There is nothing quite like biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy, tangy cream cheese and bursting with juicy blueberries. This Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe brings a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feels just as special for breakfast at home as it does for impressing brunch guests. With ripe blueberries simmered into a luscious topping atop smooth cream cheese and all hugged by golden, buttery puff pastry, every bite is a little moment of sheer indulgence. Trust me, once you make this irresistible Danish, it will quickly become a favorite treat you will want to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this decadent Danish. Each item plays an essential role, from the flaky puff pastry that provides crisp, buttery edges to the creamy, sweetened cheese filling that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- 2 puff pastry sheets: Use thawed frozen sheets for that flaky, buttery base that puffs up beautifully in the oven.
- 8 oz cream cheese: The star creamy filling, softened for easy mixing and rich, tangy flavor.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the tartness of the cream cheese and blueberries.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese mixture with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 large egg: Used for egg wash to give the pastry a gorgeous golden finish.
- 1 tsp water: Whisked with the egg for easy spreading on the pastry edges.
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen): Provides that burst of juicy fruit flavor and beautiful color.
- 2 tbsp water: Used to simmer the blueberries and create a luscious topping.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the blueberry sauce and balances sweetness with a fresh tang.
- 1 tsp cornstarch: Thicken the blueberry sauce, making sure it’s perfect for spooning without soaking the pastry.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting at the end adds extra sweetness and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each into 4 equal squares, making 8 squares total. Carefully score a 1/2-inch border around each square and prick the centers with a fork to prevent excessive puffing in the middle. This technique helps keep the centerpiece flat for the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will be the decadent base filling, so take your time ensuring all lumps are gone. The blend of vanilla-scented sweetness paired with tangy cream cheese is simply irresistible.
Step 3: Fill the Pastry Squares
Using a spoon, dollop approximately one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each prepared pastry square. Make sure to keep the filling within the scored border so it bakes nicely without spilling over. This creamy center is what will make each Danish so delightfully rich.
Step 4: Cook the Blueberries Topping
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the berries soften and release their juice. Stir in the cornstarch and continue cooking for another minute until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow the blueberry topping to cool a bit before spooning over the cream cheese filling.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Danish
Once the blueberry topping is cool enough to handle, spoon about one tablespoon over each cream cheese-filled pastry square. Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash, then brush it carefully over the pastry borders. This step ensures the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp up perfectly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and gloriously golden.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove the Danish from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack. If you want, dust them with a little powdered sugar for extra sweetness and a touch of elegance before serving. These Danishes are best enjoyed warm when the filling is soft and the crust is crisp.
How to Serve Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish, try topping each pastry with a few fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers can add a subtle crunch and complement the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this Danish with a simple side of fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack. It also pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, a latte, or a refreshing herbal tea to complete a relaxing morning treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the Danishes on a decorative platter lined with edible flowers or fresh herbs for a stunning presentation. Cutting them into smaller bites makes for a fun brunch finger food, perfect for sharing and indulging in all at once.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Danishes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling fresh. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigeration is okay, but it may soften the pastry slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze these Danishes before baking by assembling them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and bake straight from frozen for delicious, fresh-tasting Danishes anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover Danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispness and warm the filling without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make puff pastry soggy and chewy instead of flaky and buttery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this Danish?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before simmering to avoid too much moisture that could make the pastry soggy.
Can I make this without puff pastry?
Puff pastry is key for that flaky, buttery texture, but you could try using croissant dough or homemade Danish pastry if you want to experiment. Though the texture and baking times will vary, it can still yield a delicious result.
How long should I cool the blueberry topping before assembling?
Let it cool for about 5 minutes so it thickens slightly and doesn’t melt into the cream cheese filling. It should still be warm but not hot when assembled.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cream cheese filling can be mixed up to a day ahead and kept refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before spreading on the pastry squares.
What’s the best way to prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Scoring the borders and pricking the centers helps control puffing and moisture. Also, thickening the blueberry topping well and allowing it to cool slightly before assembling will keep the pastry crisp.
Final Thoughts
There is so much joy in creating a treat as delightful as this Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe right in your own kitchen. It’s a perfect excuse to gather loved ones for a cozy brunch or indulge in a little self-care breakfast. The blend of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fruity topping is truly a winning combination. So go ahead, try this recipe out, and make every bite a delicious celebration of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with a luscious blueberry compote. Baked to golden perfection, these danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 2 puff pastry sheets
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Blueberry Topping
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp water
Optional
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Pastry: Unfold both puff pastry sheets and cut each into 4 equal squares, yielding 8 total pieces. Score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of each square, then prick the centers with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, staying inside the scored border.
- Prepare Blueberry Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, 2 tablespoons of water, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the blueberries soften.
- Thicken Topping: Stir in the cornstarch and cook for an additional minute until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent soggy pastry.
- Add Blueberry Topping: Place about 1 tablespoon of the blueberry compote over the cream cheese filling on each pastry square.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the scored pastry borders to achieve a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared danishes on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastries have puffed up and turned golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the danishes to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for a decadent treat.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used; if using frozen, there’s no need to thaw before cooking.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Do not overfill the pastries to prevent leaking during baking.
- The egg wash helps the pastry edges brown beautifully and adds shine.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
