If you have a sweet tooth and adore buttery, flaky pastries paired with luscious fruit and creamy fillings, then this Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This Danish features golden puff pastry loaded with a dreamy cream cheese center and topped with a vibrant blueberry compote that bursts with juicy freshness. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for brunch, a special breakfast, or an unforgettable dessert that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and eye-catching color. The simplicity of the ingredient list means you can easily find everything at your local grocery store and get started quickly without fuss.
- 2 puff pastry sheets: These provide the irresistible flaky, buttery crust that forms the foundation of the Danish.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Adds rich creaminess and tang that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the blueberries and sugar.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cream cheese filling and the blueberry topping to keep things delightfully balanced.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor of the cream cheese filling with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 large egg: Used in the egg wash to give the pastry its gorgeous golden-brown finish.
- 1 tsp water: Mixed with the egg wash to help it spread evenly and create a shiny glaze.
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness, tang, and that gorgeous jewel-toned pop of color.
- 2 tbsp water: Helps simmer the blueberries into a luscious compote.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Enhances the blueberries’ flavor with a bright citrus kick.
- 1 tsp cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry topping so it doesn’t run all over your pastry.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A final touch to add visual appeal and a little extra sweetness before serving.
How to Make Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step ensures your Danish will bake perfectly golden without any hassle.
Step 2: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry
Unfold the puff pastry sheets and carefully cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, giving you 8 in total. Score a 1/2-inch border around the edge of each square, being careful not to cut all the way through. Then, prick the centers lightly with a fork to prevent excessive puffing in the middle. These little details create that classic Danish shape and texture you love.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This silky filling will melt in your mouth and provide a luscious contrast to the flaky pastry and tart blueberries.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. This generous dollop forms the rich base of the Danish, so don’t be shy!
Step 5: Make the Blueberry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, 2 tablespoons water, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the berries start to break down and release their juices. Stir in the cornstarch and continue cooking for another minute until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool just a bit before adding on top of the cream cheese.
Step 6: Add Blueberry Topping and Egg Wash
Place about 1 tablespoon of the thickened blueberry compote over the cream cheese in each square. Then, whisk the egg and 1 teaspoon of water together and use a pastry brush to gently coat the pastry borders with the egg wash. This step is key for that golden, glossy finish.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the assembled Danishes in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and delightfully golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is truly irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Once baked, allow the Danishes to cool slightly on the baking sheet. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant, delicate touch before serving.
How to Serve Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or a few extra fresh blueberries atop the Danishes to add a fresh flavor and an appealing pop of green. A light drizzle of honey or lemon glaze can also elevate the flavor and provide an inviting shine.
Side Dishes
Pair these Danishes with a warm cup of coffee or a fragrant tea to complement their sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey makes a lovely and refreshing balance against the richness of the pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Danishes on a rustic wooden board or a colorful ceramic platter to highlight their beautiful golden color and blueberry topping. For brunch gatherings, arrange them alongside other pastries for a stunning buffet display that your friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the pastry’s tenderness without getting soggy. If you’re keeping them longer, refrigeration is best, but allow them to come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled Danishes by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing fully baked Danishes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to bring back the flaky texture and warm filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before cooking the compote to avoid sogginess.
Is puff pastry hard to work with?
Not at all! Puff pastry is surprisingly user-friendly. Just keep it cold while handling to prevent it from becoming too sticky or soft, and follow the scoring and pricking steps for the best puffing results.
Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta?
While cream cheese provides the best tangy richness, mascarpone can be a creamier alternative. Ricotta is milder and grainier, so it may slightly change the texture and flavor of the filling.
How do I store leftover blueberry topping?
Store any leftover blueberry topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s fantastic served over yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.
Can I make this Danish vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free puff pastry (many brands offer them), substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and use a plant-based milk wash instead of egg wash to achieve a similar result.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say that this Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser with its perfect mix of flaky pastry, rich cream cheese, and vibrant blueberry topping. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these Danishes bring a touch of elegance and homemade goodness to your table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked after the first flaky, fruity bite!
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
Delight in these Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danishes, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with a luscious homemade blueberry glaze. Perfectly golden and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these danishes are an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Cheese Filling
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp water
Blueberry Topping
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (optional, 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 for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold both puff pastry sheets and cut each into four equal squares, totaling eight squares. Score a 1/2-inch border around each square and prick the centers with a fork to prevent excessive puffing in the middle.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, creating the rich filling for the danishes.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, staying within the scored border.
- Cook Blueberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, 2 tablespoons water, and lemon juice. Simmer gently over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the berries soften.
- Thicken Blueberry Sauce: Stir in cornstarch and cook for an additional minute until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to prevent melting the cream cheese when applying.
- Add Blueberry Topping: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cooled blueberry topping over the cream cheese filling on each pastry square.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush this glaze over the scored borders of each puff pastry square to help achieve a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake Danish: Place the prepared danishes on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blueberry cream cheese danishes to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delectable treat.
Notes
- Frozen blueberries can be used if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw before cooking.
- Ensure the egg wash only coats the puff pastry borders to prevent sogginess in the center.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling if desired.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
