Easy & Delicious Lemon Blueberry Danish: Flaky Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese Filling

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly delicious Lemon Blueberry Danish pastries! Light, golden, and wonderfully flaky, each bite offers a delightful burst of sweet blueberries perfectly complemented by a zesty, creamy lemon-infused cream cheese filling. This recipe is a true game-changer, proving that you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create impressive, bakery-quality treats right in your own kitchen.

What makes these danishes truly exceptional is their simplicity and speed. Utilizing convenient store-bought puff pastry, you can whip up a batch of these beauties in under 40 minutes, with only 15 minutes of active baking time! They are truly perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick, elegant breakfast, a charming addition to your brunch spread, or a delightful dessert to impress guests. The vibrant flavors of lemon and blueberry are a match made in heaven, making this a perennial favorite among sweet pastry lovers.

If you’re as big a fan of the lemon blueberry combination as we are, you might also enjoy these other delightful recipes: Lemon Blueberry Pancakes for a hearty breakfast, or the indulgent Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake for a more substantial treat. But trust us, once you try these danishes, they might just become your new go-to!

I’ve shared many lemon blueberry recipes over the years, and while I adore them all, this Lemon Blueberry Danish may very well be my new favorite! It’s incredibly easy to make, bakes up beautifully in just 15 minutes, and requires minimal effort thanks to store-bought puff pastry. It simply doesn’t get any easier or more delicious than this. The contrast between the crisp, buttery pastry and the smooth, tangy-sweet cream cheese filling, punctuated by juicy blueberries, is truly irresistible.

Why You’ll Adore This Lemon Blueberry Danish Recipe

• Effortlessly Elegant: These danishes look incredibly impressive, yet they are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a special breakfast.
• Quick & Convenient: Thanks to pre-made puff pastry, this recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh, warm danishes with minimal fuss.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The classic pairing of tart lemon zest and sweet, juicy blueberries with a rich cream cheese filling is a symphony of flavors that delights the palate.
• Versatile Treat: Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these danishes are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re also perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Family-Friendly: A sweet treat that both kids and adults will love, these danishes are a delightful way to start any day.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Danish

Crafting the perfect Lemon Blueberry Danish starts with understanding your ingredients. While this recipe is straightforward, a few key details will ensure your pastries turn out absolutely flawless every time.

• Puff Pastry: For ultimate convenience and consistently flaky results, I highly recommend using high-quality store-bought puff pastry. Brands like Pepperidge Farm are widely available and work wonderfully. Remember, proper thawing is crucial! Follow the package instructions carefully, usually involving thawing in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. Avoid over-thawing, as it can make the pastry sticky and difficult to work with. If it becomes too soft, simply pop it back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are definitely preferred for their vibrant flavor and textural pop when baked. They hold their shape beautifully and release just the right amount of juice. However, if fresh aren’t available, you can absolutely use frozen blueberries. If using frozen, do not thaw them beforehand; add them directly to the cream cheese filling to prevent them from becoming too mushy and bleeding into the pastry. You might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time if using frozen.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature. This is key to achieving a smooth, lump-free filling that’s easy to mix and spread. Cold cream cheese will result in a clumpy filling. Take it out of the fridge at least 30-60 minutes before you plan to mix it. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and creamy texture.
• Lemon Zest: We’re only using the zest here, which provides a bright, aromatic burst of lemon flavor without adding excess moisture or tartness that juice might. Use a fine grater or microplane to get just the bright yellow outer layer of the lemon. Avoid grating the white pith underneath, as it can be bitter. Adjust the amount to your taste – a little extra zest can really make the lemon flavor sing!
• Sugar & Salt: These balance the tang of the cream cheese and lemon, and the sweetness of the blueberries. The small amount of salt in the filling helps to enhance all the other flavors, preventing the danish from tasting flat. Feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling to your personal preference.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling, complementing the fruity and citrus notes beautifully.
• Egg: The egg, combined with a touch of water, creates an egg wash. Brushing this mixture onto the edges of the puff pastry gives the danishes a gorgeous, glossy golden-brown finish and helps the edges crisp up beautifully during baking. While optional, it significantly enhances the visual appeal and texture of the crust.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Danish

Follow these simple steps to create bakery-worthy lemon blueberry danishes at home. Precision and attention to detail will ensure a stunning and delicious result.

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for the puff pastry to rise quickly and evenly. Line a large baking sheet (or two, depending on how many danishes you’re making) with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, fresh lemon zest, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, beat or mix these ingredients until they are completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and free of lumps. Taste the filling at this stage; this is your opportunity to adjust the sweetness or add more lemon zest if you desire a tangier flavor.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Carefully unroll one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto your parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, gently cut the puff pastry sheet into 8 equal squares. To do this, cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into four equal sections widthwise. If using two sheets of puff pastry, you will yield 16 squares in total, which means 16 danishes.
4. Fill the Pastry Squares: Place the individual puff pastry squares onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared cream cheese mixture into the center of each square. It’s important to leave at least a 1/2-inch border around the edges of each pastry square. This border allows the pastry to puff up beautifully around the filling, creating that classic danish look. Gently top the cream cheese filling with a scattering of fresh blueberries. Don’t overload them, as too many can make the pastry soggy.
5. Apply the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and one tablespoon of water until well combined. This is your egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the exposed puff pastry edges of each danish with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen and help them crisp up nicely during baking.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the baking sheet(s) to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and flaky, and the cream cheese filling is set and slightly golden at the edges. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a lovely finish and an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm and savor every bite!

Top Tips for the Perfect Lemon Blueberry Danish

Achieving bakery-perfect danishes at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips:

• Berry Quantity and Alternatives: Feel free to customize the amount of blueberries to your liking – add as many or as few as you want! If fresh blueberries are out of season or unavailable, blueberry jam or preserves can be a fantastic alternative. Simply spoon the jam over the cream cheese filling before baking. You could also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with frozen blueberries before adding them to the danish to help absorb excess moisture and prevent a soggy bottom.
• Cream Cheese Temperature is Key: Always ensure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s vital for a smooth, homogenous filling that’s easy to mix and spread. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and difficult to incorporate evenly with the other ingredients.
• Glaze vs. Powdered Sugar: While traditionally, many danishes are finished with a delicate glaze, I personally love the simple elegance and subtle sweetness that a generous dusting of powdered sugar provides. It creates a beautiful contrast with the golden pastry and vibrant berries.
• Quick Glaze Option: If you prefer a glaze, it’s incredibly simple to make! In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or lemon juice for an extra citrus kick) until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled danishes just before serving.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: To ensure a crisp bottom, avoid overfilling the danishes, especially with very juicy fruits. The parchment paper helps, but an even bake is crucial. Ensure your oven is fully preheated.
• Evenly Sized Pastry: For consistent baking and a professional appearance, try to cut your puff pastry squares as evenly as possible. A ruler can be helpful if you’re a perfectionist!
• Don’t Overwork the Pastry: Puff pastry performs best when handled minimally. The more you handle it, the warmer it gets, and the less flaky your final product will be. Work quickly and keep it cool.

Variations and Customizations

These Lemon Blueberry Danishes are wonderful as they are, but they also serve as a fantastic base for creativity! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Different Fruits: Experiment with other fresh berries like raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries. Peaches or even thinly sliced apples (tossed with a pinch of cinnamon) would also be delicious.
• Citrus Swaps: Not a lemon fan? Use orange zest or lime zest instead to give the cream cheese filling a different citrusy twist.
• Nutty Addition: A sprinkle of chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the cream cheese and blueberries before baking adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spiced Filling: Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the cream cheese filling for a hint of warm spice, especially if using fruits like apples or pears.
• Chocolate Chips: For a more decadent treat, scatter a few mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling along with or in place of the blueberries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about making the perfect Lemon Blueberry Danish? We’ve got answers!

• Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, you can! Do not thaw them before using. Place them directly from the freezer onto the cream cheese filling. This helps them hold their shape better and prevents the pastry from getting too wet. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
• Can I make these danishes ahead of time? You have a couple of options:
  • Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the danishes (with filling and blueberries, but without the egg wash) and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Brush with egg wash just before baking.
  • Bake Ahead: Fully bake the danishes, let them cool completely, and then store them as directed below. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving for that “freshly baked” taste.
• How do I know when the danishes are fully baked? The danishes are ready when the puff pastry is significantly puffed up, deeply golden brown around the edges, and the cream cheese filling appears set and slightly golden. The bottom should also feel crisp when lifted.
• What if my puff pastry isn’t puffing up? This usually happens if the pastry was overworked, thawed for too long and got too warm, or if your oven wasn’t hot enough. Ensure your pastry is cold when it goes into a very hot oven for the best puff.
• Can I skip the egg wash? Yes, the egg wash is optional. The danishes will still taste great, but they won’t have the same glossy, golden-brown finish on the pastry edges.

Storage and Reheating

These Lemon Blueberry Danish pastries are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, but leftovers are still delightful with proper storage.

Place any leftover lemon blueberry danish pastries in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few hours on the day they are baked. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Storing them in the refrigerator will help maintain their flavor and prevent spoilage, especially due to the cream cheese filling.

To reheat, you can place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry re-crisps slightly. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain any flakiness; it will make the pastry soft.

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