Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

Introduction

When I first tried making these Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish pastries, I knew I was in for a treat, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much my family would fall in love with them! These pastries have the perfect balance of flaky puff pastry, tangy cream cheese filling, and luscious blackberry curd. The layers come together beautifully, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite. From the moment they emerged from the oven, the sweet aroma filled the house, tempting everyone to dig in right away. It didn’t take long before these danishes disappeared, and I was asked to make them again for the next weekend’s brunch. The best part? They’re simple to make, especially if you use store-bought puff pastry. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can achieve bakery-level results with this recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

There are countless reasons why this Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe will become a household favorite:

• Rich Flavors: The tangy cream cheese filling paired with the fruity, slightly tart blackberry curd creates a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
• Easy to Make: Using pre-made puff pastry saves time, so you can focus on the filling and curd, making this recipe a breeze for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a brunch gathering, or as a special treat with coffee or tea, these danishes are versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day.
• Impressive Presentation: These danishes look absolutely stunning, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or gifting to friends and family.
• Customize It: You can swap the blackberry curd for other fruit curds or jams, allowing you to create endless variations based on your preferences.

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Ingredients

For the Blackberry Curd:

• 12 ounces fresh or frozen blackberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter (28 grams)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Remaining Ingredients:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
• ⅓ cup turbinado sugar (73 grams)
• 6 ounces fresh blackberries (for garnish)
• Powdered sugar (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Curd

• Begin by pureeing the blackberries until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, ensuring a smooth texture.
• In a medium saucepan, heat the blackberry puree over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Lower the heat and continue to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture reduces to roughly ½ cup.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of the reduced blackberry puree, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolks, and lemon juice.
• Pour the mixture into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the curd thickens to a custard-like consistency.
• Remove from heat and stir in the butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
• Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure it’s smooth. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut the puff pastry into 9 (3 ½-inch) rounds from each sheet, for a total of 18 rounds.
• Arrange the rounds on the prepared baking sheets and prick the centers with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Danish Pastries

• Place a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry round, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Brush the edges of the pastry with the prepared egg wash and sprinkle a teaspoon of turbinado sugar around the outer edges for a golden, slightly crunchy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pastries

• Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. The danishes should be golden brown when ready.
• Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Add the Blackberry Curd

• Once the danishes are cool, spoon a heaping tablespoon of the blackberry curd into the center of each pastry.
• Garnish with fresh blackberries and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 18 pastries
• Calories per serving: Approximately 215-225 calories per pastry (calories may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion size).

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Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 10 minutes
  • Assembly Time: 5 minutes

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How to Serve

These Blackberry Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for serving at a variety of occasions:

• Brunch: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad, eggs, or coffee for a satisfying and elegant brunch.
• Dessert: These danishes are perfect for a light dessert after dinner or at a tea party.
• Special Occasions: Bring them to holiday gatherings, birthdays, or any event where you want to impress guests with a homemade treat.
• Gift Giving: Package these danishes in a gift box as a sweet surprise for friends and family.

You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for an extra indulgent treat!

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Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Blackberries: Both options work well for the curd. If using frozen berries, make sure they are fully thawed before pureeing.
2. Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese filling and blackberry curd a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the danishes.
3. Egg Wash for Shine: The egg wash adds a beautiful golden sheen to the pastry. Be sure to brush it lightly around the edges for a polished finish.
4. Perfect Puff Pastry: Don’t over-handle the puff pastry. Roll it out gently to avoid losing the layers that will give your danishes that flakey texture.
5. Flavor Variations: Swap the blackberry curd for other fruit curds, such as lemon, raspberry, or even orange, to create a new twist on this recipe.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of fruit for the curd?
Yes! You can use other berries or citrus fruits like lemon or orange for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled danishes before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just place them directly into the preheated oven from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. How do I store leftover danishes?
Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

4. Can I make these danishes without puff pastry?
While puff pastry is the traditional choice for danishes, you can use a biscuit dough or crescent roll dough as a substitute for a different texture.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, but the texture may change slightly.

6. Can I make the curd with frozen blackberries?
Yes! Frozen blackberries work just as well as fresh for making the curd.

7. Do I need to strain the blackberry puree?
Yes, straining the blackberry puree ensures a smooth curd by removing seeds and pulp.

8. Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the filling up to 24 hours ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

9. What can I use to cut out the puff pastry rounds?
You can use a biscuit cutter, a glass, or any round object that’s about 3 ½ inches in diameter.

10. Can I add more blackberry curd on top?
Yes! Feel free to add more curd if you like a more intense berry flavor.

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Conclusion

These Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish pastries are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and buttery. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a gathering, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will elevate any occasion. The flaky puff pastry, rich cream cheese filling, and tangy blackberry curd come together to create a truly irresistible treat. With easy-to-follow instructions and the option to make

key components ahead of time, this is a recipe that you’ll return to time and time again.

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