These Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish pastries are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, rich cream cheese filling, and a tangy blackberry curd. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special dessert, these danishes are easy to make with store-bought puff pastry and a homemade blackberry curd that adds a vibrant flavor. With a golden, crispy exterior and a sweet creamy interior, these pastries will become your new favorite treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Blackberry Curd:

• 12 oz fresh or frozen blackberries

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg yolk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Remaining Ingredients:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)

• ⅓ cup turbinado sugar

• 6 oz fresh blackberries (for garnish)

• Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Directions

1. Make the Blackberry Curd:

   • Puree the blackberries until smooth and strain out the seeds. Simmer the blackberry puree in a saucepan for about 20 minutes until reduced to ½ cup.

   • Combine the blackberry puree with sugar, egg, egg yolks, and lemon juice in another saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes).

   • Remove from heat and whisk in the butter. Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

   • Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.

3. Prepare the Pastries:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

   • Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 3½-inch circles. Prick the center of each circle with a fork.

   • Place a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry circle, leaving a border.

   • Brush the edges of the pastries with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

4. Bake:

   • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through.

   • Remove from the oven and let cool.

5. Assemble and Serve:

   • Fill the center of each pastry with a heaping tablespoon of blackberry curd.

   • Garnish with fresh blackberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per pastry)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 37g

  • Sugar: 17g

• Protein: 4g

• Sodium: 200mg

Why Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish is So Special

What makes these Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish pastries stand out is the combination of the soft, rich cream cheese filling with the fresh, tangy blackberry curd, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery puff pastry. The cream cheese filling adds a comforting richness, while the blackberry curd offers a bright, tart flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar and cream cheese.

The use of homemade blackberry curd elevates these danishes, giving them an authentic, homemade feel that’s both luxurious and satisfying. The puff pastry, when baked, becomes golden and crisp, creating the ideal texture contrast against the creamy and fruity center. It’s a treat that feels decadent, but it’s easy enough to make for any occasion.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• Blackberries: Blackberries are the star of the curd, providing a natural sweetness and vibrant color. When reduced and combined with sugar and lemon juice, they create a tangy, thick filling that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese.

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the base for the filling, providing a smooth, tangy, and rich texture that balances the sweetness of the blackberry curd.

• Puff Pastry: Puff pastry forms the crisp, flaky outer shell of the danish. It puffs up beautifully when baked, creating a delicate, golden exterior that contrasts with the creamy interior.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used both in the curd and cream cheese filling to add sweetness and help balance the tartness of the blackberries and the richness of the cream cheese.

• Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the curd, helping to balance the sweetness of the blackberries and enhancing the overall flavor.

• Egg Yolk: The egg yolk in the cream cheese filling adds richness and helps bind the filling together, giving it a smooth texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a hint of warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling, complementing the tanginess of the cheese.

• Turbinado Sugar: Turbinado sugar is used to add a nice crunchy texture to the edges of the pastries, giving them a little extra sweetness and a rustic touch.

How to Make the Perfect Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

Making these danishes is easy and straightforward, and the result is an impressive, indulgent treat. Here’s how to make the perfect Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish:

1. Make the Blackberry Curd:

   • Puree the blackberries until smooth, then strain out the seeds.

   • Simmer the blackberry puree in a saucepan over medium heat for about 20 minutes, reducing it to about ½ cup.

   • Combine the blackberry puree with sugar, egg, egg yolks, and lemon juice in another saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the curd thickens, about 5 minutes.

   • Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until smooth. Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve and set it aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.

3. Prepare the Pastries:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

   • Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3½-inch circles.

   • Prick the center of each circle with a fork to prevent the pastry from puffing too much in the middle.

   • Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry circle, leaving a small border around the edges.

   • Brush the edges of the pastries with the egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.

4. Bake the Pastries:

   • Bake the danishes for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to rotate the pans halfway through to ensure even baking.

   • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes.

5. Assemble and Serve:

   • Fill the center of each danish with a heaping tablespoon of blackberry curd.

   • Garnish with fresh blackberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

   • Serve immediately while they are still warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

• Use Fresh Blackberries: Fresh blackberries will provide the best flavor and color for the curd. However, if fresh blackberries are unavailable, frozen blackberries work well too.

• Don’t Overfill the Pastries: Be sure not to overfill the puff pastry with cream cheese or blackberry curd. Leave a small border around the edges to allow the pastry to puff up and bake evenly.

• Make the Curd in Advance: You can make the blackberry curd ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before filling the pastries.

• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the pastries as they bake. You want them golden brown and crispy, but not overdone. The puff pastry should rise and become flaky.

Serving Suggestions for Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

These danishes are perfect for:

• Weekend Brunch: Serve them alongside coffee or tea for a decadent brunch spread that’s sure to impress.

• Dessert: These danishes are a great choice for dessert, especially when served with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Gifts or Special Occasions: Make a batch of these danishes for a special occasion, or give them as a gift for friends and family. They are a treat everyone will enjoy.

Nutritional Information for Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

Each Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish contains approximately 350 calories, with 20 grams of fat, including 9 grams of saturated fat. It provides 37 grams of carbohydrates, including 17 grams of sugar. Each serving also provides 4 grams of protein. The pastry has 200 mg of sodium, which is typical for a sweet baked good.

Conclusion

These Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish pastries are a perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich cream cheese, sweet fruit, and flaky pastry. The homemade blackberry curd provides a tangy contrast to the creamy filling, while the puff pastry delivers the perfect crisp and golden exterior. Easy to make and impressive to serve, these danishes are sure to become a favorite dessert or brunch option in your recipe collection. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, topped with fresh blackberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch.