There’s nothing quite like biting into a flaky, buttery Danish warm from the oven, especially when it’s bursting with a luscious cream cheese filling and fresh, juicy berries. This Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe perfectly combines simple, quality ingredients that transform into a show-stopping treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a little delicious indulgence. Each bite offers a delightful mix of creamy richness and tangy sweetness nestled in a golden puff pastry, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking a spectacular Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe. These basics are simple yet crucial, each ensuring that the flavors, textures, and colors come together beautifully for a stunning finish.
- Puff pastry sheet: A flaky, buttery base that puffs up to provide the perfect light and crispy texture.
- Large egg: Used for the egg wash to give the pastry that irresistible golden shine.
- Water: Mixed with the egg wash to help it spread evenly over the pastry edges.
- Turbinado sugar: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, caramelized finish and a touch of sparkle.
- Cream cheese: Softened and creamy, this is the star of the filling, adding richness and smoothness.
- Granulated sugar (for cream cheese): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough to balance the tang.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warm flavor to the cream cheese and icing.
- Lemon zest: Brightens the filling with a fresh citrus kick that complements the berries beautifully.
- Blackberries: Fresh and juicy, but feel free to swap with your favorite berries for a personal twist.
- Granulated sugar (for berries): Enhances berry sweetness and helps create a light syrup.
- Lemon juice: Adds tang to the berries and brightness to the icing for perfect balance.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, sweet lemon-vanilla icing drizzled atop the Danish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Puff Pastry
Start by thawing your puff pastry sheet on the counter for about 15 to 30 minutes so it’s workable but still cold enough to puff up nicely when baked. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F to get it ready for these beauties to bake to golden perfection.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a fork until it’s silky smooth and perfectly blended. This luscious filling will be the rich, creamy heart of your Danish.
Step 3: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry
Dust your clean countertop with a little flour, then gently roll out the puff pastry to even out the sheet. Slice it into six equal rectangles using a sharp knife. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then carefully score a smaller rectangle inside each piece—leaving about a ½ inch border intact—to create the classic Danish shape. Don’t cut all the way through the dough here!
Step 4: Dock the Texture
Using a fork, poke several times inside each scored rectangle but avoid the edges. This handy step prevents the central part of the pastry from puffing up too much, giving the filling a cozy little nest to stay in while baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Danish
Drop about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Then, in a separate bowl, gently toss the blackberries with sugar and lemon juice, coating them just enough to release their juices and sweetness. Spoon the berry mixture over the cream cheese layers.
Step 6: Add the Egg Wash and Sugar
Whisk together the egg and water, then brush this egg wash along the edges of the pastry. This not only helps the Danish achieve that gorgeous golden finish but also acts like glue for our crunchy turbinado sugar topping. Sprinkle turbinado sugar generously on the edges to give your pastries extra sparkle and crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the puff pastry edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The scent alone will have you eager to dive in. Once baked, transfer them to a cooling rack to let them set just a bit before the final icing step.
Step 8: Drizzle the Lemon-Vanilla Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. When the Danish pastries are slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle this luscious icing over the top—it adds the perfect sweet-tart finish that ties all the flavors together delightfully.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar make lovely garnishes for these Danish pastries, enhancing their fresh and inviting look. Adding a few mint leaves can also bring an extra pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve these Danishes alongside a cup of rich coffee or a glass of chilled lemonade for a well-rounded brunch. Light fruit salads or a simple green salad with vinaigrette pair surprisingly well, balancing the sweetness with fresh, crisp elements.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, arrange the Danishes on a tiered dessert tray or platter decorated with edible flowers and fresh berries. You can also make individual-sized versions in muffin tins, perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or pretty party favors that impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe items can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer keeping, refrigeration is best but brings a firmer texture to the pastry, so it’s great for enjoying cold or reheated.
Freezing
Wrap individual Danish pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. This prevents freezer burn and maintains freshness. Frozen Danish can last up to one month and make a quick, delightful treat when you’re craving something sweet.
Reheating
Reheat Danish in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy. Reheating restores that flaky, buttery texture you love and keeps the filling creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh berries give the best texture, frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained well to avoid adding extra moisture to the pastry.
Is it possible to make the cream cheese filling in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese filling can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before assembling the Danishes for easier spreading.
Can I substitute the blackberries for other fruits?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries all make fantastic alternatives and add their own unique twist to the Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe.
What if I don’t have turbinado sugar? What can I use instead?
If you don’t have turbinado sugar, regular granulated sugar or sanding sugar are good substitutes and will still add a nice crunch and sweetness to the edges.
How do I know when the Danishes are fully baked?
Look for puff pastry edges that are a deep golden brown and a slightly crispy texture. The filling should be set but still soft.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to treats because it’s easy to make yet feels so special. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh berries always impresses friends and family alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and share a cozy moment over a warm, homemade Danish that tastes like pure love.
Print
Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese Berry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and fresh blackberries, topped with a tangy lemon-vanilla icing. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat, these pastries combine the richness of cream cheese with the freshness of berries and a crisp, golden crust.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Topping
- 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 Filling
- 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
Instructions
- Thaw and preheat: Thaw the puff pastry on the counter for about 15-30 minutes until pliable. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well with a fork until smooth and well incorporated. Set aside.
- Roll and cut pastry: Lightly flour a clean countertop and roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into 6 equal rectangular pieces.
- Score and dock pastry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pastry rectangles on it. With a knife, score a ½ inch border inside each rectangle without cutting through completely. Then, use a fork to poke a few holes in the center inside the border to prevent puffing.
- Fill pastries: Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry piece.
- Prepare berry filling: In a small bowl, gently toss the blackberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Spoon the berry mixture on top of the cream cheese filling on each pastry.
- Apply egg wash and topping: Whisk together the egg and water. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash over the edges of each pastry. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar evenly over the edges for a golden, crunchy finish.
- Bake pastries: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the pastry edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Make and drizzle icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the slightly cooled pastries before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cream Cheese Berry Danishes!
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is thawed but still cold for easier handling and flaky texture.
- You can substitute blackberries with any berries like raspberries or blueberries.
- For a crisper crust, avoid overfilling the pastries, and do not cut through the edges when scoring.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger batches.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven to keep the pastry flaky.
