Description
Delight in these Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh berries. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they combine creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors wrapped in a golden, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 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
Toppings and Finishing
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries)
- 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pastries.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy to ensure even flavor and texture.
- Prepare Pastry Squares: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 equal squares. Place each square on the prepared baking sheet evenly spaced.
- Add Filling and Berries: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Then, top with a few fresh mixed berries to add color and flavor.
- Shape the Pastries: Fold the corners of each square slightly toward the center or twist into a pinwheel shape, pressing gently to secure the shape while leaving the cream cheese and berries visible.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sprinkle Sugar: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg to create a beautiful golden glaze when baked. Optionally, sprinkle each pastry with coarse sugar for added texture and sparkle.
- Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown, signaling they’re fully cooked and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Dust the tops with powdered sugar if desired, then serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use any variety of fresh berries according to preference or availability.
- If fresh berries are not available, fruit preserves can be substituted as a tasty alternative.
- These pastries are best eaten fresh the same day for optimal flakiness and flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
