Bright and vibrant, the warm embrace of a homemade Blueberry Danish is truly irresistible. The golden, flaky puff pastry cradles a luscious cream cheese filling topped with sweet blueberry filling, creating a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Each bite is bursting with flavour, and with the right touch, it can be your new go-to pastry delight. Whether you opt for homemade blueberry filling or a store-bought option, this recipe is remarkably easy and fills the kitchen with delightful aromas.
What You’ll Need for Blueberry Danish
To create this delicious Blueberry Danish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed in the fridge
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 115g)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1 cup blueberry filling, homemade or store-bought (about 240g)
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling
How to Make Blueberry Danish
Follow these simple steps to prepare your wonderfully flaky Blueberry Danish:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry on a clean surface and lightly roll it out to smooth out any creases.
- Cut the pastry into 4 equal rectangles.
- Score a small border inside each rectangle, taking care not to cut all the way through the dough.
- Use a fork to dock the centre of each rectangle to prevent puffing during baking.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon about a tablespoon of blueberry filling into the centre of each rectangle.
- Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg wash. If you like, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on the edges for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until puffy and golden brown around the edges.
- Allow the Blueberry Danish to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set.
The Best Way to Serve It
Enjoy your Blueberry Danish warm, freshly baked from the oven! You can serve it as is, or for an extra touch, dust with icing sugar or drizzle some glaze on top. Pair it with a lovely cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It also makes an excellent addition to any brunch table, so don’t hesitate to impress your guests with this lovely pastry!
Expert Tips for Blueberry Danish
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese filling the day before and store it in the fridge. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve.
- Berry variations: If blueberries aren’t your favourite, try using raspberries or cherries for a different flavour experience.
- Extra creamy: For an even richer filling, mix in a tablespoon of sour cream with your cream cheese mixture.
Blueberry Danish FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for the filling?
Absolutely! Just ensure they’re thawed and drained properly before using them so the pastry doesn’t become soggy.
How can I store any leftovers?
Keep any leftover Blueberry Danish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can also be re-warmed in the oven before serving.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make more servings. Just be sure to allow for longer baking time if you’re using multiple trays.
Dive into this simple and delightful Blueberry Danish recipe today – you won’t regret treating yourself to this homemade gem. Happy baking!