Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish
This Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish features a flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a rich and tangy cream cheese mixture and topped with juicy blackberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it offers an elegant yet easy-to-make treat that combines creamy and fruity flavors in every bite.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (including thawing puff pastry)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pastry
- Store-bought Puff Pastry (thawed, enough to cut into 4×4 inch squares)
Filling
- Cream Cheese – 8 oz, softened
- Granulated Sugar – 1/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
- Lemon Zest (optional) – 1 tsp
Topping
- Blackberries (fresh or thawed frozen) – 1 cup
Finishing
- Egg Yolk – 1 (for egg wash)
- Powdered Sugar (optional) – for glaze or dusting
- Prepare Your Puff Pastry: Thaw the store-bought puff pastry according to package instructions, usually about 40 minutes at room temperature, to make it easier to handle and ensure it bakes flaky and golden.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious base that contrasts perfectly with the berries.
- Assemble the Danish: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into approximately 4×4 inch squares. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each square, then top with a handful of fresh or thawed blackberries.
- Fold and Seal: Gently fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, pinching the edges to seal and create a neat package. Brush the edges and top with the egg yolk wash to give a shiny, golden finish after baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the assembled Danish on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
- Optional Glaze: Once slightly cooled, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Keep the puff pastry cold until right before baking to ensure maximum flakiness.
- Do not overfill with cream cheese and berries to prevent soggy edges or leaking.
- Fresh blackberries are preferred for best texture and flavor; if using frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained well.
- Brushing the pastry with egg yolk wash creates a shiny, golden crust and helps seal in moisture.
- Allow the Danish to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set and avoid burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: blackberry, cream cheese, danish, breakfast, brunch, puff pastry, easy recipe, fruit dessert