Fruit and Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Recipe
This Fruit and Cream Cheese Danish Pastry recipe features flaky puff pastry loaded with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling flavored with lime and vanilla, topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, these danishes are brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with sanding sugar to add a delightful crunch and shine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 box puff pastry dough (2 sheets), thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lime juice, freshly squeezed or bottled
- Lime zest from one whole lime
- 2-1/2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla extract (or vanilla extract)
Fruit Topping
- Fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried (about 1/2 cup)
- Fresh strawberries, stems removed and cut in half (about 1/2 cup)
Finishing
- 3 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
- Sanding sugar, for sprinkling
- Optional: additional lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Remove the thawed puff pastry sheets from the package and place them on a lightly floured surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut each sheet into desired shapes or squares for your danishes.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or a whisk.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place the puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry square, leaving some space at the edges. Arrange fresh blueberries and halved strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold and Seal Edges: Gently fold or crimp the edges of the puff pastry around the filling to create a border, making sure the fruit and filling stay in place during baking.
- Brush with Butter and Sugar: Brush the exposed puff pastry edges with melted butter to encourage browning and a flaky texture. Sprinkle sanding sugar over the buttered edges to add a decorative sparkle and sweetness.
- Bake the Danishes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled danishes for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cream cheese filling is set.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, garnish with additional lime zest for a fresh, citrusy aroma and appearance.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. These danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert paired with coffee or tea.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before handling to prevent tearing.
- You can substitute Mexican vanilla with regular vanilla extract if unavailable.
- Use fresh, firm berries to avoid excess moisture that could make the pastry soggy.
- For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese and butter substitute.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
