Discover your new go-to breakfast or afternoon treat with this Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Danish recipe! Featuring a flaky crust, tangy cream cheese filling, and a burst of fresh berries, it’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

platter of berry topped cream cheese danish.

Whether you’re gearing up for a special brunch or simply want to add a touch of indulgence to your afternoon, these pastries are just the ticket. Using frozen puff pastry, these cream cheese Danishes come together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Choose your favorite berries to customize the filling—be it blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries—and be ready for your kitchen to smell amazing. Finishing touches like a lemon glaze and toasted almonds add to the gourmet look and flavor.

I love recipes like these. Here you have a wonderful combination of store-bought and homemade that leads to delicious and beautiful results. If you’re less experienced with baking or just a little nervous in the kitchen, this is a zero-pressure recipe you can easily handle.

Ready to give it a try? Let’s do it!

cream cheese danish with berries on two plates with forks.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 More Breakfast Sweets You’ll Love

6 Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Danish

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

These pastries come together effortlessly thanks to the magic of frozen puff pastry. Simply thaw, assemble, and bake! Guests will be impressed by the bakery-quality look and taste of these pastries.
Whether you’re craving blueberries, struck by a need for strawberries, or fancy some blackberries, this recipe adapts to your favorite fruits. Mix and match to suit the season or your mood.
From a lazy Sunday brunch to a refined afternoon tea, these Easy Cream Cheese Danishes are the perfect sweet addition to any meal. They’re just as welcome at casual gatherings as they are at special celebrations.
The creamy, tangy filling contrasts beautifully with the sweet burst of fresh berries, all wrapped up in a flaky, golden crust.It’s a delightful balance of flavors everyone will love!

Looking for more delicious and unique brunch recipes? I’m here to help! This collection of my favorite brunch recipes is for you! Enjoy! There’s something for everyone.

large platter of Crean cheese danish with berries.

single blueberry cream cheese danish on a white plate.

Ingredients

Not only are these Homemade Cream Cheese Danish easy to make, but you only need a handful of ingredients to put them together.

Cream Cheese: A soft, mild-tasting cheese that creates a lusciously smooth and tangy filling.
Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cheese filling with a warm, aromatic flavor.
Lemon Zest: Provides a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens the overall taste of the pastries.
Apricot Preserves: Offers a hint of fruity sweetness and helps to seal the pastry edges with a glossy finish.
Puff Pastry: Creates the buttery and flaky base that turns golden and crisp upon baking. You can find puff pastry at most grocery stores in the freezer section near the frozen pies and whipped topping.
Fresh Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries add natural sweetness and a vibrant burst of color. Use what you love or mix them.
Confectioners’ Sugar: A simple glaze made with confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice finishes off these pastries.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances the icing with a tart, refreshing flavor.
Toasted Sliced Almonds: Add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft fillings. You can use whatever nut you enjoy the most, just be sure to toast them to bring out the flavors.

And with that, I think we’re ready to bake these Homemade Cream Cheese Danish.

large white platter of berry and cream cheese danish.

How To Make

Okay, it’s time to get breakfast together. If you’ve never made pastries before, don’t worry, these are so easy! I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F.
In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth. Set this mixture aside.

cream cheese filling for danish in a bowl.

In another medium bowl, whisk the apricot preserves until mostly smooth, adding ½ teaspoon of warm water if necessary. Set this aside as well.
Unfold one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 10 x 10-inch square. Cut this square into four 5-inch squares and place them ½ inch apart on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet.
Prick the center of each dough square several times with a fork, leaving a ½-inch border. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture within these borders, using about 2 tablespoons per square.

puff pastry squares topped with cream cheese filling.

brush adding apricot preserves to puff pastry for cream cheese danish.

Top the cream cheese with half of the selected fruit. Brush the edges of the pastry with apricot preserves, then spoon about half of the preserves over the fruit.
Bake in the preheated oven until the edges and bottoms are golden brown, which should take about 22 to 30 minutes.

berry and cream cheese topped danishes on a baking sheet ready for the oven.

Allow the pastries to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before repeating the process with the remaining puff pastry, cream cheese mixture, fruit, and apricot preserves.
In a medium bowl, add powdered sugar and gradually stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, adding the remaining ½ tablespoon as needed until the glaze is smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries and sprinkle with toasted almonds.

And with that, these Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Danish are ready to be served and enjoyed.

I know you’re going to love how quick these are to make and how amazing the results are. You’re going to be looking for any excuse to make them.

blueberry and cream cheese danish with a bite taken out on a plate with a fork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another jam or jelly instead of apricot preserves?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any jam or jelly you have on hand. Raspberry, strawberry, and peach all make delicious alternatives.

Can I make these Danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these Danishes a day in advance. Wait to add the glaze and toasted almonds. Keep them refrigerated and pop them in the oven the next morning to warm up before serving. Then top with the glaze and nuts.

How do I store leftover cream cheese Danish?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for best results.

Can I add other toppings to these Danishes?

Of course! Feel free to sprinkle on some chocolate chips, a dash of cinnamon, or even some nutmeg for a different twist. Experiment with toppings to find your favorite combination.

large white platter with breakfast danish on it.

single blueberry and cream cheese danish on a plate with a vase of flowers.

More Breakfast Sweets You’ll Love

And there you have it—delicious Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Danish that are sure to impress. Whether you make them for a quiet morning at home or as a sweet addition to a brunch spread, they’re bound to be a hit. I hope you’ll try making them for someone you love (even if that’s just yourself). If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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