If you are searching for a delightful, flaky treat that bursts with fresh fruit flavor and creamy richness, this Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is your new best friend. Layers of buttery puff pastry cradle a luscious cream cheese filling swirled with tangy blackberry jam and topped with juicy fresh blackberries. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a decadent dessert. It’s surprisingly easy to make and delivers show-stopping flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to achieving the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and flaky in your danishes. Each component contributes to the overall taste, texture, and presentation of this delightful dish.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides the irresistibly flaky, buttery layers that make danishes so special.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a smooth and creamy filling that complements the blackberries beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to both the cream cheese filling and the glaze.
- Blackberry jam or preserves: Introduces concentrated fruit flavor and invites that signature swirl effect.
- Fresh blackberries: Bring a juicy, vibrant pop of freshness and color on top.
- Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash to give the pastry a beautiful golden finish.
- Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkled on the edges for an extra crunch and sparkle.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the delicate vanilla glaze.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for a mess-free baking experience and ensures your danishes bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious blend is the heart of your filling, delivering that dreamy texture that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.
Step 3: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into six equal rectangles. Then, carefully score a smaller rectangle inside each piece to create a border—just a gentle indentation without cutting through. This border helps keep the filling in place while baking, allowing the edges to puff beautifully and become crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Place the puff pastry rectangles on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each rectangle, staying inside the scored border. Add a dollop of blackberry jam on top of the cream cheese and gently swirl it with a toothpick or knife for that artistic marbled effect. Nestle 2–3 fresh blackberries on each danish, then brush the edges with beaten egg and optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar for sparkle and crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your danishes for 15 to 18 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas that promise something truly special. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until you have a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm, cooled danishes to add a delicate sweetness and an elegant finish that ties all the flavors together.
How to Serve Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your danishes visually and flavor-wise, consider adding a few fresh blackberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A sprig of fresh mint can also add a vibrant touch that complements the fruity sweetness.
Side Dishes
These danishes pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a latte for breakfast or brunch. For a more substantial meal, serve with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to provide contrast and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your danishes on a beautiful wooden board or a colorful platter to showcase their golden, flaky layers and jewel-like berries. For special occasions, place each on a delicate doily with a drizzle of extra glaze and a small ramekin of blackberry jam on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cream cheese filling fresh and the pastry from absorbing excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked danishes by preparing them as directed up to the baking step, then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat your danishes gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to regain their crispy, flaky texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of blackberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries work beautifully in this danish recipe and bring their own unique flavor and color.
Do I have to use puff pastry, or can I make the dough from scratch?
Puff pastry is key for that perfectly flaky and buttery texture. While you can make puff pastry from scratch, it is time-consuming, so store-bought puff pastry is a convenient, reliable option.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cream cheese filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered. Give it a quick stir before assembling your danishes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, featuring no meat or gelatin ingredients.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Scoring the border helps contain the filling, and using a thick jam reduces moisture seepage. Baking on parchment paper also encourages even baking and crispness.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your family or friends with something sweet, elegant, and irresistibly delicious, this Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes just minutes to assemble yet yields bakery-quality results that taste like a special treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the perfect marriage of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh berries that will brighten any morning or afternoon snack.
Print
Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful homemade Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and sweet blackberry jam, topped with fresh blackberries and a light vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy recipe yields six golden, puffed pastries with a lovely balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup blackberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut the pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Lightly score a smaller rectangle inside each piece to create a border, being careful not to cut all the way through the dough. This will help the edges puff up during baking.
- Assemble Danishes: Place the cut and scored rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle, staying within the scored border. Next, spoon a small amount of blackberry jam over the cream cheese and gently swirl it to incorporate the flavors. Press 2 to 3 fresh blackberries into each danish for an added fresh burst of flavor. Brush the exposed edges with beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny finish. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the edges for a crunchy texture.
- Bake Danishes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the danishes for 15 to 18 minutes or until the puff pastry has fully risen and turned golden brown. Remove from oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 teaspoon and add more if needed to reach desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled danishes. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Warming leftovers in a toaster oven restores flakiness; alternatively, enjoy them at room temperature.
- Substitute blackberries with any seasonal berries or your favorite fruit preserves for variety.
- Ensure the puff pastry remains cold before baking for optimal puffing.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by varying the milk amount if you prefer thicker or thinner icing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
