Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes

The Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that brings back fond memories of spring mornings spent in the kitchen, surrounded by the vibrant colors of fresh fruit and flowers. Back when I was living in Big Bear, I often found inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding me. The delicate tartness of the hibiscus flowers paired with sweet, juicy strawberries creates a refreshing flavor that reminds me of a warm sunny day. These danishes are not just a pastry; they are a celebration of spring, filled with the promise of new beginnings and delicious flavors. The moment you take a bite, the crispy puff pastry gives way to a creamy cheese filling, making it hard to resist returning for another. Each layer is crafted with love, allowing you to indulge while enjoying the beauty of nature right in your hands.

Shopping List for Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes

When preparing to make the Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes, it’s essential to gather quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each item plays a vital role in creating a delicious pastry that sings with flavor. From the hibiscus flowers to the cream cheese, every element contributes to the overall experience.

• 1/2 cup boiling water: This forms the base for the hibiscus tea.
• 1/3 cup dried hibiscus flowers: These add a unique tartness that shines through.
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled: Fresh strawberries are vital for that sweet, juicy filling.
• 1/2 cup sugar: This enhances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Pinch of salt: A little salt elevates all the flavors.
• Juice from 1/2 lime: This adds a zesty brightness to the mixture.
• 1 large egg: Essential for the cream cheese filling.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: This creates the rich filling.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: To sweeten the cream cheese mixture.
• 1/4 cup of jam: Adds a fruity layer and complement to the filling.
• Double batch of rough puff pastry: The flaky base for these danishes.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze over the danishes.
• Pinch of salt: Again, to balance the sweetness.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk: To achieve the desired glaze consistency.

Making Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes

Creating the Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes is an enjoyable experience that combines creativity with delicious results. Let’s dive into the steps and bring these delightful pastries to life!

1. Begin by preparing the hibiscus tea. In a measuring cup, stir together the boiling water and dried hibiscus flowers. Allow the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors infuse.

2. Once steeped, strain the mixture to remove the flowers and retain the vibrant tea. Now, take the strained hibiscus tea and add it to a blender with the hulled strawberries. Blend until smooth, creating a beautiful pink puree.

3. Transfer the strawberry mixture to a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add in the sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for foam, skimming it off occasionally to achieve a smooth texture.

4. After cooking, squeeze in the juice from half a lime to enhance the flavor. Transfer this delicious mixture to a jar and let it cool on the counter before moving it to the fridge.

5. While the strawberry mixture cools, let’s prepare the cream cheese filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the large egg, cream cheese, sugar, and jam until smooth. I found this task easiest with a stand mixer, but it can be done by hand as well!

6. Next, transfer the cream cheese filling to a piping bag. You won’t need to attach a tip, as the filling can easily flow from the bag.

7. Now, let’s work with the puff pastry. Liberally flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out squares of approximately 4 by 4 inches.

8. To create the danish shape, take one end of the square and fold it over to create a triangle. Slice two slits in the triangle, then gently unfold it. Fold one side over onto itself, then repeat with the other side.

9. Fill the center of the pastry with the cream cheese filling, adding a tiny dollop of extra jam on top. Repeat this process until all puff pastry squares are filled.

10. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Once filled, transfer the baking sheet of assembled danishes to the freezer for about 15 minutes to chill.

11. After chilling, bake the danishes for approximately 20 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them for that perfect color!

12. While the danishes cool, whisk together the glaze ingredients: powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over the danishes once cooled, if desired, and serve alongside a nice cup of coffee.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many ways to adapt the Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Storage: Keep leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled danishes before baking. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Variations: Try using different fruits like raspberries or blueberries to mix up the flavors.
• Glaze Options: For a citrus twist, add orange zest to the glaze for a zesty finish.
• Making it Vegan: Replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg for the filling.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these danishes with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

What Goes Well With This Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes

When serving the Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes, consider the following delightful accompaniments:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits will complement the sweetness of the danishes.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage enhances the experience, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweet pastries.
• Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses that can balance the sweetness of the danishes.
• Light Salad: A simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette can serve as a delightful contrast.
• Occasions: These danishes are perfect for spring brunches, afternoon teas, or festive gatherings!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes are not just pastries; they encapsulate the essence of spring with their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. This recipe is an invitation to create something beautiful and delicious in your kitchen. I encourage you to try making these delightful treats and share them with your loved ones. You’ll find that each bite brings joy and a little taste of spring!

Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes

The ultimate springtime treat, the Hibiscus Strawberry Cheese Danishes bring together vibrant flavors of hibiscus and strawberries wrapped in flaky pastry. These delightful pastries are perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon snack. Make them today and indulge in the deliciousness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 danishes

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Blender
• medium pot
• Large bowl
• Piping Bag
• Rolling Pin
• chef knife
• Sheet pan lined with parchment paper

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/3 cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled you can use frozen, too!
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Pinch salt
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• 1 large egg
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup jam
• Double batch rough puff pastry
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Pinch salt
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

 

• In a measuring cup, stir together the boiling water and dried hibiscus flowers. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain.
• In a blender, combine the hibiscus tea with the strawberries. Blend until smooth.
• In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring the strawberry mixture, sugar, and salt to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, skimming off the foam every now and then.
• Squeeze in the juice from the lime and transfer to a jar and cool on the counter. Store in the fridge.
• In a bowl, whisk together the egg, cream cheese, sugar, and jam, until smooth.
• Transfer to a piping bag.
• Flour your work surface and rolling pin liberally with puff pastry. Roll to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 4 by 4-inch squares.
• To make these diamond-shaped danishes, take one end of the square and fold it over until it meets the other end, creating a triangular shape. Slice two slits in the triangle. Unfold the triangle and take one end and fold it over so it rests on itself. Fold the other side over until it reaches the opposite side of the square.
• Fill it with the cream cheese filling in the center. Add a teeny dollop of extra jam right in the center. Repeat until you’ve worked your way through all of the puff pastry.
• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Transfer the baking sheet of assembled cheese danishes to the freezer to chill for 15 minutes.
• Bake the cheese danishes for about 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
• While they’re cooling, whisk up the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle on top, if desired, and serve with a nice cup of coffee!

Notes

• Storage: Keep leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled danishes before baking. Just thaw and bake when you're ready to enjoy.
• Variations: Try using different fruits like raspberries or blueberries to mix up the flavors.
• Glaze Options: For a citrus twist, add orange zest to the glaze for a zesty finish.
• Making it Vegan: Replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg for the filling.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these danishes with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Keyword Cheese Danish Recipe, Hibiscus Danishes, spring desserts, Strawberry Pastries

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.