If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect combination of tangy and fruity, this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe is going to become your next favorite treat. Flaky, buttery puff pastry cradles a luscious cream cheese filling bursting with bright lemon zest and is topped with a vibrant blueberry jam that adds just the right amount of sweetness and color. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of creamy, citrusy, and fruity flavors that come together in a way that is as stunning to look at as it is heavenly to taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays an important role, from the flaky foundation of puff pastry to the creamy, citrus-infused cheese filling and the vivid blueberry topping. These ingredients make sure every bite has the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen: This creates the buttery, flaky crust that’s essential for any great Danish.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base for the creamy lemon filling, it adds richness and smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest: Infuses bright, fresh citrus flavor that makes the filling pop.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling naturally and smoothly.
- ⅓ cup blueberry preserves or jam: Adds sweetness, natural fruit flavor, and a lovely contrast to the citrus.
- 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water, beaten together: Used as an egg wash to create a shiny, golden crust that looks irresistible.
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated: For the zesty glaze finishing touch.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: Combined with lemon juice for a sweet, tangy glaze.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Balances the glaze perfectly with acidity.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to make handling and cleanup a breeze. Then, slice the thawed puff pastry in half lengthwise. If your puff pastry comes perforated, just roll it out gently to form one long sheet for easier handling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and powdered sugar together. Whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that bright, fresh lemon flavor is well distributed throughout the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
Take one piece of puff pastry and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving a generous border around the edges. Next, spoon the blueberry jam over the cream cheese, adding that beautiful hue and sweet tang. Brush the border of the pastry with the egg wash to ensure a perfect seal when you place the second sheet on top.
Step 4: Seal and Chill
Place the second piece of puff pastry over the fillings, pressing down gently around the edges to seal. Refrigerate the assembled Danish for 20 to 30 minutes so the cream cheese filling firms up and the layers bond together beautifully before baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once chilled, brush the entire surface of the pastry with the remaining egg wash to get that stunning golden shine once baked. Don’t forget to slice a few small slits in the top of the puff pastry to release delicious steam while it bakes.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Bake the Danish for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s puffed, golden, and irresistible. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before adding the finishing glaze. This small wait makes all the difference in texture and presentation!
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
For a gorgeous finishing touch, drizzle your lemon glaze over the cooled Danish. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar or sprinkle some finely chopped fresh blueberries or lemon zest to brighten the look and add a little fresh bite.
Side Dishes
This danish pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing cup of tea. For brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to round out your morning spread with something fresh and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, slice the Danish into individual squares and serve on pretty plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It works just as well warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile option no matter the occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese filling stays fresh, and the pastry remains flaky for up to 3 days, making it a perfect treat to enjoy the next day or two.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Danish wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then proceed with the egg wash and baking instructions as usual.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm your leftover Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 8 minutes. This gently reheats the pastry without drying it out, giving you that perfect flaky texture again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of blueberry preserves?
While fresh or frozen blueberries can be used, blueberry preserves or jam works best for spreading and sweetness. If using frozen blueberries, cook them down with a bit of sugar to thicken into a jam-like consistency first.
What’s the best puff pastry to use for this recipe?
Store-bought puff pastry sheets work wonderfully here, especially those labeled as “all-butter” for extra flavor. Thaw fully before handling to make the assembly easier and ensure a flaky finished product.
Can this Danish be made vegan?
Absolutely! Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and plant-based puff pastry, along with a flax egg or other vegan egg wash substitute to get a similar texture and flavor while keeping it plant-based.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Chilling the assembled Danish before baking helps set the filling and prevents sogginess. Also, using an egg wash to seal edges and proper baking at a high temperature gives you a wonderfully crisp crust.
Can I make mini versions of this Danish?
Yes! Simply cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and adjust baking times slightly. Mini danishes are perfect for parties and make serving easier while still packing all the fantastic flavors of the Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong making this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe. It’s a beautiful mix of flaky pastry, tangy cream cheese lemon filling, and sweet blueberry topping that’s as joyful to bake as it is to eat. Whether for a special brunch, holiday treat, or simply a weekend indulgence, this recipe will quickly become one you reach for again and again.
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
Description
A delightful Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish recipe featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy lemon-infused cream cheese filling and sweet blueberry jam, topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy-to-make Danish combines bright citrus flavors with the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of blueberries.
Ingredients
Puff 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
Blueberry Jam Layer:
- ⅓ cup blueberry preserves or jam
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
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 prepare for assembling the Danish.
- Slice Pastry: Slice the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise. If using perforated puff pastry, roll it out slightly to form one long sheet.
- Position Pastry: Keep one half piece of puff pastry on the parchment paper for filling.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Using a hand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, and powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble Danish: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the center of one puff pastry slice, leaving a border around the edges.
- Add Blueberry Jam: Spoon the blueberry preserves evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Apply Egg Wash on Border: Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash to help seal the Danish.
- Top with Second Pastry Layer: Place the other puff pastry piece on top and press down gently around edges to seal the filling inside.
- Chill Danish: Refrigerate the assembled Danish for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up the cream cheese filling and improve seal.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.
- Egg Wash Top: Brush the entire surface of the Danish with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Make Steam Slits: Slice a few slits on top of the puff pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before drizzling or spreading the lemon glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest on top.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed for easier handling and better puff.
- Do not overfill the pastry to prevent leakage during baking.
- Chilling the Danish before baking helps the pastry hold its shape and prevents filling from leaking out.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor in both the filling and glaze.
- The egg wash helps create a beautiful golden crust and seals the edges effectively.
- Allow the pastry to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
