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This blueberry cheese danish recipe transforms store-bought puff pastry into a bakery-worthy treat in just 30 minutes. The contrast between flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet-tart blueberries creates an irresistible breakfast or dessert that looks impressive with minimal effort.
I first made these danish pastries for a last-minute brunch with friends, and they disappeared before anything else on the table. Now I keep puff pastry in my freezer specifically for when blueberries are in season or unexpected guests arrive.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: softened at room temperature ensures a smooth filling without lumps
- Icing sugar: adds sweetness without grittiness in the filling
- Egg yolk: provides richness and helps set the cheese filling
- Vanilla extract: enhances the cream cheese flavor with warm aromatic notes
- Fresh blueberries: burst with juicy flavor when baked inside the pastry
- Blueberry jam: intensifies the fruit flavor and creates the perfect consistency
- Puff pastry sheets: pre-made from the store simplifies the entire process
- Egg wash: creates that beautiful golden sheen on the finished pastries
- Lemon zest: optional but adds brightness that balances the rich filling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven for even baking across both trays.
- Make The Cream Cheese Filling:
- Combine softened cream cheese, icing sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and no lumps remain. The filling should be creamy but hold its shape when spooned.
- Prepare The Blueberry Topping:
- Gently stir together fresh blueberries and blueberry jam in a small bowl. The jam helps coat the berries and prevents them from drying out during baking while adding extra flavor intensity.
- Shape The Pastries:
- On a lightly floured surface, cut each pastry sheet into 9 equal rectangles. Score a smaller rectangle inside each piece, leaving about 1/3 inch border. This scoring creates the frame that will puff up around the filling.
- Assemble The Danish:
- Brush the border with egg wash, then spread about 1½ tablespoons of cheese filling in the center of each pastry. Stay within your scored lines. Top with a spoonful of the blueberry mixture, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Arrange pastries on prepared baking sheets with 2 inches between them as they will expand. Bake for 13-15 minutes until the edges puff up dramatically and turn a beautiful golden brown color.
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The blueberry and cheese combination reminds me of summer mornings at my grandmother's house. She always said the secret to a great danish was letting the pastry get properly golden. I was always impatient as a child, but now I appreciate how right she was about waiting for that perfect color.
Make Ahead Options
These danish pastries can be fully assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything as directed through the assembly step, then cover the unbaked pastries with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, apply egg wash, and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Flavor Variations
While blueberry and cheese is a classic combination, this versatile recipe welcomes many variations. Try raspberry jam and fresh raspberries for a more tart flavor profile. Apple filling with a sprinkle of cinnamon creates a fall-inspired danish. For chocolate lovers, spread a thin layer of Nutella beneath the cream cheese layer. The pastry base remains the same, making this an endlessly customizable recipe.
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Serving Suggestions
These danish pastries shine brightest when served slightly warm, about 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven. This timing allows the pastry to set while maintaining its crisp exterior. For an extra special touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a more decadent dessert presentation, add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen blueberries for this dish?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used. Just ensure they are thawed and excess moisture is removed before mixing with the jam.
- → Can I make the cream cheese filling in advance?
Absolutely! The cream cheese mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- → Is it possible to use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully for this dish. Be sure it’s rolled out evenly and thawed if frozen before starting.
- → How can I prevent the pastry edges from burning?
Keep an eye on the pastries while baking and rotate the trays halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can also cover the edges lightly with foil if they brown too quickly.
- → What’s a good substitute for blueberry jam?
If you don’t have blueberry jam, marmalade, raspberry jam, or any fruit preserve of your choice can be used as a flavorful alternative.