Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

A Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish is a luscious pastry made from buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with smooth cream cheese and tangy raspberry jam, then baked until golden and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

It’s the kind of treat that feels straight out of a European bakery — crisp on the outside, creamy and fruity inside, and stunningly beautiful. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, tea time, or dessert, this danish looks impressive but is actually easy to make at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet elegant — combining the richness of cream cheese with the tart brightness of raspberries, all nestled in flaky pastry. The texture contrast is heavenly: buttery crisp layers giving way to creamy filling and juicy fruit.

It also feels indulgent without being overly heavy, and it’s an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether served warm or room temperature, it’s the kind of pastry that brings smiles and “wow” reactions every time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish is a must-try because:

• It’s bakery-quality, but made easily at home.
• Combines sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.
• Uses store-bought puff pastry — no complicated dough!
• Can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Looks impressive yet comes together in less than an hour.

It’s everything you love about fancy pastries — without the effort of professional baking.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8 pastries
• Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: European / American
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Ingredients

For the Danish:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 8 oz)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
• ¼ cup raspberry jam or preserves
• 1 egg (for egg wash, beaten with 1 tablespoon water)

For the Glaze (Optional but Delicious):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh raspberries
• Dusting of powdered sugar
• Lemon zest curls

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare cream cheese filling.
2. Cut puff pastry into squares.
3. Fill with cream cheese and raspberry jam.
4. Fold or shape the pastry.
5. Brush with egg wash and bake until golden.
6. Drizzle with glaze and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Thaw your puff pastry according to package directions (keep it slightly cold for best results).

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry

1. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry and cut into 8 equal squares.
2. Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Add the Fillings

1. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square.
2. Add ½ tablespoon of raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese.
3. To shape:
   • Either fold the corners inward (for a classic look),
   • Or twist opposite corners toward the center for a “pinwheel” style.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

1. Brush the pastry edges lightly with the egg wash.
2. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
3. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a rack.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle over warm pastries using a fork or piping bag.
3. Optionally, top with fresh raspberries or powdered sugar.

How to Serve

Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes warm or at room temperature.

Serving Ideas:

• Pair with coffee, cappuccino, or tea for a perfect breakfast.
• Serve with a side of fresh berries for brunch.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert version.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a bakery-style finish.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Keep pastry cold: Cold puff pastry puffs better in the oven.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leaks.
• Use quality jam: Thick, fruit-heavy jam gives the best flavor.
• Cool before glazing: Slight cooling helps the glaze set nicely.
• Reheat gently: Warm leftovers in the oven for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

1. Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish: Replace raspberry jam with blueberry jam.
2. Lemon Danish: Use lemon curd instead of jam and add extra zest to the filling.
3. Nutella Danish: Swap raspberry jam for Nutella — chocolate lovers will adore it!
4. Mixed Berry Danish: Use a combination of raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry preserves.
5. Savory Version: Omit sugar, add chive cream cheese, and top with smoked salmon or ham.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble and freeze before baking; bake from frozen adding 5 minutes to bake time.
• Freezing (Baked): Cool completely, then freeze up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare filling and cut pastry squares ahead, store in fridge separately, and assemble when ready to bake.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I use homemade pastry instead of store-bought puff pastry?
Yes! Homemade puff pastry or crescent dough both work beautifully.

Q2: Can I use frozen raspberries instead of jam?
Yes — simmer frozen raspberries with a little sugar and cornstarch to make a quick compote.

Q3: Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble them the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

Q4: Why did my pastry not puff up properly?
Your pastry may have been too warm before baking. Keep it chilled until right before it goes into the oven.

Q5: Can I skip the glaze?
Yes — a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of honey works too.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and buttery — a dessert (or breakfast!) that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make. With creamy cheese filling, golden pastry, and jewel-toned raspberry jam, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Serve it warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, or enjoy it chilled with a cup of coffee. Either way, this recipe delivers a bakery-style treat right from your own kitchen. Once you make it, you’ll want to bake it again and again!