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.

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.

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.

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.

Easy Berry Danish with Cream Cheese Recipe

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two large sheet trays with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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