Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 4-6 squares or rectangles (depending on the size of danishes you want). Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Use a spoon or piping bag to add a generous amount of cream cheese filling to the center of each pastry.
Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let the strawberries macerate for about 5 minutes, which will help release some of their juice.
Assemble the Danishes:
Carefully fold the edges of each pastry square towards the center to create a border, leaving the filling exposed. Top each pastry with a spoonful of the macerated strawberries, ensuring the filling is well covered.
Bake the Danishes:
Brush the edges of the pastry with melted butter and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and flaky, and the filling is set.
Make the Glaze (optional):
While the danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Glaze the Danishes:
Once the danishes are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the top of each danish for an added touch of sweetness and shine.
Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.