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:

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

• 1 cup fresh blackberries (or blackberry preserves)

For the glaze (optional):

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 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

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 35mg

• Sodium: 170mg

• Fiber: 2g

• 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.

Customizing Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

While the classic Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is delicious as is, it’s also highly customizable. One of the easiest ways to modify this recipe is by swapping out the blackberries for different fruits. Depending on what’s in season, you can use strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or even a combination of berries. The cream cheese filling pairs wonderfully with a variety of fruits, allowing you to tailor the danish to your liking or to suit whatever fruit you have on hand.

For those looking to get creative with flavors, the cream cheese filling can also be enhanced by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of lemon zest. These additions will not overpower the fruit but will complement its natural flavors, adding depth and warmth to the overall taste. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can even add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the cream cheese filling before adding the fruit.

Another way to customize these danishes is by experimenting with the type of glaze you use. While the powdered sugar glaze is simple and sweet, you can also make a glaze with flavored syrups, such as orange, lemon, or even honey. A citrus glaze, for example, would add a bright, zesty contrast to the richness of the cream cheese filling and the sweetness of the fruit. Alternatively, you can skip the glaze entirely for a more minimalist presentation, allowing the natural flavors of the puff pastry, cream cheese, and blackberries to take center stage.

Making Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish Ahead of Time

Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish is an excellent option for meal prep or making ahead of time. After assembling the danishes, you can refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before baking. This is ideal for busy mornings when you don’t have time to prepare breakfast but still want something fresh and homemade. Just place the assembled danishes on a baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the fridge, brush with the egg wash, and bake as instructed. The result is warm, freshly baked danishes without any last-minute preparation.

If you have leftover danishes, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. While they are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can easily reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. The danishes also freeze well, so if you have extra, you can freeze them for later use. Simply wrap the danishes in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer bag. To reheat frozen danishes, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.

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.