1-First step: Prepare the dough the day before Start by making your Danish pastry dough and letting it rest for at least 8 to 10 hours, or overnight. This resting time matters because it helps the dough develop the texture that makes a Strawberry Danish Recipe taste bakery-style. If you are using frozen puff pastry, thaw it according to the package directions instead.

2-Second step: Preheat the oven and line the trays Set your oven to 200C/395F/180C fan-forced. Line baking trays with parchment paper so the pastries do not stick. This also helps with easy cleanup later, which is a nice bonus when you are baking for a crowd.

3-Third step: Roll and cut the dough On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 30 x 40 cm. Trim the edges so the pieces bake evenly. Cut the dough into either 12 squares of about 10 cm for larger pastries or 20 squares of about 8 cm for smaller pastries. For a recipe like this Strawberry Danish Recipe, smaller squares are great when you want a brunch table with lots of variety.

4-Fourth step: Shape the pastries Place the squares on the baking trays. Dab a little water in the center of each square, then fold each corner toward the center and press down to form a dent. This creates a little well for the filling. Let the shaped dough rest for 10 to 15 minutes before filling it.

5-Fifth step: Mix the cream cheese filling Beat the softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar, 2 teaspoons milk, and the zest of half a small lemon until smooth. The mixture should be soft and spreadable. If you like a sweeter Danish, you can keep the filling as written, but do not overload it or the pastries may leak while baking.

6-Sixth step: Add the jam and cream cheese mixture Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoon strawberry jam into the dent of each pastry and press it in slightly. Then top it with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture. Spread the edges a little so the jam stays covered. This gives the pastry a neat look and helps the filling stay in place.

7-Seventh step: Add the strawberries and finish the tops Scatter the chopped fresh strawberries over each pastry. Then brush the exposed dough with the egg yolk and water mixture. Finish with a light sprinkle of demerara sugar for a little crunch and shine. The egg wash is what gives this Strawberry Danish Recipe its golden bakery-style crust.

8-Eighth step: Bake until golden Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning the trays halfway through so the pastries brown evenly. Watch the bottoms closely, especially if your oven runs hot. If needed, move the trays to a center or higher rack to help prevent overbrowning. The pastries are ready when they look puffed, golden, and lightly crisp around the edges.

9-Ninth step: Cool and serve Let the danishes cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best when warm, but they still taste wonderful at room temperature. Serve them on a brunch platter, add them to a breakfast buffet, or pack them for a sweet snack later in the day.