Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish is a simple yet elegant pastry that brings together the smooth richness of cream cheese with the sweet, slightly tart flavor of fresh blackberries. These delightful pastries are made from puff pastry, which provides a flaky and golden crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling and the burst of juicy blackberries. Whether you’re preparing them for a special brunch, an afternoon snack, or a dessert after dinner, these Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish are sure to impress. The best part? They are easy to make, and you can use store-bought puff pastry for a quicker and more convenient version.
Full Recipe:
For the filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the pastry:
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1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
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1 cup fresh blackberries (or blackberry preserves)
For the glaze (optional):
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1-2 teaspoons milk
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 4 squares, or smaller squares depending on how big you want your danishes. Place the squares onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. This mixture will form the creamy filling for your danishes.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Gently fold two opposite corners over the filling to form a loose pocket, leaving the center exposed. Add a few fresh blackberries on top of the cream cheese mixture. If using blackberry preserves, spoon a small amount into the center as well.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the egg wash over the folded edges of each danish to give them a golden, shiny finish.
Step 6: Bake the Danishes
Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the danishes are baking, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the danishes once they have cooled slightly, or dust with powdered sugar for a simpler presentation.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. These danishes make the perfect addition to a breakfast table, afternoon tea, or as a delightful treat after dinner.
Nutrients per Serving
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Calories: 280 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Cholesterol: 35mg
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Sodium: 170mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 12g
Why Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish is the Perfect Dessert
Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a combination of rich creaminess and sweet, tart fruit. The flaky puff pastry provides the perfect base for the smooth cream cheese filling, while the blackberries add a refreshing burst of flavor. What makes these danishes so appealing is their balance of textures—flaky, creamy, and juicy—making each bite a delightful experience.
These danishes are also incredibly versatile. While blackberries are the star of the recipe, you can substitute them with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even strawberries, depending on what’s in season or your personal preference. The cream cheese filling pairs wonderfully with various fruits, so feel free to get creative with different fruit combinations.
Another great aspect of this recipe is its simplicity. By using store-bought puff pastry, you save time and effort while still achieving an impressive and delicious result. The filling comes together quickly, and the assembly is straightforward. These danishes can easily be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making them a great option for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
The addition of the egg wash gives the danishes a professional, golden finish, and the optional glaze or powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness. You can enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature, which makes them perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Whether you serve them with coffee or tea, these Blackberry Cream Cheese Danishes will undoubtedly be a hit.
Tips for Perfect Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish
To ensure your danishes turn out perfectly, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind. First, always use room temperature cream cheese for the filling to ensure it mixes smoothly. If the cream cheese is too cold, it may become lumpy, making it difficult to spread evenly on the pastry.
When assembling the danishes, don’t overfill them with the cream cheese mixture or the blackberries. Leaving enough space around the edges will help the pastry puff up properly without spilling the filling. You can always add a little more filling or berries once the danishes are assembled, but a modest amount will ensure that the pastry bakes evenly and crisps up beautifully.
If you don’t have fresh blackberries, you can substitute frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy.
Lastly, for a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling. These spices will complement the blackberries and add depth to the overall flavor profile of the danishes.
Conclusion
Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish is an irresistible dessert that combines the elegance of a bakery pastry with the ease of home baking. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry with creamy filling and juicy blackberries creates a well-balanced and satisfying treat. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these danishes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
This simple yet indulgent recipe is perfect for any occasion, and its versatility makes it easy to customize. By using fresh or frozen blackberries and varying the fruit or spices in the filling, you can create a version of this danish that fits your tastes perfectly. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, Blackberry Cream Cheese Danishes will quickly become a favorite recipe in your collection, perfect for any gathering or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.