I’m back again with another sweet puff pastry recipe! This time I’ve baked up blueberry cream cheese danishes that include just the right balance of crunchy, sweet and tart. A hint of lemon is added at the very end to wake up the senses, making this danish recipe all the more wonderful to enjoy during breakfast or brunch!
Jump to Recipe
I just love the flavor combination of sweet and tart. And when I find a way to put that mixture on top of a layered, golden crust, well, there is my win for the day!
When I think of blueberries, I think of Spring, warmer weather and picnics enjoyed in the sunshine. With blueberry season kicking off mid-March, this easy danish recipe is just what you need to add to your go-to brunch or sweet-treat recipes.
For a danish duo, serve the blueberry cream cheese danishes along with strawberry cream cheese danishes.
INGREDIENTS
Gather the ingredients below, and let’s get to baking!
- Puff Pastry: Save the hassle of making your own puff pastry and purchase the premade sheets. Usually, two puff pastry sheets come to a box. For this recipe, we will only be using one sheet. Feel free to either double up the recipe or use the other puff pastry sheet to make fancy pigs in a blanket!
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese will be used as the filling topping. I recommend using full fat cream cheese for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Skip the imitation vanilla and use the real stuff for best flavor.
- Cornstarch: A bit of cornstarch will be tossed with the strawberries to slightly thicken the juices that are released from the strawberries while they bake.
- Fresh Blueberries: Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and to avoid a soggy mess that frozen blueberries may cause.
- Egg: An egg will be used as a wash to develop a golden brown pastry crust.
- Lemon Zest: For a little zing at the end.
See recipe card for quantities.
EQUIPMENT
The following items will be needed to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
INSTRUCTIONS
- To get started, allow the frozen puff pastry to thaw per the thawing instructions on the package. Preheat the oven to 400° F. At this time, also set the block of cream cheese on the counter to soften.
- Place the blueberries in a bowl. Mix the cornstarch into the blueberries and set aside.
- Once the puff pastry is properly thawed, lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the puff pastry. Slightly roll out the dough until the creases are smooth where the dough was folded.
- Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into six rectangles. Add the dough rectangles to a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick baking spray.
- With a knife, score the inner border about a ¼ of an inch from the edge. Then use a fork to pierce little holes in the center area.
- Unwrap and place the cream cheese into a bowl. If it is still not softened, microwave for 30 second increments. Once softened, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until well combined.
- Spoon two tablespoons of the sweetened cream cheese inside the inner boarder of the dough. Place the blueberries on top of the cream cheese. Whisk the egg in a small bowl. Then brush the egg wash over the edges of the dough.
- Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Once the blueberry danishes are done baking, remove them from the oven and zest a sprinkle of lemon over each danish.
TIPS
- When adding the cream cheese layer, spoon on more than you think you need. You want to really taste the layer of cream cheese filling!
VARIATIONS
After making these delicious danishes, try out a few other flavor combinations.
- Various Berries – Replace the blueberries with your favorite types of berries such as strawberries or raspberries with a white chocolate drizzle.
- Different Fruits – Forget the berries all together and replace them with a fruit that is in season, such as apples or peaches.
- Savory – Skip sweetening the cream cheese and top with veggies like mushrooms and asparagus.
STORAGE
Store the blueberry cream cheese danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It is not recommended to freeze the danishes as the texture and taste would be greatly reduced.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Danishes Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza Cutter
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups blueberries
- lemon zest
Instructions
- To get started, allow the frozen puff pastry to thaw per the thawing instructions on the package. Preheat the oven to 400 °F. At this time, also set the block of cream cheese on the counter to soften.
- In a bowl, lightly mix the blueberries and the cornstarch together.
- Once the puff pastry is properly thawed, lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the puff pastry. Slightly roll out the dough until the creases are smooth where the dough was folded.
- Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into six rectangles. Add the dough rectangles to a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick baking spray.
- With a knife, score the inner border about a ¼ of an inch from the edge. Then use a fork to pierce little holes in the center area.
- Unwrap and place the cream cheese into a bowl. If it is still not softened, microwave for 30 second increments. Once softened, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until well combined.
- Spoon two tablespoons of the sweetened cream cheese inside the inner boarder of the dough. Then place the blueberries on top of the cream cheese.
- Whisk the egg in a small bowl. Then brush the egg wash over the edges of the dough. Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Once the blueberry danishes are done baking, remove them from the oven and zest a pink of lemon over each danish.
Did you enjoy this easy danish recipe? Your feedback in the comments takes just a minute to contribute and helps other brunch lovers find their next favorite recipe! Thank you for your time in trying out a new recipe and sharing your thoughts. For more, visit the recipes tab.