If you are craving a delightful, flaky treat that perfectly balances creamy richness with the vibrant tartness of fresh berries, then you are in for a real treat with this Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe. It’s an irresistible pastry that brings together buttery puff pastry, luscious cream cheese filling, and juicy blackberries, all finished with a zingy lemon-vanilla drizzle. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe feels like a little celebration wrapped in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the flaky puff pastry providing structure, to the cream cheese adding a smooth tang, and the berries delivering bright bursts of flavor and color.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The buttery, flaky base that makes this Danish irresistibly light and crisp.
- 1 large egg (for egg wash): Helps create a shiny, golden crust on your pastry edges.
- 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash): Dilutes the egg slightly for smoother brushing and even browning.
- 1 ½ tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping): Adds a crunch and subtle caramelized sweetness.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature): Provides the creamy, tangy filling that balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese and berry filling just right.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both the filling and the icing.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Adds a bright, fresh citrus aroma to the filling.
- 1 ½ cups blackberries (fresh or other berries): The star fruit component with juicy tartness and rich color.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the berries beautifully without overpowering their natural zing.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Amp up the fresh berry flavor and help meld everything together.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted): For making the luscious lemon-vanilla glaze to finish the Danish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the icing refreshingly zesty and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Makes the glaze taste heavenly, complementing the entire pastry.
How to Make Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry
Start by thawing the puff pastry sheet on your counter for about 15 to 30 minutes—timing is key to get that perfect pliable texture. While you wait, preheat your oven to 400°F, so it’s nice and hot for a beautiful golden bake.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a fork to whip everything together until it’s smooth and well incorporated. This filling will add a silky tang that pairs perfectly with the berries.
Step 3: Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your clean counter with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to smooth it out. Then, with a sharp knife, carefully cut it into 6 equal rectangles. These will be your individual Danish pastries, so keep the sizes uniform for even baking.
Step 4: Score and Dock the Pastry
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your pastry rectangles on it. Use your knife to score a rectangular border about ½ inch inside each piece, making sure not to cut all the way through; this keeps the edges puffed and the center sunken to hold the filling. Next, prick the center inside the border with a fork several times to prevent the middle from puffing too much.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese Filling
Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry rectangle. This creamy layer will be the perfect base for the juicy berries to rest on.
Step 6: Prepare and Add Berry Topping
In a small bowl, gently toss the blackberries with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. This step macerates the berries and draws out their natural juices, intensifying the fruity flavor. Add this vibrant berry mixture over the cream cheese filling on each Danish.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Sugar
Whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Using a pastry brush, carefully brush the egg wash along the edges of each puff pastry—this helps the borders turn beautifully golden. Sprinkle the edges with turbinado sugar to add sparkle and a delightful crunch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are puffed up and golden brown. Once baked, transfer the Danish to a cooling rack to rest before adding the final glaze.
Step 9: Prepare and Drizzle Lemon-Vanilla Icing
Whisk together sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled pastries to add a sweet, tangy finish that elevates every bite of the Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
While the lemon-vanilla icing adds major charm, feel free to top your Danish with a fresh sprig of mint or a few extra whole berries for that elegant, fresh-picked look. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving also gives a snowy, bakery-fresh presentation.
Side Dishes
This Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, a creamy latte, or even a glass of bubbly sparkling wine for brunch. On the savory side, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh green salad for a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming party display, arrange the Danish pastries on a tiered dessert stand or rustic wooden board. You can also cut one into smaller pieces and serve as bite-sized treats at gatherings or drizzle extra icing decoratively in zigzags for a café-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The Danish tastes best fresh but will keep nicely when covered, maintaining most of its flakiness and creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked Danish rectangles on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, freeze baked Danish in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy warm, reheat the Danish in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until the pastry crisps back up and the filling is warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen berries work well, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before adding them to keep the pastry from becoming soggy.
What type of cream cheese is best for this recipe?
Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the creamiest texture and best flavor balance.
Can I make this Danish vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, look for vegan puff pastry and vegan cream cheese alternatives, and use plant-based options for egg wash or skip it entirely.
Is there an alternative to puff pastry?
Puff pastry is key to the flaky texture here, but if unavailable, you can try croissant dough or phyllo, although the results and preparation will differ.
How long do these Danish pastries keep fresh?
They’re best eaten within the first two days for optimum freshness and texture but can last up to three days if stored properly.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe is a gem worth adding to your baking repertoire. Its bright flavors, flaky texture, and creamy filling make it a standout pastry that feels both special and wonderfully approachable. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it becomes a favorite for brunches, celebrations, or any moment you want a little sweet comfort.
Print
Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese Berry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a rich cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh blackberries tossed in sugar and lemon juice. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a tangy lemon-vanilla glaze, these danishes make a delightful breakfast treat or elegant dessert that’s easy to prepare in just under 20 minutes.
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 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
Instructions
- Thaw and Prepare Puff Pastry: Let the puff pastry thaw on the counter for about 15-30 minutes to soften. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly with a fork until smooth and well incorporated. Set aside for use later.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the sheet into six equal rectangles for individual danishes.
- Prepare Pastry Base: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the puff pastry rectangles on it. Using a knife, score a rectangle inside each pastry piece about ½ inch from the edges without cutting all the way through. Prick the inside of each rectangle with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
- Fill with Cream Cheese: Place about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each scored rectangle, spreading gently but keeping it within the scored border.
- Prepare and Add Berry Topping: In a small bowl, toss the blackberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice gently to combine. Spoon this mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese in each danish.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this along the edges of each pastry piece to promote browning. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the edges for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake the Danishes: Place the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool slightly.
- Make and Drizzle Icing: Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a lemon-vanilla glaze. Drizzle this icing over the danishes once they have cooled slightly but are still warm enough for the glaze to set nicely. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Allow puff pastry to thaw completely for the best texture and easy handling.
- Be careful not to cut all the way through when scoring the pastry to keep the edges raised around the filling.
- You can substitute blackberries with blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries as preferred.
- Serve the danishes warm for a melty cream cheese center and soft berries.
- For extra zest flavor, add a little lemon zest to the berry mixture if desired.
