Luscious Fruit Cream Cheese Pastry

Imagine biting into a warm, golden pastry, its buttery layers giving way to a luscious, sweet cream cheese filling, perfectly complemented by a burst of fresh, juicy fruit. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality of creating the perfect fruit and cream cheese danish right in your own kitchen! Nestled into a flaky puff pastry, these danishes are a delightful treat that can transform any ordinary morning into a special occasion. Whether you choose the vibrant sweetness of raspberries, the classic charm of strawberries, the tangy pop of blueberries, the rich depth of cherries, or the sunny aroma of peaches, you’re on your way to crafting a truly memorable breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Danish Recipe

There are countless reasons why this fruit and cream cheese danish recipe is destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. It strikes a beautiful balance between impressive results and effortless execution, making it a joy to prepare and an absolute delight to savor.

Effortless Elegance: This breakfast pastry is deceptively simple to make, yet it delivers a grand impact. You might assume such a delightful treat requires hours of complex work, but these danishes can be ready from start to finish in about 45 minutes. This makes them ideal for a relaxed weekend breakfast, a charming brunch, or an impressive offering when entertaining house guests. Your loved ones will be utterly charmed by your baking prowess!

A Symphony of Textures: Prepare for a sensory experience with every bite. The moment you sink your teeth into the danish, you’re greeted by the tender resistance of the fruit, releasing a sweet and tangy burst of juice. This quickly transitions into the smooth, creamy richness of the cheese filling, creating a luxurious contrast. Finally, you reach the crisp, buttery, and incredibly flaky puff pastry, which provides a satisfying crunch that rounds out the experience. It’s soft, creamy, and crunchy all at once, truly awakening all your senses.

Irresistible Flavor Harmony: The flavor profile of these danishes is a match made in culinary heaven. The tangy notes of the cream cheese filling perfectly cut through the sweetness of the juicy fruit, all encased in a rich, buttery pastry. This combination offers a sophisticated balance that is neither too sweet nor too tart. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can use your absolute favorite fruit, or even mix a few varieties to create a personalized blend of flavors. My personal favorite is the vibrant raspberry cream cheese danish, offering a delightful tanginess. For an even grander spread, consider serving these alongside elegant strawberry almond croissant bostock or flavorful bakery-style pistachio muffins.

Essential Ingredients for Your Danish

Crafting these delectable fruit and cream cheese danishes requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Puff Pastry: The foundation of our flaky danish! Using store-bought frozen puff pastry is the secret to this recipe’s simplicity and speed. You can typically find it in the freezer aisle of any grocery store. A single sheet is enough to make six danishes, but it’s incredibly easy to double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Remember to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight to allow it to thaw properly, ensuring it’s pliable and ready to roll the next day.
• Cream Cheese: For the ultimate creamy filling, opt for full-fat cream cheese. Brick-style cream cheese, like the Philadelphia brand, tends to hold its shape best and provides that rich, tangy flavor that beautifully contrasts with the sweet fruit. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth consistency.
• Fresh Fruit: This is where your creativity shines! A wide variety of soft-fleshed fruits work wonderfully. The fresher the fruit, the more vibrant the flavor and natural sweetness it will impart. See our suggestions below for a perfect pairing.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar plays a dual role in this recipe. It sweetens both the cream cheese filling and the fruit topping, enhancing their natural flavors and helping the fruit release its juices to create a luscious compote.
• Cornstarch: This is a non-negotiable ingredient, especially when using juicy fruits. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, preventing the fruit juices from becoming too watery and spilling over the pastry. It creates a beautifully cohesive fruit topping that stays put and bakes perfectly. Do not omit this step!
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the cream cheese filling, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the cheese and the fruit. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Egg (for Egg Wash): An egg wash, made by whisking an egg with a splash of water, is brushed onto the exposed edges of the pastry. This optional but highly recommended step helps the pastry achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely sheen, making your danishes look as professional as they taste.
• Jam, Jelly, or Preserves (Optional Glaze): For an extra touch of gourmet appeal and a hint of added sweetness, brushing warmed jam over the fruit after baking is a fantastic idea. It gives the fruit a gorgeous, glistening sheen. For the best flavor synergy, try to pair the jam flavor with the fruit you’ve chosen – strawberry jam for strawberry danishes, cherry preserves for cherry danishes, and so on.

Refer to the full recipe card for precise ingredient quantities and further details.

Inspired Fruit Toppings for Your Cream Cheese Danish

The beauty of these cream cheese danishes lies in their incredible versatility, especially when it comes to fruit toppings. While almost any soft-fleshed fruit can work, here are some of my absolute favorite options that consistently deliver outstanding results, along with tips for preparation:

• Strawberry: Classic and universally loved. For strawberries, simply hull them (remove the green leafy tops) and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Their sweet-tart flavor is a perfect match for the creamy cheese.
• Raspberry: My personal top choice! Raspberries offer a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy, and their delicate texture holds up well during baking. Use them whole for a beautiful presentation and a burst of flavor.
• Cherry: A close second to raspberries, cherries provide a rich, deep sweetness with a slight tartness. Make sure to pit them thoroughly before slicing them in half or quarters, depending on their size.
• Blueberry: These little gems are fantastic when baked, bursting with sweet juice. Like raspberries, blueberries can be used whole and require minimal preparation.
• Blackberry: Similar to raspberries, blackberries offer a lovely tartness that beautifully balances the cream cheese. Use them whole or halved if they are very large.
• Peach: When in season, fresh peaches are absolutely divine in a danish. Their delicate sweetness and soft texture create a truly decadent treat. Peel and slice ripe peaches for a truly luxurious “peaches and cream” danish experience.

While a raspberry cream cheese danish might hold the top spot in my heart, the allure of a warm, cherry-topped pastry is undeniably strong. And when plump, juicy, in-season peaches are available, the idea of a peaches and cream danish truly gets me excited – doesn’t that sound absolutely heavenly?

Crafting Your Delicious Fruit and Cream Cheese Danish: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these beautiful danishes is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfect, flaky pastries every time.

Step One: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or a rubber spatula to mix these ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve the best, creamiest consistency.

Step Two: Prepare and Cut the Puff Pastry. Gently unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out slightly, aiming for a thickness of about ⅛ inch, while maintaining its rectangular shape. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, divide the pastry into six equal pieces. You can create squares or rectangles, or even use a cookie cutter for fun shapes.

Step Three: Score the Pastry Borders. Carefully transfer your cut pastry pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the tip of a small paring knife, gently score a 1-centimeter (approximately ½ inch) border around the inside of each pastry rectangle. The key here is to score lightly – make sure not to cut all the way through the pastry, as this border will help the edges puff up beautifully during baking.

Step Four: Add the Cream Cheese Filling. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the prepared cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, ensuring it stays within the scored borders. Use the back of your spoon or a small spatula to gently smooth the filling out to the scored lines.

Step Five: Prepare the Fruit Topping. In a separate bowl (or multiple bowls if using different fruits), add your chosen fresh fruit. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and cornstarch over the fruit. Gently mix to combine, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated. The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the fruit juices as they bake.

Step Six: Top with Fruit. Spoon a heaping ¼ cup of your prepared fruit mixture onto the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry, again making sure to keep it within the scored borders. Be mindful not to overfill, as the fruit will release juices during baking.

Hot tip! When mixing the fruit with sugar and cornstarch, and subsequently placing it on the pastry, be very gentle to avoid crushing the fruit too much. This helps maintain its shape and texture during baking.

Step Seven: Egg Wash and Bake. In a small bowl, whisk one egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Using a small pastry brush or even your finger, carefully brush the egg wash onto the exposed pastry edges, avoiding the scored lines and the filling. This will help them brown beautifully. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and bake the danishes for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffy, and the fruit filling is bubbly.

Step Eight: Glaze and Serve. While the danishes are still warm from the oven, you can opt to brush a thin layer of warmed jam or preserves over the fruit. This adds a lovely sheen and an extra layer of sweetness. For an additional decorative touch, prepare a simple vanilla icing by mixing powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, then drizzle it over the cooled danishes (this step is completely optional but adds a nice finish).

Hot tip! Be very careful not to let the egg wash drip over the cut edges of the puff pastry. If the egg wash seals these edges, it will prevent the delicate layers of the pastry from separating and puffing up, resulting in a less flaky danish.

Expert Tips for Flawless Danishes

Achieving bakery-quality danishes at home is easier than you think, especially with these expert tips:

• Freshly Cut Edges for Maximum Flakiness: After rolling out your puff pastry, use a large, sharp knife to trim off a very thin strip from each edge that wasn’t previously cut. These freshly cut edges are crucial for promoting the maximum rise and flakiness during baking. Remember to use a clean, decisive cut – avoid sawing motions, which can seal the layers.
• Clean Pastry Surface: Before applying the cream cheese filling, gently brush off any excess flour from the surface of your puff pastry. Too much flour can prevent the filling from adhering properly and might affect the texture of the baked pastry.
• Keep it Cold: Puff pastry performs best when it’s kept very cold. The colder the pastry enters the oven, the more steam is created between its layers, leading to a higher, flakier rise. It’s a great practice to refrigerate your prepared pastry with the cream cheese filling while you are preparing the fruit.
• Serve Warm for Optimal Flavor: While these danishes are delicious at any temperature, they are truly at their peak when served warm. This is when their buttery, flaky layers are most pronounced, and the flavors of the fruit and cream cheese are most vibrant and harmonious.
• Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to pile on the fruit, avoid overfilling your danishes. Too much fruit can make the pastry soggy and prevent it from baking properly. Stick to the recommended amount for the best results.
• Even Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature. An uneven or too-low oven temperature can hinder the puff pastry from rising adequately. Consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always use parchment paper when baking puff pastry. It prevents sticking, ensures even browning on the bottom, and makes cleanup a breeze.

Creative Substitutions & Exciting Variations

This fruit and cream cheese danish recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Double the Batch: If you’re hosting a brunch or simply want more delicious danishes (and who wouldn’t?), easily double the recipe. Most store-bought puff pastry packages come with two sheets, making it convenient to produce 12 danishes from a single box.
• Mix and Match Fruits: Why choose just one fruit when you can have a delightful medley? Use a heaping ¼ cup of various fruits per danish, or create a custom blend by mixing different fruits together before adding the sugar and cornstarch. Imagine a strawberry-raspberry combination or a peach-blueberry delight!
• Fun Shapes: Get creative with your pastry cutters! Instead of simple squares, use cookie cutters to make round danishes, heart shapes, or even stars for special occasions. Remember to press the cutter down firmly and lift straight up (no twisting!) to ensure the flakiest layers.
• Utilize Frozen Fruit: No fresh fruit on hand? No problem! You can absolutely use frozen fruit. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before proceeding. If using larger fruits like frozen peaches, slice them once thawed. For frozen fruit, increase the cornstarch to 1 tablespoon (instead of ½ tablespoon) to account for the additional moisture released during thawing and baking.
• Savory Options: While this recipe focuses on sweet danishes, the cream cheese base can easily be adapted for savory variations. Consider toppings like caramelized onions and goat cheese, roasted red peppers and feta, or even a pesto and cherry tomato combination. Omit the sugar from the fruit and cheese, and adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Different Glazes: Beyond the optional jam and vanilla icing, consider other glazes. A simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar, lemon juice) adds a bright, zesty kick, while a chocolate drizzle can turn your danish into a decadent dessert.

Making the Danish with Homemade Rough Puff Pastry

While this recipe champions the convenience of store-bought puff pastry, making it incredibly easy and accessible, for those who enjoy a bit more of a culinary project, crafting your own rough puff pastry is an incredibly rewarding experience. Rough puff pastry is often considered a “cheat” version of traditional puff pastry. It delivers practically identical, delightfully flaky results with less intensive labor than classic puff pastry, which involves meticulous folding and chilling. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to truly immerse yourself in the art of pastry making, I highly recommend trying to make your own rough puff pastry for these fruit and cream cheese danishes. You can find a detailed guide in my Rough Puff Pastry Recipe. It does require some time, but primarily for resting the dough in the fridge, allowing the butter to chill and the gluten to relax. The active hands-on time is surprisingly brief, often around just 30 minutes. To guide you through the process, you can also watch my instructional video on how to make rough puff pastry, which clarifies each step and technique.

Common Questions About Fruit and Cream Cheese Danishes

Proper Storage for Freshness and Flakiness

To enjoy your fruit danishes at their best, proper storage is key:

Once baked, you can store the fruit danishes at room temperature for one day. For best results, place them in a paper bag to help preserve some of their crispiness. If you need to store them longer, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for an additional day. Please note that the pastry will naturally lose its signature flakiness when refrigerated. To revive their crisp texture, you can briefly reheat them in a preheated 400°F (205°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes.

For longer-term storage, these danishes freeze beautifully. Individually wrap each cooled danish tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, unwrap them completely and bake them directly from frozen in a 400°F (205°C) oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped.

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📖 Recipe: Fruit and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish

Author: Callan Wenner

Sweet cream cheese and fresh fruit is nestled into a buttery, flaky puff pastry for a perfect fruit and cream cheese danish! Use your favorite fruit – raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, or peaches to create the best combination.

Average Rating: 4.88 from 8 votes

Quick Glance

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr

Meal Details

• Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• Cuisine: American, Danish, French
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 355 kcal

Equipment

• Rolling Pin
• Paring knife
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

Danish

• 4 oz full fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 sheet puff pastry (or homemade rough puff pastry)
• 1½ cups fresh fruit (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, cherry, peach are good options)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Jam, jelly, preserves (optional, for glaze)

Vanilla Icing (Optional)

• ½ cup powdered sugar (60g)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400℉/205℃.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the soft cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with a spoon or small rubber spatula.
3. Roll out the dough to ⅛”-¼” thick. Cut the pastry into six desired shapes. Rectangles and squares work well, and cookie cutters can be used to make circles.
4. Transfer the cutouts to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Take care not to touch the sides too much, or it will seal the edges and prevent flaky layers.
5. Lightly score a ½” border on the inside of the pastry with the tip of a sharp knife, careful not to cut through the dough completely.
6. Add a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese to the center of each piece of dough, and spread evenly to the scored border.
7. Add the pastry (on the pan) to the fridge while you prepare the fruit. The colder the pastry, the better it bakes.
8. Prepare whatever fruit you want to use. If using strawberries, cherries, or peaches, hull/pit, then slice – leave blueberries and raspberries whole.
9. Add the fruit to a bowl, then sprinkle on the sugar and cornstarch and carefully mix to combine.
10. In another small bowl, whisk together an egg and a splash of water for the egg wash.

Assembly

11. Add a ¼ cup of fruit to the top of each area of cream cheese.
12. Using a small pastry brush or your finger, rub the egg wash on all exposed sides of the dough. Try not to let the egg wash fall over the edges, or it will seal the layers and prevent them from puffing up.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the exposed edges are golden brown and flaky.
14. While the danishes bake, heat a few tablespoons of jam in the microwave for a few seconds until loosened.
15. Note: Try to pair flavors appropriately (i.e., apricot or peach preserves with peaches, strawberry jam with strawberries, etc.).
16. When the danishes are done, brush the warm jam over the fruit. This step is not required but adds a nice sheen and a touch of extra flavor.
17. Mix together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon), and vanilla, then drizzle on top of each danish (optional).
18. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Store the cooked fruit danish at room temperature for one day (add them to a paper bag if you have one), and in the fridge (covered) for an additional day. Note that the pastry will lose its flakiness. They can be re-crisped in a 400℉ oven for 5-7 minutes.

To freeze the pastry, wrap each one in plastic wrap, then add them to a zip-top bag and freeze for one month. Unwrap completely, then bake from frozen in a 400℉ oven for about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 355 kcal

Carbohydrates: 44g

Protein: 7g

Fat: 17g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

Monounsaturated Fat: 9g

Trans Fat: 0.003g

Cholesterol: 30mg

Sodium: 249mg

Potassium: 146mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 23g

Vitamin A: 233IU

Vitamin C: 1mg

Calcium: 81mg

Iron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!