Description
Delightful and flaky Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries featuring a buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese blend and topped with fresh mixed berries. These easy-to-make pastries are perfect for breakfast or dessert, boasting a golden crust and a luscious fruit glaze for added shine and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries)
Egg Wash and Glaze
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal squares. Lightly score a ½-inch border around each square, being careful not to cut all the way through, to help contain the filling during baking.
- Prick Pastry Centers: Use a fork to prick the center of each square to prevent the pastry from puffing up too much in the middle.
- Add Filling and Toppings: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each square, spreading it gently within the scored border. Top each with a few fresh mixed berries for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg with water and brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash to promote a shiny, golden-brown finish during baking.
- Bake Pastries: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and beautifully golden brown.
- Optional Glazing and Serving: While still warm, brush the berries gently with warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish. Allow the pastries to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use frozen berries if fresh are unavailable—just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid soggy pastry.
- These pastries are best enjoyed the same day for optimal flakiness and freshness, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For best texture when reheating, warm the pastries briefly in the oven rather than using a microwave.
