Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

The Fluffiest Cream Cheese Danish Recipe That Melts Hearts

Pastry lovers swoon over this irresistible cream cheese Danish recipe that brings bakery-style magic right to your kitchen.

Buttery, flaky layers melt around a luscious cream cheese filling that promises pure indulgence.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of delicate pastry and rich, tangy cream cheese center.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this simple yet elegant Danish pastry.

The delightful treat requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor and impressive presentation.

You’ll love how straightforward the preparation can be, transforming basic ingredients into a stunning breakfast or dessert.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with this delectable Danish that looks like it came straight from a European bakery.

Why Easy Fruit Danish Is Always a Winner

  • Whip Up Quickly: Super simple recipe that even beginner bakers can master with minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
  • Customize Your Treat: Flexible dessert allowing personal fruit choices like swapping blueberries or strawberries based on seasonal availability or preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or casual gatherings where guests will appreciate a delightful homemade pastry that looks professionally made.
  • No-Stress Baking: Requires basic kitchen tools, straightforward steps, and minimal preparation time, making it an ideal recipe for busy home cooks wanting a delicious sweet treat.

Ingredients for the Best Easy Fruit Danish

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry Sheets: Delicate and flaky foundation for the Danish pastry.
  • Smaller Cutter: Tool for creating precise border on pastry rounds.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that provides rich and tangy flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds smooth texture and slight tanginess to the filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
  • Lime Juice: Provides bright, citrusy acidity to balance the sweet filling.
  • Lime Zest: Offers intense, aromatic citrus flavor.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall sweetness and adds depth to the filling.
Fruit Topping:
  • Blueberries, Strawberries: Fresh fruits that add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the Danish pastry.

Easy Fruit Danish: How to Make It at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready for some delicious pastry magic.

Step 2: Shape The Pastry Circles

Grab your pastry sheets and create beautiful round shapes, cutting 4 perfect circles from each sheet with a sharp knife or pastry cutter.

Step 3: Create Delicate Pastry Edges

Take a smaller cutter and gently score the edges of each pastry round, creating a lovely decorative border.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Surface

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Sugar
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Lime zest
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Fill The Pastry Rounds

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the luscious filling into the center of each pastry round.

Step 7: Spread The Filling

Carefully spread the filling, leaving a small 1/4-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow.

Step 8: Add Blueberry Delight

Sprinkle fresh blueberries over half of the pastry rounds.

Step 9: Introduce Strawberry Sweetness

Top the remaining pastry rounds with vibrant, sliced strawberries.

Step 10: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes until the pastries turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the danishes cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to settle.

Step 12: Final Flourish

Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh lime zest for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Fruit Danish Tips for Flaky Results

  • Refrigerate pastry sheets before cutting to ensure crisp, clean edges and prevent sticking.
  • Spread cream cheese mixture evenly but sparingly to avoid overwhelming the delicate pastry.
  • Select ripe, seasonal blueberries and strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and best texture.
  • Lightly dust baking sheet with flour to help absorb moisture and keep pastry crisp.
  • Swap blueberries and strawberries with raspberries, peaches, or other seasonal fruits for variety.

Tasty Variations on the Fruit Danish Classic

  • Gluten-Free Danish: Replace pastry sheets with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegan Variation: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, and replace sugar with maple syrup for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and choose berries with lower natural sugar content like raspberries or blackberries.
  • Tropical Fruit Remix: Substitute blueberries and strawberries with mango, passion fruit, or pineapple chunks for a sunny, exotic flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Easy Fruit Danish

  • Breakfast Bliss: Serve these delightful Danish pastries as a morning treat alongside fresh coffee or tea. Perfect for weekend brunches with friends and family.
  • Dessert Delight: Transform these fruity Danish into a sweet ending by drizzling with light powdered sugar glaze or adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack these portable pastries for outdoor gatherings, school lunches, or roadtrip snacks. They travel well and look impressive with their colorful fruit topping.
  • Elegant Entertaining: Arrange the Danish on a beautiful platter with mint leaves and extra berries for a sophisticated dessert that will wow guests at any social gathering.

Storage Solutions for Fruit Danish Lovers

  • Store Danish pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Keep pastries covered at room temperature for no more than 6 hours to maintain their crisp texture and prevent staleness.
  • Wrap individual Danish pastries tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks, preserving their delicate flavor and texture.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen pastries in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispness and revive the filling's creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for the filling?

The filling combines cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla for a tangy and sweet creamy base.

  • Can I use different fruits instead of blueberries and strawberries?

Yes, you can substitute with raspberries, sliced peaches, or diced apples to create variety in your fruit danish.

  • Do I need any special baking equipment for this recipe?

You’ll need a baking sheet, parchment paper, and round cutters to help shape and prepare the pastries.

  • How do I ensure my pastry turns out crisp and golden?

Make sure to bake at 400F and watch closely during the last few minutes to achieve the perfect golden brown color without burning.

Print
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Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Cream Cheese Danish Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 36 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Danish pastries bring sweet cream cheese magic right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Crisp, buttery layers and luscious filling invite you to savor a moment of pure breakfast bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box (2 sheets) puff pastry dough, thawed
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • Fresh blueberries
  • Fresh strawberries, halved

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla or vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Finishing Touches:

  • Sanding sugar
  • Extra lime zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring a hot and ready baking environment.
  2. Carefully slice 4 circular shapes from each pastry sheet using a sharp knife or cutter.
  3. Create a delicate border around each pastry round using a smaller cutting tool.
  4. Arrange the pastry rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even cooking.
  5. Craft a creamy filling by blending cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lime juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth and well-combined.
  6. Generously dollop 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling into the center of each pastry round.
  7. Gently spread the filling, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
  8. Artfully distribute blueberries across half of the pastry rounds.
  9. Similarly, place strawberries on the remaining pastry rounds.
  10. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes until the pastries turn a beautiful golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven and allow the danishes to cool to room temperature.
  12. Optionally, enhance the presentation by sprinkling additional lime zest over the finished pastries.

Notes

  • Customize the filling by experimenting with different cream cheese flavors like herb-infused or jalapeño for a unique twist.
  • Ensure pastry sheets are cold but pliable to achieve perfect, flaky texture without tearing.
  • Swap fruits based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping the same volume of berries for consistent results.
  • Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent sticking, which helps maintain the delicate pastry shape during baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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