Discover the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet with our Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish. This delightful pastry is easy to make and offers a delicious combination of fresh blueberries, rich cream cheese, and flaky puff pastry. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a sweet snack, these danishes are sure to impress your family and friends with their elegant appearance and delectable flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Danish:
- 1 box (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons milk
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2-1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into four equal squares, giving you a total of eight squares.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danishes:
- Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Spread it slightly, but leave a border around the edges.
- Top the cream cheese mixture with a few fresh blueberries.
- Fold the corners of each puff pastry square towards the center, pressing gently to seal.
- Apply the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make the egg wash.
- Brush the edges of the pastries with the egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake:
- Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and allow the danishes to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Icing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Start with 1/2 tablespoon of milk and add more as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
- Glaze the Danishes:
- Once the danishes have cooled, drizzle the icing over the top of each one using a spoon or a small piping bag.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to substitute the blueberries with other fresh fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries.
- Cream Cheese Mixture: For added flavor, you can mix a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture.
- Frozen Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold to the touch before working with it for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries? A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture from making the pastries soggy.
Q: How can I prevent the cream cheese mixture from leaking out during baking? A: Ensure you leave a border around the edges when spreading the cream cheese mixture and press the corners of the puff pastry firmly to seal.
Q: Can I prepare these danishes in advance? A: You can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them (unbaked) for a few hours in advance. Bake them just before serving for the best taste and texture.
With their delightful combination of fresh blueberries, rich cream cheese, and flaky puff pastry, these Blueberry Cream Cheese Danishes are a wonderful treat for any occasion. Simple to prepare yet impressive in presentation, they bring a touch of elegance to your breakfast table or snack time. Enjoy the burst of fruity sweetness and creamy filling with each bite, and savor the joy of homemade pastry perfection!
