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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!