Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry layered with creamy, sweetened cheese and a vibrant burst of fresh berries — that’s exactly what you’ll experience with Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries. These delightful treats combine the richness of cream cheese with a medley of jewel-toned berries, all nestled in golden puff pastry. If you want to impress at brunch, share a fuss-free dessert, or simply brighten up your morning coffee, Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries deliver every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make magic here — just a few simple pantry and fridge staples, plus your favorite fresh berries. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from giving these pastries their tender bite to enhancing their irresistible aroma and irresistible finish.
- Puff pastry sheet: This ready-to-use dough gives your Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries that signature flaky, buttery base without any elbow grease.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the filling, turning luxuriously creamy and tangy once blended with sugar and vanilla.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetness pairs perfectly with both the cream cheese and the tart fruit, ensuring each bite is balanced.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a delicate note of warmth and depth to the creamy filling.
- Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch brightens the filling and pops against the berries.
- Mixed fresh berries (1/2 cup): Any blend of blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries lends color, juiciness, and natural sweetness.
- Egg (beaten): This simple egg wash ensures every pastry bakes up golden and gorgeously glossy.
- Coarse sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): If you have it, a sprinkle before baking gives your pastries a satisfying crunch and sparkle.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A final dusting adds a professional bakery touch and extra sweetness.
How to Make Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which sets the stage for maximum puff and golden richness. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup quick and prevent sticking — important for such delicate pastries!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and bright lemon zest. Beat everything together until the mixture is creamy and completely smooth; no lumps allowed! This luscious filling becomes the star center of your danish pastries.
Step 3: Shape the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your workspace and gently roll out the sheet of puff pastry. Then, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 6 equal squares. Try to keep the squares the same size so your Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries bake evenly and look beautiful.
Step 4: Fill and Assemble the Pastries
Arrange the pastry squares on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space in between for expansion. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sweetened cream cheese filling into the center of each square, then top with your chosen berries. Fold the corners slightly toward the center or give them a gentle twist for a pretty pinwheel effect, pressing gently to secure.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
Brush the visible pastry edges with your beaten egg. This step transforms your pastries into golden brown beauties as they bake. If you have coarse sugar, now’s the time to sprinkle it generously; it will add irresistible crunch and sparkle to your finished Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the pastries are puffed up and deep golden brown, with the cream cheese softly set and the berries bubbling. Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if you’d like a snowy finish.
How to Serve Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic but try scattering a few extra fresh berries or a fine zest of lemon on top for color and zing. If you want even more shine, brush with a little warmed apricot jam for a classic bakery-style glaze.
Side Dishes
These pastries love company! Serve alongside creamy Greek yogurt, a bowl of mixed fruit, or a bright fruit salad. For brunch, they pair well with eggs baked your favorite way or even a savory quiche. Just-brewed coffee or a citrusy mimosa makes them feel extra celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries on a tiered cake stand or rustic wooden board, stacked with extra berries in between. You can even drizzle with a quick lemon glaze or a ribbon of melted white chocolate for a personalized dessert table centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have any pastries left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to two days. A gentle reheat brings back their flakiness and zest.
Freezing
For longer storage, let your Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries cool completely, then wrap each individually in cling film and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month for best flavor — an easy way to have homemade pastries on demand!
Reheating
From the fridge, warm the pastries in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and the filling is creamy again. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes and check that the centers are warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw the berries first and drain any excess juice to keep the pastry from becoming soggy. Your Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries will be just as vibrant and fruity.
Can I make these pastries in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them (uncooked) overnight. Just pop them into the oven when you’re ready to bake for a fresh and warm treat. Baked pastries taste best within two days.
What if I don’t have coarse sugar?
No worries — regular granulated sugar can be used, or you can simply skip this step; your Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries will still bake up golden and sweet.
Can I make these pastries gluten-free?
If you have access to gluten-free puff pastry and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free, it’s easy to make this recipe accessible for those with sensitivities, with delicious results.
What’s a good substitute if I don’t have lemon zest?
A splash of lemon juice in the cream cheese filling can provide similar brightness. Orange zest is also a lovely twist! Either way, a bit of citrus lifts the flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries strikes the sweetest balance between easy, impressive, and utterly satisfying. Whether you serve them on a lazy weekend or at a festive gathering, they’re destined to become a favorite. Don’t wait for a special occasion — treat yourself and those you love to these scrumptious pastries soon!
Print
Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries made with puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, fresh berries, and a hint of citrus zest. These pastries are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Berries:
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries)
Others:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 equal squares. Place each square on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Filling and Berries: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square and top with a few berries.
- Shape and Bake: Fold the corners of each square slightly toward the center or twist into a pinwheel shape, pressing lightly to hold. Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Notes
- Use any combination of berries you like, or swap in fruit preserves if fresh berries aren’t available.
- Best enjoyed fresh the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
