece.

9. 9

   Place one end of the long, twisted strip down onto the parchment paper and wrap the dough around it, starting in the center and creating a pinwheel base. Poke the center 4 to 5 times with a fork.

10. 10

    --- Cream Cheese Mixture ---

11. 11

    In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

12. 12

    Add egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Beat for 2 more minutes.

13. 13

    Add a heaping spoonful of cream cheese mixture to the cent of each pastry followed by a spoonful of strawberry filling.

14. 14

    --- Egg Wash ---

15. 15

    In a small bowl, whisk egg and water together until combined.

16. 16

    Brush easy pastry with egg wash.

17. 17

    Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

18. 18

    Remove from the oven and let cool.

19. 19

    --- Glaze Drizzle ---

20. 20

    Once the pastries have cooled, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice and vanilla together.

21. 21

    Drizzle each pastry with lemon glaze and enjoy.