Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the tang of a lemony dessert and the sweet burst of blueberries, the Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish is about to make your dreams come true. Buttery puff pastry, creamy citrus-scented cheese filling, and pops of juicy blueberries in every bite—this irresistible treat is as stunning to serve as it is easy to make. Whether you enjoy it for a brunch gathering or as an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, there’s nothing quite like the magic of homemade danish paired with the flavors of lemon and blueberry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these danishes requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, brightness, and that signature flaky bite. Every element adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color to this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish you won’t soon forget.
- Puff Pastry: This ready-made sheet will give you those delicious, buttery layers without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Cream Cheese: The heart of your creamy filling; be sure it’s softened for ultimate smoothness.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch brings the perfect amount of sweetness and balances the tanginess of the lemon.
- Lemon Zest: Adds bright, aromatic citrus notes that wake up the whole filling.
- Lemon Juice: A splash sharpens the flavor and gives the danish its signature zing.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings a mellow, cozy aroma that ties everything together.
- Fresh Blueberries: Bursts of juicy sweetness and beautiful color in every bite—don’t skimp!
- Egg: Brushed on top as an egg wash, it helps the pastry bake up golden and crisp.
- Coarse Sugar (optional): Sprinkle over the top for a lovely crunch and sparkle.
- Powdered Sugar: Used to make a delightful glaze for drizzling across your cooled danish.
- Milk: Just a touch brings the powdered sugar glaze to a pourable consistency.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze. Unfold your thawed puff pastry and gently roll it out to smooth any creases, then cut it into four equal squares. Each square will soon become its very own Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
Grab a medium bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until it’s completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved. The combination of tangy lemon and velvety cream cheese is truly the soul of this danish.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon a generous dollop of the lemony cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, gently spreading it out while leaving a border around the edges. Top the cream filling with a handful of juicy fresh blueberries—let them nestle right into that smooth base.
Step 4: Shape and Prepare
You can either fold the corners of each square slightly inward for a classic shape, or create a simple border by folding up the edges slightly—it’s your canvas! Brush the exposed pastry with the beaten egg to ensure a beautiful glossy finish, and if you love a bit of extra crunch and sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar over top.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the danishes into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch as the pastry puffs up and takes on a gorgeous golden hue while the filling gently sets. Once baked, let them cool just enough to handle—they smell heavenly at this stage!
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
While your danishes cool, whisk powdered sugar with milk to create a glaze that’s thick yet drizzly. Use a spoon to zigzag the glaze over your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish, adding that final lovely touch. Let the glaze set, then you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra fresh blueberries, and a sprig of mint can instantly elevate your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish to bakery level. For a vibrant pop, add a little extra lemon zest on top before the glaze sets.
Side Dishes
Serve your danishes alongside a fresh fruit salad or a colorful bowl of mixed berries. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee, a creamy latte, or even a mimosa for brunch. If you’re feeling cozy, a steaming mug of herbal tea is pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Place each danish on a pretty plate with a swirl of extra glaze, or pile them artfully on a cupcake stand for a brunch buffet. For entertaining, offer mini versions using puff pastry squares cut smaller—perfect for a party tray. The bright colors and delicious aroma are sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big “if”), store your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry will be at its flakiest on day one but still delicious later!
Freezing
Absolutely, these danishes freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to a month.
Reheating
To re-crisp the pastry and revive that just-baked magic, warm your danish in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Skip the microwave to avoid any sogginess, and always glaze after reheating for the best finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work beautifully in a Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish! Just add them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw first. This keeps the filling from getting watery during baking.
What if I don’t have coarse sugar for sprinkling?
No problem at all! You can simply leave it off, or use regular granulated sugar in a pinch. The sprinkling is just for an added crunch and sparkle, so your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish will still turn out delicious without it.
Can I prepare these the night before?
You can assemble the danishes (without baking) and store them in the fridge covered with plastic wrap overnight. When you’re ready, just pop them into the oven in the morning—freshly baked danish for breakfast made easy!
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream cheese?
Certainly! There are several plant-based cream cheese options available that work wonderfully in this recipe. Your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish will still have that luscious, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
How do I keep puff pastry from getting soggy?
To keep the pastry crisp, make sure not to overload the filling and always leave that border around the edges. Baking on parchment and serving soon after baking will keep your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish perfectly flaky.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about a homemade Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish—each bite a celebration of bright citrus and bursting blueberries wrapped in buttery pastry. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself (and your lucky friends or family) to the kind of easy, bakery-worthy goodness that never gets old!
Print
Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish recipe that combines the tangy flavors of lemon and sweet blueberries with a creamy cheese filling, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Blueberry Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fill the pastries: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, add blueberries, and fold the pastry edges.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Glaze and serve: Mix powdered sugar with milk to create a glaze, drizzle over the cooled pastries, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use frozen blueberries (do not thaw) as a substitute.
- Feel free to add extra blueberries for a fruitier taste.
- Best consumed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
