If you have a sweet tooth and a love for flaky pastries, this Swirled Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share. Imagine tender, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling that’s bursting with fresh blueberry flavor and a hint of vanilla. The swirled design not only looks stunning but guarantees each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and juicy, vibrant blueberries. This recipe is straightforward, yet it feels indulgently special—perfect for weekend brunches or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry and fresh items that come together beautifully, each playing a crucial role in texture, flavor, or appearance to bring this Danish masterpiece to life.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides that flaky, golden crust which is the hallmark of any good Danish.
- Cream cheese: The rich and creamy heart of the filling, softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang of cream cheese.
- Fresh blueberries: Bursting with juicy freshness to create those delightful pops of flavor in every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces subtle warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Egg and water (egg wash): Used for glazing the pastry to achieve that gorgeous golden brown finish.
How to Make Swirled Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready once the pastries are assembled. This ensures a crispy, flaky puff pastry with a beautifully cooked filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base that will contrast beautifully against the flaky pastry.
Step 3: Fold in the Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to burst them too much. This keeps the filling looking vibrant and ensures little juicy pockets within the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry onto a clean surface into a rectangle roughly 12 by 16 inches. Then, make lengthwise and crosswise cuts to create strips, making sure not to cut all the way through so the strips remain connected at the base. This technique will help form the signature swirled look.
Step 5: Assemble the Swirls
Spread the cream cheese and blueberry mixture down the center of each strip. Then twist each strip gently over the filling to create beautiful swirls that reveal the brilliant colors and textures inside.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush each swirl generously with the egg wash made from an egg and a tablespoon of water. This step is key to giving the final Danish that irresistible shine and golden color. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
How to Serve Swirled Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar after baking adds a lovely, delicate sweetness and looks stunning against the swirls. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra blueberries on top can also enhance presentation and add a fresh note.
Side Dishes
This Danish pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a delicate herbal tea for a perfect morning or afternoon treat. Bright fruit salads or light yogurt make lovely, complementary sides to balance the richness of the Danish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Danish swirls on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of blueberry preserves or a drizzle of honey for dipping. For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swirled Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain the crispness of the puff pastry while keeping the filling fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked swirls by assembling them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, wrapping tightly, and freezing before baking. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the Danish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the flaky texture and warms the filling without making the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the pastry soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan puff pastry to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.
Can I prepare the filling the night before?
Yes, preparing the cream cheese and blueberry filling in advance is a great time-saver. Just give it a gentle stir before spreading on the pastry.
What if I don’t want to twist the dough—can I just fold it?
You can fold the strips over the filling, but the twist creates the lovely swirled look and texture, so it’s worth the extra effort for presentation and even baking.
How can I make the Danish extra shiny?
Brushing twice with egg wash—once before baking and a quick second brush halfway through—can yield an even more beautiful glaze.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to create this stunning Swirled Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe, I encourage you to dive in and bake a batch for yourself or loved ones. There’s something so satisfying about pulling these golden, flaky beauties out of the oven and sharing their sweet, creamy goodness. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these Danishes will bring a touch of joy and elegance to any table.
Print
Swirled Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Swirled Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry featuring flaky puff pastry swirled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and fresh blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty dessert, these golden swirls deliver a balance of tart fruitiness and rich creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the danish.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy to create a sweet, flavorful filling.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold fresh blueberries into the cream cheese mixture being careful not to crush them, to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Cut strips lengthwise and crosswise, making slits without cutting all the way through to create twisting strips.
- Assemble Swirls: Spread the cream cheese and blueberry filling down the center of each pastry strip, then carefully twist each strip over the filling to form elegant swirls.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water, then brush this egg wash over the twisted pastry swirls to promote a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Bake Danish: Place the prepared swirls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use fresh blueberries for the best texture; frozen may release too much moisture.
- Do not cut puff pastry all the way through; the twisting technique creates the signature swirl effect.
- For extra shine, you can brush additional egg wash halfway through baking.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, optionally dusted with powdered sugar.
