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
Scale
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
