Can I use frozen berries instead of preserves?

Fresh or frozen berries release too much moisture and can make the pastry soggy. Stick with preserves or jam for the best results, as they provide concentrated flavor without excess liquid.

My puff pastry came in two sheets. Can I still make this recipe?

Absolutely! Instead of cutting one sheet lengthwise, use one sheet as the bottom and the other as the top. You may need to roll them slightly to get the right dimensions.

How do I know when the danish is done baking?

The pastry should be visibly puffed with distinct layers and an even golden-brown color. If it looks pale in spots, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I prepare this the night before and bake in the morning?

Yes! Assemble the danish completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, apply the egg wash, cut the steam vents, and bake as directed. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe

Name: Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest; ¾ cup powdered sugar; ⅓ cup blueberry preserves or jam, or any flavor you enjoy!; 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water, beaten together for egg wash; 1 lemon, zest freshly grated; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

This Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish brings together buttery puff pastry, tangy cream cheese, and sweet-tart blueberries in one incredible treat. The bright lemon zest cuts through the richness, while the sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s surprisingly simple to make but looks and tastes like something from a high-end bakery—perfect for weekend brunches or whenever you need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakery-Quality at Home: Creates a professional-looking pastry that will make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tangy lemon, sweet blueberries, and rich cream cheese creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Versatile Treat: Works beautifully as a special breakfast, brunch centerpiece, afternoon tea accompaniment, or even dessert.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry: The base of our danish that provides those beautiful, flaky layers. Look for brands that come as a single sheet rather than perforated pieces if possible.
Cream Cheese: Creates the rich, tangy filling that balances the sweetness. Make sure it’s properly softened for a smooth mixture.
Lemon Zest: Adds bright, aromatic flavor to both the filling and glaze. Fresh is absolutely essential here!
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and creates the perfect consistency for the glaze.
Blueberry Preserves: Provides sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color. The concentrated flavor works better than fresh berries in this application.
Egg Wash: Gives the pastry that beautiful golden shine and helps seal the edges.
Lemon Juice: Combined with powdered sugar to create a tangy glaze that ties all the flavors together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your danish? Here are some delicious options:

Berry Swap: Replace blueberry preserves with raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry jam for a different fruit profile.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle some sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the glaze while it’s still wet for added texture and flavor.
Orange Twist: Substitute orange zest and juice for the lemon for a slightly different citrus note.
Individual Danishes: Instead of one large pastry, cut the puff pastry into squares and fold the corners in toward the center to make individual danish portions.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

If your puff pastry comes perforated, roll it slightly with a rolling pin to create one cohesive sheet. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet, then slice the puff pastry in half lengthwise. Place one half on the parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat together the softened cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. A hand mixer works perfectly for this job. Spread this mixture down the center of the puff pastry that’s on the parchment paper, making sure to leave a border around all edges.

Step 3: Add the Blueberry Layer

Spoon the blueberry preserves evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Try to keep it centered so it doesn’t seep out the sides.

Step 4: Seal the Danish

Brush the border of the pastry with egg wash, then place the second piece of puff pastry on top. Press down firmly around the edges to seal the two pieces together. Place the assembled danish in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to allow the cream cheese to firm up.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Before baking, brush the entire top of the pastry with egg wash and cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

While the danish is cooling slightly, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this generously over the warm pastry. Serve while still slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Properly Thawed Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold. If it gets too warm, it won’t puff properly.
Don’t Skip Refrigeration: The chilling step is crucial for ensuring the cream cheese doesn’t melt too quickly during baking.
Watch the Bake: Puff pastry can go from perfectly golden to burnt rather quickly, so keep an eye on it in the last few minutes of baking.
Seal Well: Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add tiny increments of lemon juice or milk until it reaches drizzling consistency.

How to Serve

This Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish makes an impressive centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch spread. Here are some serving suggestions:

Breakfast or Brunch Pairings:

Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee or tea for a complete breakfast. It pairs wonderfully with a mimosa for special occasions!

Dessert Presentation:

For a dessert option, warm a slice slightly and top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tea Time:

Cut into smaller portions for an elegant addition to afternoon tea, alongside finger sandwiches and other small treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked assembled danish for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover slices in a 300°F oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This restores some of the flakiness to the pastry. Microwaving works in a pinch but will result in a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of preserves?

Fresh or frozen berries release too much moisture and can make the pastry soggy. Stick with preserves or jam for the best results, as they provide concentrated flavor without excess liquid.
My puff pastry came in two sheets. Can I still make this recipe?

Absolutely! Instead of cutting one sheet lengthwise, use one sheet as the bottom and the other as the top. You may need to roll them slightly to get the right dimensions.
How do I know when the danish is done baking?

The pastry should be visibly puffed with distinct layers and an even golden-brown color. If it looks pale in spots, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I prepare this the night before and bake in the morning?

Yes! Assemble the danish completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, apply the egg wash, cut the steam vents, and bake as directed. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish brings a touch of bakery-style elegance to your home kitchen with surprisingly little effort. The contrast between the flaky, buttery pastry and the creamy, fruity filling makes for an irresistible treat that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this danish delivers big on both presentation and flavor. Give it a try—I promise your taste buds will thank you!