Decadent Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens in the kitchen when you’re baking something as delightful as a Decadent Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly fills the house with the warm scent of buttery pastry, tangy cream cheese, and bubbling berries. This Danish isn’t just a pastry—it’s a sweet little memory in the making.

Growing up, Sunday mornings were sacred in my family. They were slow, quiet, and always accompanied by something freshly baked. My grandmother, never one to settle for store-bought, would roll out the puff pastry by hand, always with a touch of flour on her cheek. While apple and cherry reigned supreme during the colder months, blackberry was her midsummer masterpiece. She’d pluck the berries straight from her garden, their deep purple hue staining her fingers and apron.

This recipe brings that tradition to life. With just the right blend of richness from the cream cheese and brightness from homemade blackberry curd, each bite feels like a special occasion. It’s perfect for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or when you simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant yet easy: Made with ready-made puff pastry, it’s simple to pull together but looks bakery-worthy.
• Bursting with flavor: The contrast of tangy cream cheese and sweet-tart blackberry curd is utterly satisfying.
• Seasonal charm: Ideal for using fresh summer blackberries or frozen ones any time of the year.
• Perfect for gatherings: A show-stopping addition to brunch tables or dessert trays.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Blackberry Curd:

• 12 oz fresh or frozen blackberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 whole egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp butter

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Danish:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
• ⅓ cup turbinado sugar
• 6 oz fresh blackberries (garnish)
• Powdered sugar (garnish)

How to Make Decadent Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish

Making this danish is a joyful, step-by-step process that allows you to slow down and savor the act of baking. Let’s walk through it together.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the Blackberry Curd

Start by simmering your berries and sugar in a saucepan. Within minutes, the kitchen will fill with a jammy, fruity fragrance. After pressing out the seeds, return the silky juice to the heat and whisk in eggs and lemon juice. As it thickens to a glossy curd, stir in butter until melted. Chill it while you prep the rest.

2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth, then add an egg yolk and vanilla for that classic tangy sweetness. This creamy base is the heart of every good Danish.

3. Cut and Score the Puff Pastry

Gently roll out your pastry sheets and slice into squares. Using a paring knife, score a smaller square inside each, then lightly poke the centers with a fork. This simple trick gives each Danish a neat frame and keeps the filling centered.

4. Fill Each Square

Add a spoonful of cream cheese mixture into each square’s center, followed by a swirl of that deep purple blackberry curd. It’s okay if it looks rustic—this is homemade, after all.

5. Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle

Brush the edges with egg wash and dust with coarse turbinado sugar for sparkle and crunch.

6. Bake Until Golden

Pop them in the oven at 400°F for 18–22 minutes. When they come out puffed and golden, let them cool slightly before garnishing.

7. Garnish and Serve

Top each with a fresh blackberry and a dusting of powdered sugar. The contrast of white sugar against the purple curd and golden crust is a visual treat.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Keep the puff pastry cold while working—this helps it puff beautifully.
• Don’t skip chilling the curd—it thickens properly and holds its shape during baking.
• Make ahead: Prepare the curd and cream cheese filling a day in advance to streamline the process.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 pastries
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

Feel free to swap in raspberries or blueberries if you’re out of blackberries. This pastry is versatile, and the cream cheese base pairs well with nearly any berry curd or jam.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Per serving)

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fiber: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is a blackberry and cream cheese Danish?
A blackberry and cream cheese Danish is a sweet, flaky pastry made with puff pastry or crescent dough, filled with a creamy vanilla-flavored cream cheese mixture and juicy blackberries. Braided or folded for a beautiful finish, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert and easy to prepare at home.

Does blackberry cream cheese Danish need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because it contains cream cheese, a blackberry cream cheese Danish should be refrigerated. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 to 7 days. For best taste, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

How do you make a Danish with cream cheese?
To make a Danish with cream cheese, roll out your dough and spread a sweetened cream cheese mixture down the center. Add fresh or jammy blackberries on top. Cut slits along the sides, then fold them over the filling in a crisscross pattern. Bake until golden and set.

What to make with cream cheese and blackberries?
Cream cheese and blackberries pair beautifully in pastries like Danishes, mini tarts, or hand pies. Mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, spoon onto pastry dough, add blackberries, and bake. You can also swirl them into muffins or use them as a topping for toast.

How to make a croissant with cream cheese and blackberries?
To make a croissant with cream cheese and blackberries, use crescent roll dough. Spread a sweetened cream cheese mixture over the dough, add blackberries, and roll tightly. Bake at 375°F until golden and puffy. It’s a quick, bakery-style treat made right at home.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store cooled Danishes in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crispiness.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• The Story Behind This No-Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake
• No-Bake Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake
• Iced Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

CONCLUSION:

The Decadent Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish is more than a pastry—it’s an experience. It’s a reminder that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated to be special. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can bring bakery-quality pastries right to your table. Whether you’re baking for brunch guests or indulging in a quiet morning with coffee and something sweet, this Danish will be a favorite in your recipe box.

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