Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Berry Danish is a delightful pastry that’s both creamy and fruity, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Made with flaky puff pastry, tangy cream cheese, and fresh berries, it’s sure to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
• 1 ½ tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 ½ cups blackberries (fresh or other berries)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for berry mixture)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (for berry mixture)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for icing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry on the counter for 15–30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Step 2: Prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Lightly flour your counter and roll out the puff pastry slightly. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles using a sharp knife.
4. Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pastry rectangles on it. Score a ½ inch border inside each rectangle without cutting all the way through. Poke the inside of each with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
5. Step 5: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry piece.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, gently toss blackberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Spoon this berry mixture on top of the cream cheese filling.
7. Step 7: Whisk the egg and water together. Brush this egg wash along the edges of the pastries and sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the pastry edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack.
9. Step 9: Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to make a smooth icing. Drizzle this over the cooled pastries before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try using mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries for a colorful berry topping.
• For extra zest, add a little lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
• If puff pastry is frozen, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
• You can swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.
• Use a serrated knife to cut the dough cleanly without tearing.

Storage

Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore crispness. The icing is best added fresh and may absorb moisture if stored for too long.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen berries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the pastry.

Do I have to use cream cheese or can I substitute it?

Cream cheese provides the classic tang and texture for this filling, but you can substitute with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor and creaminess.

Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 130 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 6 danishes 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these Cream Cheese Berry Danishes, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh blackberries tossed in lemon juice and sugar. Finished with a sweet lemon-vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar, these danishes are perfect for a sophisticated breakfast treat or an elegant dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry and Egg Wash

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
• 1 ½ tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

Berry Topping

• 1 ½ cups blackberries (fresh or other berries)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Lemon-Vanilla Icing

• ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Thaw Puff Pastry and Preheat Oven: Allow the puff pastry sheet to thaw on the counter for 15-30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing with a fork until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated. Set aside.
3. Roll and Cut Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 6 equal rectangles.
4. Score and Dock Pastry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cut rectangles on it. Using a knife, score a border about ½ inch from the edges without cutting all the way through to create a raised edge. Prick the center with a fork several times to prevent excessive puffing in the middle.
5. Fill Pastries: Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry rectangle.
6. Toss Berries: In a small bowl, gently combine the blackberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Distribute this berry mixture evenly over the cream cheese on each pastry.
7. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush this wash along the edges of each pastry using a pastry brush, then sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of the edges to add a sparkling finish.
8. Bake Pastries: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
9. Prepare and Drizzle Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon-vanilla glaze evenly over each pastry. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smooth filling texture.
• Do not overfill the pastries to avoid sogginess and spilling during baking.
• You can substitute blackberries with blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry combo for variety.
• Turbinado sugar adds a nice crunchy texture to the pastry edges; regular sugar can be used if unavailable.
• For a more pronounced lemon flavor, you may add extra lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastries
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, European

Keywords: Cream Cheese Danish, Berry Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Breakfast Pastry, Lemon Glaze Danish