If you have a sweet tooth and appreciate something a little special but incredibly simple to make, this Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is exactly what you need. Flaky puff pastry envelops a luscious layer of smooth cream cheese blended with just the right amount of vanilla and sugar, topped with juicy, tangy raspberries that burst with freshness in every bite. Finished with a delicate drizzle of sweet glaze, these danishes are perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch treat, or an elegant snack that feels like a little celebration any time of day. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a stunning pastry that’s bound to impress family and friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, the ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward and work harmoniously together to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays an essential role, from the buttery puff pastry to the bright raspberries and creamy filling.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, golden base that’s crispy yet tender—key for that classic Danish texture.
- Large egg: Used to create a shiny, golden crust by brushing the pastry edges before baking.
- Fresh raspberries: Adds vibrant color and juicy tartness, making the pastry irresistibly fresh.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the raspberry topping so the juices don’t make the pastry soggy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cream cheese filling and raspberry mixture just right.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the raspberries, enhancing their natural flavor with a subtle zing.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, lending creaminess and richness that contrast perfectly with the fruit.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the cream cheese filling and the glaze.
- Milk: Used to smooth the cream cheese mixture and also in the glaze for a silky finish.
- Powdered sugar: The base of the sweet glaze that offers a light, delicate sweetness on top of each danish.
How to Make Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry and Oven
Start by thawing your puff pastry according to the package instructions if it’s store-bought—this step is crucial so it rolls out easily without cracking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 395°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your danishes don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Raspberry Filling
Gently combine the fresh raspberries with cornstarch, granulated sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. The cornstarch thicken this mixture slightly, trapping all the juicy goodness inside the danish without sogging the pastry.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and milk until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling complements the tart raspberries beautifully, balancing richness and brightness.
Step 4: Shape the Danish Pastries
Roll out the puff pastry to roughly a 9 by 11-inch rectangle. Cut it into six equal rectangles and place them on your prepared baking sheet with at least an inch of space between them to allow for puffing. Score a ¼ inch border inside each rectangle to keep the filling neatly contained while baking.
Step 5: Add the Fillings
Spoon about a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into each pastry’s inner rectangle, spreading it evenly. On top of that, arrange a single layer of the raspberry mixture for that perfect pop of flavor and color.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
Lightly beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush this mixture along the outer edges of the pastry rectangles. This will give your danishes a beautiful glossy finish and a golden brown crust after baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake at 395°F for 17 to 20 minutes until the pastry edges are gorgeously golden and crisp. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before adding the glaze.
Step 8: Drizzle the Sweet Glaze
Mix the powdered sugar with vanilla extract and milk until smooth, then drizzle this over your warm raspberry cream cheese danishes. The glaze adds a final touch of sweetness and an attractive shine that elevates these pastries into something truly special.
How to Serve Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh raspberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for added visual appeal. A few mint leaves also brighten the presentation, pairing beautifully with the raspberry notes.
Side Dishes
Pair your danish with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fruity herbal tea for a complete breakfast or brunch experience. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy yogurt are refreshing companions that complement the richness of the pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these danishes on a pretty platter alongside small jars of homemade jam or honey to add extra layers of flavor. For an elegant brunch, place each danish on a doily or individual serving plate and garnish with edible flowers for a delicate, festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover danishes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the puff pastry crispy while maintaining the cream cheese filling’s freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked danishes by assembling them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked danishes can also be frozen but are best enjoyed fresh to keep the pastry flaky.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your danish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes to regain that freshly baked crispness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and gently drain excess liquid before mixing them with cornstarch and sugar to avoid soggy pastry.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?
Yes, mascarpone is a great substitute that will give the filling a richer, creamier texture but keep the flavor slightly milder and less tangy.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before spreading on the pastry.
What if I don’t have cornstarch on hand?
If you don’t have cornstarch, a small amount of all-purpose flour can work as a thickener, but cornstarch gives a clearer, smoother result for the raspberry topping.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
The cornstarch in the raspberry mixture helps with this, and scoring the pastry edges creates a barrier to keep the filling contained. Also, spreading the cream cheese filling first and not letting the berry juices pool helps maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to store-bought pastries! It’s such a rewarding treat that’s quick to put together, bursting with fresh flavors, and irresistibly flaky. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy breakfast, these danishes are sure to become a new favorite to share and enjoy again and again.
Print
Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and fresh raspberries, finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat, these danishes are simple to prepare and bake to golden perfection in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Fruit Filling
- 9 ounces raspberries (fresh, sliced into halves)
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon milk
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon water
Vanilla Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry and Oven: Thaw the store-bought puff pastry sheet according to package instructions. Preheat your oven to 395°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Raspberry Filling: In a bowl, gently combine the halved raspberries with cornstarch, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and lemon juice. This will help thicken the raspberry juices while baking.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Pastry Rectangles: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 9 by 11 inches. Cut into 6 equal rectangles and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring at least 1 inch gap between each. Lightly score a ¼ inch border inside each rectangle without cutting all the way through.
- Assemble Danishes: Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture inside the scored border on each pastry rectangle. Layer the raspberry filling evenly on top of the cream cheese base.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush this over the outer edges of each pastry to create a golden crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry edges are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from oven and allow them to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Combine powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl. Mix until smooth, then drizzle over the slightly cooled danishes before serving. Enjoy your delicious raspberry cream cheese danishes warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh raspberries and room temperature cream cheese.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative if desired.
- Allow the puff pastry to thaw fully but keep it chilled to prevent it from becoming sticky and difficult to work with.
- These danishes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- To maintain crispness after storage, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven rather than a microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
