Description
This Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling topped with a luscious blueberry compote. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, these Danish pastries are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp water
Blueberry Topping
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Finishing
- powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold both puff pastry sheets and cut each into 4 equal squares, making a total of 8 squares. Using a knife, score a 1/2-inch border around each square, taking care not to cut all the way through. Prick the centers lightly with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble Danish Base: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square, staying within the scored border.
- Prepare Blueberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, 2 tablespoons of water, and lemon juice. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the blueberries start to soften and release their juices.
- Thicken Blueberry Mixture: Stir in the cornstarch and continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add Blueberry Topping: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled blueberry topping over the cream cheese filling on each pastry square.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Carefully brush the puff pastry borders with the egg wash to ensure a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Bake Pastries: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the Danishes to cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving to add a touch of sweetness and elegant presentation.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used; just ensure frozen blueberries are thawed and drained well.
- Do not overfill the pastries to prevent spilling during baking.
- Scoring the border helps the center stay flat for filling while edges puff beautifully.
- Egg wash gives the pastries a lovely golden color but can be omitted for a vegan version with egg substitute.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
