There's nothing quite like a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweetened cream cheese and fresh berries. This Berry Cream Cheese Danish is incredibly easy to make thanks to store-bought puff pastry, giving you a bakery-worthy treat with minimal effort. Whether you're making it for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, this cream cheese danish recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why Puff Pastry Is the Secret to a Perfect Danish
When it comes to achieving a light, flaky, bakery-style Danish without spending hours laminating dough, puff pastry is the ultimate shortcut. Traditional Danish dough requires a lengthy process of folding and chilling butter layers into yeast dough, but store-bought puff pastry delivers a very similar texture in a fraction of the time.
Puff pastry’s many thin layers puff up dramatically in the oven thanks to steam released from the butter, creating those delicate, crisp layers that practically melt in your mouth. Choosing a good-quality all-butter puff pastry brand will enhance the flavor even further, giving you a richer, more decadent danish. Just remember to keep the pastry cold until baking to maximize its puff and prevent it from becoming greasy.
Tips for Preventing Soggy Danishes
One of the few challenges with making berry danishes is avoiding a soggy pastry base. Since fresh berries release juices as they bake, it’s important to take a few extra steps to protect that perfect flaky texture:
- Use whole berries whenever possible instead of slicing them, as cutting releases more juices.
- Toss berries lightly in a bit of flour before assembling. This absorbs excess moisture.
- Work with very cold pastry. Warm pastry softens quickly and won’t puff up as effectively, allowing berry juices to seep in.
- Don’t overload the filling. A heaping teaspoon of cream cheese and a few berries are all you need for each danish.
- Bake at a high temperature. The 400°F oven ensures rapid steam release for maximum lift and minimal sogginess.
Following these tips will help you get those crisp, golden-brown pastries every time.
Berry Cream Cheese Danish
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 18 minutes mins
Total Time 28 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American, European
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or whisk
Pastry Brush
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mixed berries blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting
Preheat & Prep
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Prepare the Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 4 equal squares.
Assemble the Danishes
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Top with a few fresh berries.
Shape & Seal
Fold the corners of the pastry slightly inward to create a danish shape.
Egg Wash & Bake
Whisk the egg with milk and brush it over the pastry for a golden finish. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Finish & Serve
Let the pastries cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Pairings
These berry danishes pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. If serving for brunch, consider adding a side of Greek yogurt and honey to complement the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions: Building a Beautiful Brunch Spread
Berry cream cheese danishes are the centerpiece of any elegant brunch spread, but pairing them with complementary dishes makes the meal even more memorable. Here are some easy ideas:
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Brighten the table with melon slices, pineapple, and extra berries.
- Yogurt and Granola Parfaits: Offer individual servings layered in small glasses.
- Egg Dishes: Quiches, frittatas, or soft scrambled eggs balance the sweetness of the pastries.
- Coffee and Tea Bar: Set up a self-serve station with brewed coffee, herbal teas, cream, and sugar cubes.
- Mimosas or Fresh Juice: A little bubbly or orange juice adds a festive touch.
Arrange everything buffet-style with pretty platters and napkins for a laid-back yet polished vibe.
How to Make Mini Danishes for Parties and Brunch Buffets
Mini berry cream cheese danishes are a charming addition to any brunch buffet, bridal shower, or party. They’re easier for guests to grab and eat without needing utensils, and they look stunning on a pastry platter.
Here’s how to make them:
- After thawing your puff pastry, cut it into 8 or even 12 smaller squares instead of 4.
- Use about ½ teaspoon of cream cheese filling per mini danish.
- Top with just 1–2 small berries per pastry.
- Adjust baking time down to 12–14 minutes, checking frequently after 10 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar once cooled for a festive finish.
You can even offer a variety of fillings—like lemon curd, jam, or Nutella—for a colorful, customizable display.
Storage Tips: How to Keep Danishes Fresh Longer
Freshly baked danishes are at their peak the day they’re made, but you can absolutely store leftovers for later enjoyment.
- Short-term storage:
Place cooled danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. They will stay crisp for a few hours but gradually soften.
- Refrigeration:
If storing longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastry will lose some of its crispness, but a few minutes in a 300°F oven will revive them beautifully.
- Freezing:
Wrap cooled danishes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a 325°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
Always allow danishes to cool completely before storing to prevent trapped steam from making them soggy.
Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do If Your Danish Isn’t Perfect
Even simple recipes like this one can run into small snags. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:
- Pastry didn’t puff well:
The puff pastry was likely too warm. Always chill assembled danishes for 10–15 minutes before baking if they seem soft.
- Cream cheese filling ran out during baking:
Too much filling or too close to the pastry edges. Next time, keep the filling neatly in the center and use a modest amount.
- Berry juices made the pastry soggy:
Toss berries lightly with flour and avoid overloading them. Bake danishes immediately after assembling.
- Overbrowned tops but raw bottoms:
Ensure your oven is preheated fully. Bake danishes on the middle rack and use light-colored baking sheets to avoid too much bottom heat.
Following these small tips will help you nail the perfect pastry every time.
Nutritional Breakdown: What’s in a Berry Cream Cheese Danish?
Wondering what’s in each delicious bite? Here's an approximate breakdown for a single serving (1 Danish, assuming 4 servings total):
- Calories: ~320–350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20–22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 28–30g
- Sugar: 10–12g
- Protein: 5g
Of course, exact nutrition will vary depending on the brand of puff pastry and type of berries used. If you’re looking to lighten it up slightly, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and limit powdered sugar dusting.
Even so, these danishes are meant to be a treat — and a thoroughly satisfying one at that!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen berries?
Yes! If using frozen berries, do not thaw them first to prevent excess moisture from making the pastry soggy.
2. What other fillings can I try?
This raspberry and blueberry danish recipe is versatile—swap out blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance and store them in an airtight container. Simply reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to crisp up the pastry.
4. Do you have more recipes using puff pastry sheets?
Absolutely! Puff pastry is great for both sweet and savory treats, from apple turnovers to sausage rolls.
