Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish

12 servings
These cream cheese puff pastry Danish tarts are made with flaky puff pastry, a vanilla cream cheese filling, and fresh berries. Ready in under an hour with just a handful of ingredients, they are the perfect make-ahead brunch bake that looks far more impressive than the effort involved.

Ingredients

  • packs Puff pastry
    2
  • Cream cheese

    full fat, eg. Philadephia at room temperature

    226 g
  • Granulated sugar
    50 g
  • Egg yolk
    1
  • Vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • Egg
    1
  • Splash of milk
  • Strawberries

    raspberries, blueberries or any other berries

  • Cream cheese

    full fat, eg. Philadephia, use it cold

    226 g
  • Heavy cream

    36% fat, use it cold

    226 g
  • Powdered sugar
    60 g
  • Strawberries

    raspberries, blueberries or any other berries

Directions

  1. 1

    If using frozen puff pastry, thaw in the refrigerator until pliable but still cold.

  2. 2

    Wash and dry the berries. Slice strawberries and raspberries lengthwise. Pat all fruit dry.

  3. 3

    Whisk the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract together until fully smooth. Keep refrigerated until needed.

  4. 4

    Cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 equal rectangles. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a border about 1.5 cm / ½ inch from each edge. Do not cut all the way through. Return to the fridge while you prepare the egg wash.

  5. 5

    Whisk the egg with a splash of milk. Brush the egg wash over the pastry border only, avoiding the filling and fruit.

  6. 6

    Spread the cream cheese filling inside the scored border of each rectangle. Arrange the fruit on top.

  7. 7

    Continue with the other puff pastry sheet until you get 12 tarts. Bake 6 at once.

  8. 8

    Chill the assembled tarts while preheating the oven to 200°C / 390°F (no fan).

  9. 9

    Bake at 200°C / 390°F (no fan) for 40 to 45 minutes. Halfway through, check the pastry and cover loosely with foil if it is browning too quickly.

  10. 10

    Before removing from the oven, check that the bottom is deep golden brown. Cool on the tray for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

  11. 11

    Optional decoration: Once baked and cooled, pipe a border of cream cheese frosting around the edge, fill the center with fresh strawberries, and serve immediately.

  12. 12

    StorageBest served fresh on the day of baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C / 320°F for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispness. Do not microwave. To freeze (without decoration), cool completely, layer between sheets of parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish

60 min12 servings224 cal

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About this Recipe

Indulge in Easy Elegance: Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish

Craving a delightful treat that's both easy to make and looks incredibly impressive? Look no further than these Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish tarts! Perfect for a relaxed brunch, a special dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these danishes combine the irresistible flakiness of puff pastry with a luscious, creamy vanilla cream cheese filling and a burst of fresh berries.

What makes this puff pastry danish recipe truly special is its deceptive simplicity. In under an hour, you can transform a few basic ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat. The secret lies in using store-bought puff pastry, which provides that sought-after golden, airy texture without any fuss. Paired with our smooth, sweet vanilla cream cheese filling, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors. We love topping these with vibrant fresh berries – think juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, or tart raspberries – adding a beautiful pop of color and natural sweetness.

These cream cheese and berry danish are not just quick; they're also a fantastic make-ahead option, meaning you can assemble them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning for a truly spectacular brunch spread. Whether you're hosting guests or simply treating yourself, these flaky cream cheese danish will undoubtedly become a new favorite.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Danish

  • Berry Varieties: Feel free to mix and match your favorite berries! A combination of strawberries and blueberries or raspberries and blackberries works wonderfully.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a hint of lemon zest to your cream cheese filling for a brighter, more complex flavor profile.
  • Sweet Finish: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions