Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe

There is something irresistibly delightful about a freshly baked Danish, and this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe combines the bright zing of lemon with the sweet pop of blueberries and creamy cheese in a flaky puff pastry that will brighten any morning or afternoon. This treat feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for sharing with friends, impressing guests, or indulging yourself with a café-quality pastry at home. Each bite offers a harmony of tart, sweet, and buttery notes that linger beautifully on the palate, proving that homemade pastries can truly be a little slice of heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in building up the flavor, texture, and beautiful presentation of your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish. From the buttery puff pastry to the fresh lemon zest, every element is essential.

• Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, buttery foundation for your Danish.
• Cream cheese (softened): Offers a rich, smooth filling that balances the brightness of lemon and sweetness of blueberries.
• Fresh lemon zest: Adds a vibrant citrus aroma and fresh burst of flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheese filling and the glaze with a fine touch.
• Blueberry preserves or jam: Introduces a delightful fruity sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
• Egg + water (for egg wash): Creates a golden, shiny crust on the puff pastry.
• Fresh lemon juice: Pours into the glaze for an extra layer of refreshing tang.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Danish won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. If your puff pastry is frozen, allow it to thaw completely for easier handling and to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Slice the Pastry

Cut the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise to create two long rectangles. If you have perforated pastry, gently roll it out to unify the surface for easier assembly.

Step 3: Arrange the Base

Place one half of the puff pastry onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. This will serve as the bottom layer of your Danish where all the delicious fillings go.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This luscious filling is the heart of the dish, delivering that perfect tangy sweetness.

Step 5: Assemble the Danish

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the puff pastry, leaving a border of about 1-inch around the edges—this keeps the filling contained and creates a lovely crust.

Step 6: Add Blueberry Jam

Spoon blueberry preserves carefully over the cream cheese layer. The juicy blueberries provide bursts of natural sweetness and a beautiful jewel-like color contrast that’s simply stunning.

Step 7: Egg Wash the Edges

Using a brush, lightly coat the exposed edges of the puff pastry with your egg wash mixture. This step helps to seal the pastry edges and ensures a glossy, golden finish after baking.

Step 8: Seal the Danish

Gently place the second piece of puff pastry on top of the filling. Press down firmly along the edges to seal everything together and lock in those delicious flavors.

Step 9: Chill to Set

Pop your assembled Danish into the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cream cheese firm up and the pastry hold its shape beautifully while baking.

Step 10: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it come fully to temperature. A hot oven is crucial for getting that perfect puff and flaky texture.

Step 11: Final Egg Wash and Venting

Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with more egg wash for an irresistible golden sheen. Then, carefully cut a few slits on the top to allow steam to escape which stops the pastry from becoming soggy inside.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and beautifully golden brown. The aroma at this point is downright heavenly.

Step 13: Cool and Glaze

Remove the Danish from the oven and let it cool slightly before applying a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to add an extra zing and subtle sweetness.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh lemon zest over the glazed Danish brightens the flavor and adds a vibrant pop of color, making your creation look as stunning as it tastes. A few fresh blueberries scattered on top can further emphasize the fruity goodness.

Side Dishes

This pastry pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or your favorite tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. For a more substantial brunch, fresh fruit salad or a dollop of lightly whipped cream make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the Danish into individual squares or triangles to serve as finger food at a brunch buffet. You can also drizzle extra blueberry sauce artistically on the serving plate for a burst of color and flavor explosion in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Danish tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or about 4 days refrigerated. The pastry may soften slightly but the flavors remain delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked Danish after assembling it. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for prepping ahead for special occasions.

Reheating

Reheat your Danish gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to regain that fresh-baked flakiness. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the pastry soggy and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of preserves?

While frozen blueberries can work, blueberry preserves or jam have a thicker consistency that prevents the pastry from becoming soggy and provide a concentrated sweetness that’s perfect for this recipe.

Is it necessary to chill the Danish before baking?

Yes, chilling helps the butter in the puff pastry stay cold, which enhances the flakiness during baking and helps keep the filling firm and intact.

Can I make this Danish dairy-free?

You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free puff pastry brand; just be sure to check ingredients to keep it safe for your dietary needs.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons for zest and juice?

Fresh lemons are best for vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled lemon juice and a bit of lemon extract can stand in, though the brightness might be slightly muted.

How do I store leftover glaze?

If you have leftover lemon glaze, keep it in a small airtight container in the fridge. It can be drizzled over other pastries or breakfast items for a burst of sweet citrus within 2-3 days.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the magic of the Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe. It is straightforward to make yet stunningly delicious, elevating any meal with its dazzling combination of flaky pastry, tangy cream cheese, and luscious blueberry jam. Believe me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again — a true gem in the world of homemade pastries.

Print