Name: Easy Puff Pastry Cheese and Berry Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 standard box puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed in fridge overnight); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 egg yolk; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; about 6 tablespoons berry jam; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons water; coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling); 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract); water (as needed, to achieve desired glaze consistency)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 4 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten your breakfast or wow guests at brunch, this Easy Puff Pastry Cheese and Berry Danish Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture flaky, golden puff pastry wrapped around a creamy, dreamy cheese filling with a burst of fruity berry jam, all finished with a sweet, delicate glaze. It’s surprisingly simple to make but tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites to bake and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a wooden board holds a creamy white mixture with a smooth, thick texture filling most of the bowl. On top, there is a single bright yellow egg yolk sitting in the center. Around the yolk are small splashes of dark brown vanilla extract and a pile of white sugar. Two silver metal beaters from a mixer are partly inserted into the mixture, ready to blend the ingredients together. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Even though this Easy Puff Pastry Cheese and Berry Danish Recipe sounds decadent, the ingredients are refreshingly straightforward. Each plays a key role in the final flavor and texture — from the buttery puff pastry layers to the rich cream cheese and bright berry sweetness.

Puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed): The foundation for that irresistible flaky crust, ready to puff perfectly in your oven.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides a luscious and tangy base for the filling that blends beautifully with the jam.
Egg yolk (1): Adds richness to the cream cheese mixture and helps with binding.
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.
Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and depth to the filling.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, plus extra for glaze): Adds a lovely nutty note that pairs perfectly with berries and cream.
Berry jam (about 6 tablespoons): Your choice of strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry — the star fruity component for a burst of flavor.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): For the glaze that ties everything together with a sweet, smooth finish.
Water: Used sparingly in the glaze and egg wash for perfect consistency and shine.
Egg (1 whole): Whisked with water to create an egg wash for brushing the pastry edges, lending a beautiful golden color.
Coarse sugar (optional): Adds a bit of sparkle and crunch on top if you want to jazz up your danish.

How to Make Easy Puff Pastry Cheese and Berry Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; this keeps your danishes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees to ensure it’s ready for the golden baking magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and smooth — no lumps here! Add in the egg yolk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is perfectly combined. Set this luscious mixture aside; it’s about to become your danish’s creamy heart.

Step 3: Prepare and Cut the Puff Pastry

Take one sheet of thawed puff pastry at a time and unfold it onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly roll it out into an even rectangle, just expanding it by about half an inch all around. Then, cut along the existing creases and once more down the center, creating six even rectangles total. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, gently score a border about a quarter inch inside each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Step 4: Fill the Danish

Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry rectangle. Spread it slightly but keep it inside the scored border—this helps the edges puff beautifully. Then, create a small well in the center of the cream cheese and fill it with about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of your chosen berry jam. This sweet spot becomes the jewel of the pastry.

Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash and Sugar

Whisk together the whole egg and water until smooth for a glossy egg wash. Using a pastry brush, carefully paint the wash around the edges of the scored border on each danish to encourage a golden finish. If you like a bit of crunch and sparkle, sprinkle some coarse sugar over the edges at this point.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until your pastries are beautifully puffed and golden along the edges. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes! Once done, let them cool slightly on a wire rack before adding the final touch.

Step 7: Glaze the Danishes

Mix powdered sugar with a splash of almond extract and add water, a little at a time, until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency. Don’t overdo the water—you want it silky but not runny. Drizzle this glaze artfully over your cooled pastries for a sweet, delicate finish that makes these danishes truly irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Puff Pastry Cheese and Berry Danish Recipe

The image shows four rectangular pastries on light brown baking paper on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a flaky golden-brown crust with a raised edge forming a shallow center. Inside the center, there is a layer of smooth white cream cheese filling. On two of the pastries, there is a dollop of dark purple blueberry jam on top of the cream cheese, and on one pastry in the back, there is a dollop of reddish-pink jam over the cream cheese. The texture of the crust looks crisp and light, and the jam looks glossy and slightly thick. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries scattered on top can amplify the berry theme beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves also add a touch of elegance and color contrast that makes your danish pop.

Side Dishes

Pair your danishes with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a classic combo. Fresh fruit salad complements the sweetness nicely, and a dollop of whipped cream turns your breakfast into a truly decadent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these danishes on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of extra berry jam for dipping. Alternatively, stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a chic brunch display that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the pastry flaky. Refrigeration can be used but may cause the pastry to lose some of its crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked, filled danishes on the baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh danishes anytime!

Reheating

Warm leftover danishes in a 350-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their crispiness and refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of jam for the filling?

Fresh or frozen berries can be used, but jam helps keep the filling in place and adds sweetness and thickness. If you use frozen berries, consider cooking them down to make a thick compote before adding to the danish.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and ensure your puff pastry is dairy-free as well. The result will still be delicious and flaky.

Can I make these danishes smaller or larger?

Absolutely! Adjust the size of your puff pastry cuts to make mini danishes or larger ones. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller pastries will bake faster and larger ones will need a bit more time.

What type of berry jam works best?

Strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry jams all work beautifully here. Choose one with good flavor and a bit of thickness so it doesn’t run off during baking.

How long can I prepare these ahead of time before baking?

You can assemble the danishes a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Bring them to room temperature before baking to help ensure even puffing and browning.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Puff Pastry Cheese and Berry Danish Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more of a pleasure to eat. It strikes the perfect balance between impressive bakery-quality and simple home baking, making it ideal for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — you might just discover your new go-to treat for breakfasts, brunches, or sweet gatherings with friends and family.