If you’re on the hunt for a bright, flaky, and utterly delightful treat, this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe will steal your heart and please your palate every single time. Imagine layers of buttery puff pastry hugging a luscious cream cheese filling kissed with fresh lemon zest, all topped with bursts of sweet blueberry preserves and a glossy lemon glaze. It’s the perfect blend of tangy and sweet with a flaky texture that makes each bite feel special. This recipe is straightforward yet impressive, making it an ideal choice for weekends, brunches, or just whenever you want to treat yourself with a touch of homemade bakery magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet purposeful ingredients that come together beautifully to create that distinctive Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe you’ll love. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the flaky puff pastry serving as the perfect base to the fresh lemon zest brightening the filling with zingy freshness.
- Puff pastry sheet: The ultimate flaky and buttery foundation for the danish, making it irresistibly crisp and light.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds creaminess, tang, and richness to the filling that balances the fruitiness perfectly.
- Fresh lemon zest: Bursts of citrus flavor that brighten the filling and glaze, creating a vibrant profile.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and makes the glaze silky smooth.
- Blueberry preserves or jam: Offers juicy sweetness and beautiful color contrast that complements the lemon.
- Egg + water (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust that feels bakery-fresh with every bite.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds tartness essential for the glaze, enhancing the overall freshness.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by placing a sheet of parchment paper on your baking tray—this keeps the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Slice your puff pastry lengthwise into two equal parts. If your sheet is perforated, give it a gentle roll to seal those holes into one long slab. This simple prep sets the stage for a perfectly even danish shape.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Using a hand mixer, blend the softened cream cheese with fresh lemon zest and powdered sugar until it’s smooth, creamy, and bursting with citrus notes. This luscious filling is the heart of the danish, giving it that irresistible tangy-sweet balance.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
Take one half of your puff pastry and spread the cream cheese mixture neatly in the middle, leaving a generous border around the edges for sealing. Next, spoon blueberry preserves over the cream cheese filling for a sweet jewel-like centerpiece. Brush the exposed border of the pastry with your egg wash—it helps seal the edges and creates that gorgeous golden shine when baked.
Step 4: Seal and Chill
Place the remaining pastry half atop the filled one and press gently around the edges to seal the danish well. Refrigerate the assembled danish for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the cream cheese firm up so your layers stay intact during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to a bright 425°F (220°C). Brush the entire surface of your danish with the egg wash again for extra golden sheen and cut a few small slits in the top. These slits are key—they let steam escape so your pastry will puff beautifully without getting soggy. Bake until the danish is golden and puffed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 6: Add That Zesty Lemon Glaze
Let the baked danish cool slightly on a rack. Whisk together fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until glossy and smooth. If the glaze feels too thick, a few drops of lemon juice or milk will loosen it to just the right consistency. Drizzle your tangy-sweet glaze generously over the cooled danish for a stunning finish and an extra punch of lemon flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation that makes your danish feel like a special occasion, sprinkle a few fresh blueberries and a tiny pinch of lemon zest on top of the glaze. You can also dust lightly with powdered sugar for that classic bakery look—it’s these small touches that add big wow factor.
Side Dishes
This danish shines brightly on its own but pairing it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or fragrant Earl Grey tea elevates the entire experience. For brunch, a dish of vanilla yogurt or fresh fruit salad complements the tangy-sweet danish textures and flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the danish into individual servings and plate each one on pretty dessert dishes for an elegant feel. You might also serve smaller squares atop a smear of extra blueberry jam or a dollop of whipped cream. These simple touches can really make your Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe feel like a centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated and enjoy within 2 days for the best texture and flavor—over time the puff pastry can lose its crispness.
Freezing
This danish freezes beautifully either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble as usual, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze after baking once fully cooled, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For a freshly-baked taste, warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy. Reheating this way crisps the puff pastry back up and revives all those wonderful flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of blueberry preserves?
While fresh or frozen blueberries can be used, blueberry preserves provide the perfect consistency and sweetness in this danish. If you prefer to use fresh or frozen berries, cook them gently with a bit of sugar first to make a jam-like filling.
Is there a substitute for puff pastry?
Puff pastry gives this dish its signature flaky texture, so it’s best not to substitute with other doughs like pie crust or phyllo. For a similar flaky effect, try store-bought or homemade puff pastry—both work wonderfully.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before assembling the danish for best texture.
How do I ensure the danish doesn’t get soggy?
Chilling the danish before baking helps set the filling and prevent sogginess. Also, don’t skip the slits on top—they allow steam to escape during baking, keeping the pastry crisp.
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon zest and juice?
Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the brightest, freshest flavor, but lemon extract can be a handy substitute in a pinch. Use sparingly, since it’s much stronger—start with a small amount and taste as you go for the right balance.
Final Thoughts
Making this Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe at home is such a joyful experience—I promise it tastes just like a bakery masterpiece without the fuss. The perfect harmony of flaky pastry, tangy cream cheese, vibrant lemon, and sweet blueberries is truly a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious, golden bite with a smile.
Print
Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Cheese Danish recipe combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with a tangy cream cheese filling and sweet blueberry preserves. Finished with a bright, zesty lemon glaze, this dessert is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- â…“ cup blueberry preserves or jam
- 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water, beaten together for egg wash
Lemon Glaze
- 1 lemon, zest freshly grated
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Slice the puff pastry in half lengthwise; if using perforated puff pastry, roll it out slightly to create one long sheet. Keep one piece of puff pastry on the parchment paper.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth using a hand mixer.
- Assemble Danish: Spread the cream cheese mixture in the center of one slice of puff pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Spoon the blueberry jam over the cream cheese mixture. Use the egg wash to brush the border of the puff pastry. Place the other slice of puff pastry on top, pressing down the edges to seal.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled danish for 20 to 30 minutes to help the cream cheese firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Egg Wash and Slit: Brush the entire puff pastry with the egg wash. Slice a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the danish for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before glazing.
- Make Lemon Glaze: Whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, drizzle in a little more lemon juice or milk, one teaspoon at a time, to adjust consistency.
- Glaze Danish: Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled danish before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the assembled danish before baking to prevent shrinking and help maintain layers.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the brightest flavor.
- The blueberry preserves can be substituted with raspberry or strawberry jam for variation.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
