Keto Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish
Ingredients:

  • For the Dough (Keto Puff Pastry Alternative):
    • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 2 oz cream cheese
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • For the Filling:
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 3 tablespoons erythritol (or any keto-friendly sweetener)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1/4 cup sugar-free strawberry jam (or make your own by simmering strawberries with a keto sweetener)
    • 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • For the Egg Wash:
    • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (optional)
  • For the Icing:
    • 3/4 cup powdered erythritol (or another keto powdered sweetener)
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons almond milk
    • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Keto Dough:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mozzarella and cream cheese together (about 1 minute in the microwave).
    • Stir until smooth, then add the almond flour, baking powder, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
    • Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangular shape. Slice it down the center lengthwise to form two long rectangular danishes.
  2. Score and Poke:
    • Using a sharp knife, score the dough to create a 1/2 inch border all the way around without cutting through.
    • Use a fork to poke holes in the center portion of the dough to prevent puffing.
  3. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sweetener, and lemon juice until smooth.
    • Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the center of both danishes.
  4. Add the Jam and Strawberries:
    • Spread the sugar-free strawberry jam over the cream cheese layer, leaving some cream cheese visible around the edges.
    • Top with fresh strawberry slices.
  5. Egg Wash and Bake:
    • In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together, then brush the border of the danish with the egg wash.
    • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Prepare the Icing:
    • Mix the powdered erythritol, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
    • Drizzle the icing over the danishes after they have cooled for about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

  • Calories: ~260
  • Fat: 22g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbs: 5g (Net Carbs: 3g)
  • Fiber: 2g

Tips:

  1. Use almond flour for the dough to maintain a light texture with low carbs. If you prefer a flakier dough, you can experiment with coconut flour.
  2. Choose sugar-free jam: Many store-bought jams have added sugars, so opt for a sugar-free or keto-friendly version, or make your own with fresh berries and keto sweetener.
  3. Bake until golden: Make sure to keep an eye on the edges of the danish to get a golden brown crust while ensuring the center stays soft and creamy.
  4. Let it cool before icing: Allow the danish to cool slightly before adding the icing to avoid melting it too quickly.

Benefits:

  • Low-carb and keto-friendly: This recipe swaps traditional puff pastry with a fathead dough made from almond flour and cheese, keeping carbs low while adding healthy fats.
  • Rich in healthy fats: Cream cheese and mozzarella provide a good source of fat, which helps keep you fuller for longer.
  • Customizable: You can swap strawberries for other keto-friendly berries like raspberries or blackberries.
  • Satisfies sweet cravings: The sweetness of the filling and icing, combined with the flakiness of the dough, makes this a perfect keto dessert or breakfast treat!

This Keto Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish offers the indulgent flavor of a classic pastry while fitting perfectly into a low-carb diet!