This Easy Berry Danish with Cream Cheese is a breakfast game-changer! Flaky puff pastry cradles a silky cream cheese filling topped with juicy fresh berries and a buttery crumble, all drizzled with sweet glaze. It looks fancy enough for a special brunch but is simple enough for a weekday morning treat. Best of all, it comes together in just 35 minutes from start to finish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bakery-Quality at Home: These danishes look and taste like they came from a high-end bakery, but cost a fraction of the price.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses store-bought puff pastry as the base, making this recipe accessible even for novice bakers.
  • Customizable: The berry mixture can be adapted based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: These danishes can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when you need them, perfect for busy mornings.
  • Impressive for Guests: When you need to wow breakfast or brunch guests without spending hours in the kitchen, these danishes deliver every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Puff Pastry: The magical base that creates those beautiful flaky layers without any effort on your part. Always thaw it properly in the refrigerator for best results.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides that rich, tangy base that pairs perfectly with the sweet berries. Make sure it’s properly softened for the smoothest filling.
  • Sugar: Both granulated (for the filling) and powdered (for the glaze) bring different levels of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the berries and cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cream cheese filling – use pure extract for the best flavor.
  • Berry Preserves: Acts as a binder and flavor enhancer for the fresh berries. The preserves also create that jammy texture that makes danishes so delicious.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the berry mixture so it doesn’t run all over your pastry while baking.
  • Fresh Berries: A trio of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries provides color, flavor, and texture. The natural sweetness and slight tartness cut through the richness of the pastry.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like note to the crumble topping that white sugar simply can’t provide.
  • Butter: Creates that irresistible crumbly texture in the topping.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Works with the butter to form perfect crumbles.
  • Egg: Helps give the pastry edges that beautiful golden color.
  • Milk: Combines with powdered sugar to create a pourable glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

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

  • Different Fruit Combinations: Try peaches and blueberries in summer, apples and cranberries in fall, or stick with all strawberries if that’s your favorite.
  • Almond Danish: Add a few drops of almond extract to the cream cheese filling and top with sliced almonds instead of the crumble.
  • Lemon Berry Danish: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling and a squeeze of lemon juice to the glaze for a citrusy kick.
  • Chocolate Lover’s Version: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before adding the berries.
  • Savory Option: Skip the berries and sugar, instead adding herbs to the cream cheese and topping with roasted vegetables for a brunch or appetizer version.

How to Make Easy Berry Danish with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 rectangles (follow the fold lines, then cut each section in half). Arrange them on the baking sheets, score a border around each rectangle, and poke the centers with a fork.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Mix the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread about a tablespoon of this mixture in the center of each pastry rectangle, staying within the scored borders.

Step 3: Prepare the Berry Topping

Microwave the berry preserves until just warm, stir in cornstarch until completely dissolved, then fold in the fresh berries until evenly coated. Distribute this mixture over the cream cheese layer on each danish.

Step 4: Create the Crumble Topping

Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a bowl, then mix in flour with a fork until you have a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this generously over the berry layer on each danish.

Step 5: Add Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the borders of each pastry with an egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of water). Bake for 13-15 minutes until the edges are puffed and golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle over the slightly cooled danishes. Serve warm for the ultimate experience!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Cold Pastry Is Key: If your puff pastry becomes too warm while working with it, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Cold pastry puffs better!
  • Don’t Skip the Scoring: The border you create by scoring is what helps the edges puff up while the filled center stays more compact.
  • Cream Cheese Temperature: Room temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly than cold cream cheese. Take it out at least 30 minutes before you start baking.
  • Cornstarch Trick: Make sure the preserves are warm when you add the cornstarch to avoid lumps, and stir until completely dissolved.
  • Customize the Glaze Consistency: Start with less milk and add more drop by drop until you reach your desired thickness. I prefer a slightly thicker glaze that sets up nicely.hangas ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.

How to Serve

These berry danishes are versatile enough to fit into any meal or occasion:

Breakfast Spread:

Serve alongside a frittata or scrambled eggs for a sweet and savory morning spread.

Brunch Star:

Make these the centerpiece of a brunch buffet with yogurt parfaits and fresh fruit on the side.

Coffee Pairing:

Nothing complements these danishes better than a strong cup of coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the danish.

Dessert Option:

Warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

These danishes freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pastries tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing them without the glaze for best results.

Reheating

For the freshest taste, reheat frozen or refrigerated danishes in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. If frozen, no need to thaw first. Add fresh glaze after reheating if desired.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use frozen berries, but don’t thaw them first. Add them frozen to your preserve mixture and increase the cornstarch to 5 teaspoons to account for the extra moisture they’ll release during baking.

  2. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use frozen berries, but don’t thaw them first. Add them frozen to your preserve mixture and increase the cornstarch to 5 teaspoons to account for the extra moisture they’ll release during baking.

  3. Can I make these the night before and bake in the morning?

    Absolutely! Assemble everything through the crumble stage, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, apply the egg wash and bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold.

  4. What if I don’t have berry preserves?

    You can substitute with any jam or preserves you have on hand. In a pinch, even honey mixed with a bit more cornstarch will work to bind the berries, though the flavor profile will be different.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Berry Danish with Cream Cheese recipe takes the intimidation out of making bakery-quality pastries at home. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, bringing them to a brunch potluck, or simply treating yourself to something sweet with your morning coffee, these danishes deliver impressive results with minimal effort. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, juicy berries, and crunchy topping creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Give them a try, and I guarantee they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation!

Print
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Easy Berry Danish with Cream Cheese Recipe

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  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Berry Danish with Cream Cheese is a stunning treat that’ll satisfy your breakfast or dessert cravings. With flaky puff pastry, a luscious cream cheese filling, vibrant triple berry topping, and a light crumble with a sweet glaze, this recipe has it all. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delicious homemade pastry, and it’s super customizable too. Serve it warm for a cozy morning or cool for an easy-prep sweet indulgence!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Puff Pastry

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

For the Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Berry Filling

  • 1/2 cup triple berry preserves
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2/3 cup fresh raspberries
  • 2/3 cup fresh sliced strawberries

For the Crumble Topping

  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

For Assembly

  • 1 large egg
  • Splash of water

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two large sheet trays with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
    Place one sheet of puff pastry on a clean work surface. Using a knife, cut along the folds, creating 3 pieces. Additionally, cut these pieces in half, resulting in 6 rectangles. Repeat this process with the second sheet of puff pastry. Place the rectangles on your prepared sheet tray, ensuring they do not touch.
  3. Score and Dock the Pastry
    Use a paring knife to score a border about ½ inch to ¾ inch around each rectangle. With a fork, poke holes inside the inner rectangle you’ve scored to prevent the center from puffing.
  4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
    In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mash everything together with a fork until well-mixed. Evenly distribute the filling into the center of each pastry, spreading it out but avoiding the scored borders.
  5. Prepare the Berry Filling
    In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the berry preserves for 15-30 seconds until softened. Stir in the cornstarch until dissolved. Add the fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, stirring to coat the berries with the mixture. Spread the berry filling over the cream cheese layer, staying within the borders.
  6. Make the Crumble Topping
    In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the brown sugar and melted butter together until combined. Add in the flour and use a fork to mix until the crumbs are formed. Sprinkle the crumble generously on top of the berries.
  7. Egg Wash the Edges
    In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a splash of water. Using a pastry brush, apply the egg wash to the exposed edges of the puff pastry.
  8. Bake the Pastries
    Bake the danishes for 13-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the edges are puffed. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare the Glaze
    Mix powdered sugar with milk in a small bowl until smooth. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and gradually add more to reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled pastries.
  10. Serve and Enjoy
    Serve the danishes warm for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience or let them cool completely and enjoy later. These pastries are as delicious as they are beautiful!

Notes

  • Customize the berry topping with any combination of your preferred berries.
  • This recipe reheats and freezes extremely well for easy storage.
  • For a simpler version, skip the cream cheese filling or use store-bought alternatives.
  • A perfect make-ahead breakfast or dessert for gatherings or holidays.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pastry
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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