Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the danishes from sticking.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy. The filling should be thick but spreadable.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares (or 6 squares for smaller danishes). If you prefer a larger danish, you can cut the pastry into two larger rectangles.

4. Assemble the Danishes

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Spread it out slightly, leaving some space around the edges. Add a few blackberries on top of the cream cheese filling, pressing them gently into the mixture.

5. Shape the Danishes

To form a traditional danish shape, fold the corners of the puff pastry toward the center, overlapping them slightly. Pinch the edges to seal, leaving the center open so the cream cheese and berries are visible. If you’re making rectangular danishes, simply fold the edges in slightly and press to seal.

6. Apply the Egg Wash

Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give the danishes a beautiful golden color as they bake. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of the pastries for an extra touch of sweetness and a little crunch.

7. Bake the Danishes

Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. The filling should be set, and the blackberries will soften and burst slightly.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, you can drizzle a little extra powdered sugar glaze over the top for an added touch of sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

• Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry bakes best when it’s cold, so make sure it stays chilled until you’re ready to use it. If the pastry gets too warm, it won’t puff as nicely during baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pastries with cream cheese or berries. You want enough filling to make it creamy and delicious, but too much filling can cause the pastries to spill over while baking.
• Use Fresh Berries: Fresh berries give the best flavor and texture for this recipe. If using frozen berries, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the danishes.
• Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled danishes. This adds a nice finishing touch and a bit of shine.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

1. Buttery, Flaky Pastry

The puff pastry used in this recipe results in a flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base. This texture is the perfect contrast to the smooth cream cheese filling and juicy blackberries, creating the ultimate pastry experience.

2. Impressive Yet Easy

These danishes look impressive but are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills to pull off this gorgeous treat, making it ideal for beginner bakers or anyone who’s short on time but wants to impress.

3. Fresh, Fruity Goodness

Blackberries add a natural sweetness and tartness that balance out the richness of the cream cheese. The result is a pastry that’s not overly sweet, but perfectly fruity, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, serving breakfast in bed, or attending a potluck, these Blackberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a guaranteed hit. Their vibrant color and elegant appearance will have everyone reaching for one.

5. Great for Leftovers

These danishes are delicious fresh from the oven, but they also store well. Keep them in an airtight container for 1-2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Final Thoughts

Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish is a sweet, decadent pastry that captures the essence of a perfect autumn breakfast or dessert. With its flaky, buttery pastry, creamy filling, and the burst of fresh berries, this treat is truly irresistible. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation all year long. So, go ahead—get baking, and enjoy a little slice of homemade heaven with every bite of these delightful danishes!