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There is something utterly irresistible about a freshly baked danish, and this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe brings the perfect harmony of tangy lemon, luscious blueberries, and creamy cheese wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. Whether you’re whipping up a special breakfast treat or a delightful brunch centerpiece, these danishes combine simple ingredients to create an impressive, melt-in-your-mouth experience you and your guests will adore. Get ready to embrace a bright, fresh flavor with every bite that feels like sunshine on a plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in delivering that perfect texture and balance of flavors packed into this danish. From the buttery crisp puff pastry to the smooth cream cheese filling brightened with fresh lemon zest, these essentials come together beautifully.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides that flaky, buttery base that’s crucial for the danish’s signature texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a rich and creamy filling without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Fresh lemon zest: Adds a vibrant citrus aroma and tartness that wakes up the palate.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and the glaze, smoothing out tart edges.
- Blueberry preserves or jam: Bursts of fruity sweetness that contrast wonderfully with lemon.
- Egg and water (for egg wash): Gives the danish its beautiful glossy finish and helps seal the pastry edges.
- Fresh lemon juice: Key to the glaze, adding fresh zing to coat the danish just right.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Base
Start by laying a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet to keep things tidy and your danish from sticking. Slice your thawed puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise—this gives you two generous rectangles perfect for layering and sealing.
Step 2: Create the Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, freshly grated lemon zest, and powdered sugar until silky and smooth. This filling is where the magic happens, blending creamy texture with just the right touch of citrus sparkle.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish Layers
Place one piece of puff pastry on the parchment and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the center, leaving a border for sealing. Next, generously spoon the blueberry preserves over the cream cheese layer—this combo is the heart of your danish’s flavor harmony.
Step 4: Seal and Chill
Brush the exposed edges of the bottom pastry with egg wash to help everything stick. Then carefully place the second pastry piece on top, pressing edges firmly to seal the filling inside. Pop the danish into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to chill and firm up—it’s an essential step for puff pastry to bake up beautifully.
Step 5: Ready, Set, Bake!
Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Give the danish a thorough brush with the egg wash for a golden sheen, then cut a few strategic slits on top to let out steam as it bakes. Slide it into the oven and watch as it puffs up to a gorgeous golden-brown in about 20 to 25 minutes.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe, sprinkle a few fresh blueberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top right before serving. A little fresh lemon zest or finely chopped mint leaves add that extra pop of color and freshness, making each piece look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This danish pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bright herbal tea like chamomile or mint. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt parfaits to balance the richness of the danish with wholesome, refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your danish on rustic wooden boards or elegant cake stands to really celebrate its bakery-quality appeal. For gatherings, cut the danish into smaller squares to make sharing easy and fun, or offer a variety of fruit jams and spreads so everyone can customize their bites for a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The danish is still delicious slightly warmed and will keep its flaky texture nicely for a short while.
Freezing
To enjoy your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe later, freeze before baking or after it has cooled completely. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until warm and flaky.
Reheating
Reheat your danish gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, which brings back the crispiness of the puff pastry while warming the luscious filling just right. Avoid the microwave to keep that perfect flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of preserves?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tastes, thaw frozen blueberries and cook them down with a bit of sugar to create a quick jam-like filling. This lets you control the sweetness and freshness of your danish filling.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
If you want a lighter option, ricotta cheese works well with some added sugar and lemon zest for creaminess. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy pastry.
Is it necessary to chill the danish before baking?
Yes, chilling helps the puff pastry relax and keeps the filling firm so it doesn’t ooze out during baking. It also encourages better puffing and prevents shrinking, resulting in a beautifully risen danish.
Can I make mini lemon blueberry cheese danishes?
Definitely! Simply cut your puff pastry into smaller squares and adjust baking time to about 15 to 18 minutes. Mini danishes make adorable bite-sized treats for parties or gatherings.
How long is this danish best enjoyed after baking?
For the best experience, enjoy within the first day so you can savor that fresh crispness in both pastry and filling. However, proper storage and reheating still keep it tasty for a day or two after baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your breakfast table or impress friends with a stunning homemade pastry, this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe is a winner every time. Its blend of tart lemon, sweet blueberry, and creamy cheese wrapped in puff pastry feels like a little homemade luxury that’s surprisingly easy to make. I promise, once you try it, this recipe will be your new favorite go-to treat for mornings worth waking up to!
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Print
Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry featuring a flaky puff pastry crust filled with a creamy lemon-zested cream cheese mixture and sweet blueberry preserves. Finished with a tangy lemon glaze, it’s the perfect treat for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup blueberry preserves or jam
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water, beaten together
Lemon Glaze:
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet to prevent sticking and facilitate easy transfer.
- Slice Puff Pastry: Slice the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise. If using perforated puff pastry, roll it out slightly to create one long sheet for even layering.
- Arrange Pastry Base: Keep one piece of puff pastry on the parchment paper as the base for your Danish.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Using a hand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, and powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble Danish: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling in the center of one puff pastry slice, leaving a border around the edges to seal later.
- Add Blueberry Jam: Spoon the blueberry preserves over the cream cheese mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Brush Egg Wash Border: Use the beaten egg wash to brush the borders of the puff pastry to help seal the layers together.
- Top with Second Puff Pastry: Place the second piece of puff pastry on top of the filling and press down the edges firmly to seal the Danish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled Danish for 20 to 30 minutes to help the cream cheese filling firm up and prevent leakage during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
- Final Egg Wash and Slits: Brush the entire surface of the Danish with the egg wash for a golden finish. Slice a few slits in the top layer to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the Danish for 20 to 25 minutes until it is golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the Danish from the oven and let it cool slightly before applying the lemon glaze.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Mix the freshly grated lemon zest, powdered sugar, and lemon juice to create a glaze, then drizzle over the warm Danish for a tangy finish.
Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and a smooth filling.
- Chilling the Danish before baking is crucial to prevent the pastry from shrinking and to keep the filling intact.
- The slits on top allow steam to escape, which helps to keep the pastry flaky and prevents sogginess.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor in both the filling and glaze.
- Blueberry preserves can be substituted with other fruit jams if desired.
