If you’re craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh, I cannot recommend this Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe enough. It’s a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy, dreamy sweetened cream cheese, and juicy, vibrant berries topped with a glossy lemon-vanilla drizzle. Every bite is a perfect harmony of buttery crunch, soft richness, and tangy sweetness that will brighten your mornings or elevate any gathering. Whether you’re making it for brunch, a weekend treat, or just because, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but utterly essential to capture the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe. Each component plays a star role, from the flaky puff pastry base to the luscious cream cheese filling, and the sweet-tart berry topping that bursts with freshness.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): The golden, flaky foundation that provides incredible texture and structure.
- Large egg: Used for the egg wash to give the pastry edges a gorgeous shine and help the sugar stick.
- Water: Mixed with the egg for the egg wash, ensuring a smooth, even coating.
- Turbinado sugar: Adds a lovely crunchy sweetness to the pastry edges for a perfect finishing touch.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): Provides the rich, velvety filling that’s sweetened and flavored with vanilla and lemon zest.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cream cheese filling and the berry topping just right.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the cream cheese mixture and lemon icing.
- Lemon zest: Brightens the cream cheese filling with fresh citrus notes.
- Blackberries (fresh or other berries): The juicy, colorful fruit topping that adds natural sweetness and tartness.
- Lemon juice: Balances sweetness in the berry topping and creates a tangy glaze for finishing.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the delicate icing drizzle that finishes the danishes with a touch of elegance.
How to Make Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First things first: allow your puff pastry to thaw at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes, so it’s easier to handle. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F, the perfect heat to get that pastry beautifully golden and flaky.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Use a fork to blend everything until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will bring a slight tang paired with sweetness and aromatic vanilla into every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Base
Lightly flour your clean workspace and gently roll out the puff pastry just slightly. Cut it into six equal rectangles using a sharp knife for even portions. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, transfer the rectangles and use the knife to score inner borders about half an inch from the edges without cutting through. This scoring creates a raised edge that crisps up around the filling beautifully.
Step 4: Dock the Pastry and Add Filling
Use a fork to prick the inner part of each pastry rectangle lightly; this prevents too much puffing in the center and gives room for the cream cheese and berries. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture right into the center of each piece.
Step 5: Toss and Add the Berry Filling
In a small bowl, gently toss your blackberries with sugar and lemon juice to macerate them slightly, bringing out their sweetness and adding a hint of tartness. Spoon the berries atop the cream cheese filling, creating that classic pop of color and juicy freshness.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Sugar Topping
Whisk together the egg and water to create your egg wash. Brush it along the edges of each pastry, then sprinkle turbinado sugar generously on top. This little step ensures a shiny finish with a satisfying crunch around the edges.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the danishes for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a glorious golden brown. This baking time crisps up the pastry while the fillings meld together deliciously. Once done, move them to a cooling rack to cool slightly before adding the final touch.
Step 8: Drizzle the Lemon Vanilla Icing
Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm danishes, letting it envelope those berries and creamy centers with a delicate citrus sweetness that pulls everything together perfectly.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves or a few extra whole berries on top add a pretty, fresh pop of color and aroma. Dusting a bit of powdered sugar over the completed danishes right before serving will give it a charming bakery-style look. These little touches make it feel festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your danishes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light, fruity herbal tea for a refreshing contrast. A side of Greek yogurt topped with honey and nuts works beautifully if you want to balance the sweetness with some creaminess and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the danishes on a wooden board or a vintage-inspired cake stand instantly upgrades the presentation for brunch or parties. You can also make mini versions by cutting smaller pastry squares, perfect for finger food or tea parties. Another idea is to add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese beside each pastry for an extra luxurious experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cream Cheese Berry Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the pastry’s flaky texture and keeps the filling fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine, but allow the danishes to come to room temperature before eating.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked danishes assembled on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time. Baked danishes can also be frozen wrapped tightly, but the texture may be slightly less crispy upon thawing.
Reheating
To revive day-old danishes, warm them gently in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness and gooey cream cheese goodness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy. A toaster oven works perfectly for a quick crisp-up too.
FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of blackberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries all work wonderfully in this Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe. Just adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the berries you choose.
Do I need to use store-bought puff pastry or can I make my own?
Store-bought puff pastry is a huge time-saver and works beautifully for this recipe. If you have the time and skill, homemade puff pastry will certainly impress, but it is not required for a delicious result.
Can I make the danishes vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute vegan cream cheese and use a plant-based puff pastry if available. For the egg wash, use a little plant milk or oil brushed on the edges. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture and flavor, but it’s a great alternative!
What if my cream cheese filling is too runny?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened but not melted. If too runny, try chilling the filling for a bit before assembling the danishes to help it firm up and maintain its shape during baking.
How long will the danishes keep their best flavor?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy them fresh the first day. They remain good for up to 2 days stored properly, but after that, the pastry may lose its crispness and the filling can become a bit watery.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe a try because it’s one of those magical treats that feels fancy but comes together pretty easily. It’s a crowd-pleaser packed with fresh flavors, flaky textures, and creamy sweetness that everyone will love. Whip it up for your next brunch or cozy weekend morning—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cream Cheese Berry Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Berry Danish is a delightful pastry featuring a flaky puff pastry base filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and fresh berries, topped with a tangy lemon-vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make Danish combines creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy flavors with a crispy, golden crust.
Ingredients
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 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. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix with a fork until smooth and well incorporated. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: Lightly flour a clean counter, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly, and using a sharp knife, cut it into 6 equal rectangles for the danishes.
- Score and Dock Pastry: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the puff pastry rectangles on it. Score a ½-inch border inside each piece without cutting completely through, then prick the center area inside the border with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Fill with Cream Cheese: Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry rectangle within the scored border.
- Prepare and Add Berry Filling: In a small bowl, gently toss the blackberries with sugar and lemon juice. Spoon this berry mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese filling in each pastry.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, carefully brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash, then sprinkle turbinado sugar over the brushed edges for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the pastry edges are puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer pastries to a cooling rack.
- Make and Drizzle Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon-vanilla icing over the top. Serve and enjoy your delicious danishes.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or thawed frozen berries.
- Be careful not to cut through the scoring on the pastry to keep the filling contained.
- Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat lightly before serving.
- Variations: You can substitute blackberries with blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries depending on preference.
