Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet (approx. 250g) high-quality puff pastry, thawed but chilled
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp coarse sanding sugar
  • 4 oz (115g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla bean paste
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the sliced berries with 1 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp cornstarch. Wait until the sugar barely starts to glisten.
  3. Mix the softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, vanilla paste, and lemon zest. Whisk until it looks velvety and smooth.
  4. Unroll the chilled dough and cut into 8 equal rectangles.
  5. Use a knife to lightly mark a rectangle 1/2 inch from the edge. Do not cut all the way through.
  6. Prick the inner rectangle with a fork several times.
  7. Spread a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored lines.
  8. Arrange the strawberry slices over the cheese. Don't overcrowd or they will steam instead of roast.
  9. Whisk the egg and water, then paint the borders. Sprinkle with sanding sugar for extra texture.
  10. Bake now. Slide into the oven for 18 minutes until the edges are puffed and deeply golden.
  11. Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a glaze; drizzle over the slightly cooled danishes before serving.