The Ultimate Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe with Puff Pastry
Few things evoke the warmth and comfort of childhood memories quite like a freshly baked Danish. For me, that treat was always a luscious raspberry Danish, a vacation staple my parents graciously let me pick every time. The tartness of raspberries, combined with a rich, creamy filling, all nestled in a flaky pastry, was pure magic. Now, I’ve channeled that nostalgia into creating this incredibly **Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish** recipe, allowing you to recreate that same magic right in your own kitchen with minimal effort.
This recipe celebrates the delightful contrast between sweet and tart. Imagine biting into a golden-brown, buttery puff pastry, giving way to a velvety, sweet cream cheese layer, perfectly complemented by the burst of fresh, tangy raspberries. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will brighten any morning, impress guests at brunch, or simply provide a comforting treat anytime.
Traditionally, making Danish pastries can be a time-consuming affair, often spanning days due to the complex process of preparing homemade pastry dough. This involves multiple folds and chilling times, which can be daunting for the home baker. However, my goal was to create a recipe that brings these special treats into your regular rotation without the fuss. That’s why I rely on a brilliant grocery store hack: using readily available **frozen puff pastry dough**!
This simple substitution transforms a multi-day project into a quick and easy baking session, cutting down the total preparation time from days to mere minutes. Imagine enjoying a warm, freshly baked raspberry Danish any day of the week, whether it’s a bustling weekday morning or a leisurely weekend brunch. If you appreciate clever shortcuts that deliver fantastic results, you’ll also love exploring other recipes like my Mixed Berry Galette, which cleverly uses a frozen pie crust to achieve a rustic, delicious dessert with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the luxurious taste of a Danish but doesn’t have hours to spare. Here’s why this will become your new favorite:
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to the demanding task of rolling and folding homemade pastry dough. By utilizing convenient store-bought puff pastry, this recipe simplifies the process dramatically, making it accessible even for novice bakers. It’s perfect for those busy mornings or when you crave a homemade treat without the extensive prep.
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The timeless pairing of tart raspberries and rich, sweet cream cheese is truly a match made in heaven. This classic combination creates a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and indulgent. If you adore this delightful duo, be sure to try my Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins and Cheesecake Stuffed Raspberry Cookies for more ways to enjoy these fantastic flavors.
- Quick & Simple: With a streamlined list of just 10 essential ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can whip up these delectable fruit danishes any day of the week. No special skills or elaborate techniques are required, making gourmet-level pastries achievable for everyone.
- Customizable & Versatile: This basic Danish pastry recipe serves as a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite fruits, turning it into a unique creation every time. Whether it’s strawberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries, the possibilities are endless.
- A Fruity Twist on a Classic: This recipe offers a bright, fruity interpretation of my popular Braided Almond Danish. While the almond version offers nutty comfort, this raspberry variant provides a refreshing burst of fruitiness, perfect for warmer days or when you desire a lighter, zippier flavor profile.
Key Ingredients for Your Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful pastries. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Pre-made Puff Pastry Sheets: This is the secret weapon that transforms a traditionally complex Danish recipe into an incredibly simple one. You’ll find these flaky, buttery sheets in the freezer section of most grocery stores. For best results, remember to place the puff pastry in your refrigerator overnight to thaw gently, ensuring it’s pliable and ready to use without becoming too warm or sticky. Its delicate layers are what give the Danish its characteristic airy texture.
- Fresh Raspberries: These vibrant berries are undoubtedly the star of the show. Their natural tartness beautifully cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, creating a balanced and refreshing flavor. Slicing the berries in half ensures they are the perfect size to adorn these charming little pastries, allowing for an even distribution of fruit in every bite.
- Cornstarch: A crucial thickening agent for the raspberry filling. Cornstarch helps to bind the fruit juices, preventing them from becoming too runny and seeping out of your pastries during baking. This ensures a beautifully set fruit topping that stays put and contributes to the overall delightful texture.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential for brightening the flavor profile of your fruit filling. It adds a zesty tang that enhances the natural sweetness of the raspberries and balances the richness of the cream cheese. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The foundation of our creamy, dreamy filling. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This is vital for achieving a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily and combines perfectly with the other ingredients, giving your danishes that signature velvety texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Used in both the raspberry and cream cheese fillings, sugar provides the necessary sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries and the slight tang of the cream cheese. Adjust to your preference for a sweeter or less sweet Danish.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor of the cream cheese filling, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Milk: A small amount of milk helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the cream cheese filling, making it smooth and easy to spread. It also contributes to the vanilla icing, ensuring a drippy, glossy finish.
- Large Egg & Water (for egg wash): The egg wash brushed over the pastry edges provides that desirable golden-brown, shiny finish, making your danishes look as appealing as they taste. It also helps in achieving that perfect flaky texture around the edges.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients with precise measurements.
Substitutions & Variations to Personalize Your Danish
One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize recipes to your taste. This raspberry cream cheese Danish is incredibly versatile, allowing for a variety of delicious substitutions and creative variations. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Alternate Berries: While raspberries are fantastic, feel free to substitute them with other fresh berries. Sliced strawberries, plump blueberries, or juicy blackberries would all make excellent choices, offering their own unique sweet and tart notes. A mix of berries can also create a beautiful, colorful, and flavorful pastry.
- Stone Fruit Delights: For a seasonal twist, consider using sliced stone fruits. Thinly sliced peaches, nectarines, or plums can create a wonderfully juicy and aromatic fruit filling when baked on top of the cream cheese. Their natural sugars caramelize slightly, adding another layer of flavor.
- Go Homemade with Pastry: If you’re feeling ambitious and enjoy the challenge of from-scratch baking, you can certainly make your own puff pastry. It’s a rewarding process, though more involved. I highly recommend this rough puff pastry recipe and guide for a delicious homemade alternative that still offers incredible flakiness.
- Shape It Your Way: The puff pastry is wonderfully adaptable to various shapes. Beyond rectangles, you can use cookie cutters to create rounds, triangles, or even festive shapes for holidays (see our Valentine’s Day heart-shaped danishes below!). Just ensure your shapes are roughly similar in size for even baking.
- Different Fillings: Beyond fruit, consider other sweet fillings. A dollop of fruit preserves, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or a swirl of lemon curd could all provide exciting new flavor profiles. Just be mindful of moisture content to prevent sogginess.
- Add Nuts or Spices: A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans on top of the fruit and cream cheese can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. A pinch of cardamom or cinnamon in the cream cheese filling can also introduce a warm, aromatic note.
This recipe has been thoroughly tested with the original ingredients and fruit. If you opt to replace or add any ingredients, we’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments section below! Your feedback helps other bakers in our community.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Danish Pastries
Follow these simple steps to create beautiful and delicious raspberry cream cheese danishes in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Filling. In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the halved fresh raspberries with the cornstarch, a teaspoon of granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Stir carefully to coat the berries without mashing them. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to begin its work.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Filling. In a separate mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment), beat the softened cream cheese with the two tablespoons of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. This ensures a luxurious and even filling for your danishes.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to an approximate 9 by 11-inch rectangle. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, divide the pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Carefully transfer these rectangles to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced at least an inch apart. Then, lightly score a rectangle inside of each pastry, about ¼ inch from the edges, creating a border. Be careful not to cut all the way through the dough.
Step 4: Fill the Pastries. Spoon about one tablespoon of the prepared cream cheese mixture onto the center of each scored rectangle. Gently spread it evenly within the indentation, leaving the outer ¼-inch border clear. This border will puff up beautifully during baking, creating a crust that holds the luscious filling.
Step 5: Add Berries and Bake. Arrange a single layer of the raspberry filling on top of the cream cheese in each pastry. In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg and one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush this egg wash over the exposed edges of each puff pastry rectangle. Bake in a preheated oven at 395°F (200°C) for 17-20 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden brown and puffed to your liking. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Step 6: Drizzle with Icing and Serve. While the danishes are cooling, prepare the vanilla icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, a quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of milk until completely smooth and drizzly. Once the danishes have cooled slightly, artisticly drizzle the vanilla icing over each raspberry cream cheese Danish. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your homemade pastry delight!
A Sweet Surprise: Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Danishes
Looking for a charming way to celebrate love? These raspberry cream cheese danishes are absolutely perfect for a special Valentine’s Day breakfast or a thoughtful treat for your loved ones! The simple adaptability of puff pastry allows you to transform these delicious pastries into adorable heart shapes with minimal effort.
To create these festive delights, simply use a sharp knife or a heart-shaped pastry cutter to cut hearts out of your thawed puff pastry sheet. Then, follow the rest of the recipe instructions: gently score a smaller heart inside each pastry, fill with the creamy dream cheese mixture, top with the vibrant raspberry mixture, and brush the edges with egg wash before baking. The result will be irresistibly cute heart danishes that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
From one standard store-bought puff pastry sheet, I was able to cut out 8 perfect hearts. Don’t worry about any leftover pastry scraps; simply bake them alongside your main danishes with any remaining cream cheese and raspberry fillings. They will bake up into flaky and delicious little bites, ensuring nothing goes to waste!
Expert Tips for the Best Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Achieving bakery-quality danishes at home is easier than you think, especially with a few professional insights. Here are some expert tips to ensure your pastries turn out perfectly flaky, creamy, and utterly delicious every time:
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Key: This cannot be emphasized enough! For a truly smooth, lump-free cream cheese filling that combines seamlessly with sugar and vanilla, your cream cheese *must* be at room temperature. Take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you plan to mix it. Cold cream cheese will result in a clumpy, uneven filling, detracting from the luxurious texture.
- Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step is a lifesaver for cleanup, especially if any fruit juices or cream cheese filling happen to bubble over during baking. It also prevents sticking, ensuring your delicate danishes can be easily removed without damage.
- Manage Excess Raspberry Juice: When adding the prepared raspberries to the cream cheese filling, try to leave behind as much of the excess juice from the bowl as possible. While the cornstarch helps to thicken, too much liquid can still make your pastry soggy in the center. A slightly drier fruit mixture will ensure the puff pastry remains crisp and flaky underneath.
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry performs best when it’s kept as cold as possible before baking. The layers of butter within the dough are what create its characteristic flakiness. If the pastry gets too warm, the butter can melt prematurely, leading to a less airy and crispy result. Work quickly, and if your kitchen is warm or you feel the dough getting soft, pop the baking sheet with the prepared danishes into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to pile on the delicious fillings, overfilling your danishes can cause them to spill over during baking, leading to a messy outcome and potentially soggy pastry. Stick to the recommended amount of filling to ensure everything stays neatly contained within the scored borders.
- Preheat Oven Thoroughly: A hot oven is crucial for puff pastry to rise rapidly and achieve its maximum flakiness. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 395°F (200°C) before you place the danishes inside. Using an oven thermometer can help verify your oven’s accuracy.
- Gentle Handling: Puff pastry, especially after thawing, can be delicate. Handle it gently when unrolling, cutting, and transferring to avoid compressing the layers, which are essential for its signature rise.
Recipe FAQs: Your Raspberry Danish Questions Answered
Here are answers to some common questions you might have while making these delightful raspberry cream cheese danishes:
Yes, absolutely! You need to thaw the sheet of puff pastry just enough so that it becomes malleable and easy to work with, but not so much that the butter layers inside begin to melt. If the butter melts, the pastry won’t puff up properly. Always follow the specific thawing instructions provided on the package’s label for the best results.
Yes, scoring a light indentation inside of each pastry is an important step. This light scoring helps to create a “dam” around the filling. As the pastry bakes, the outer edges (unscored) will rise higher and become wonderfully flaky, while the inner scored area (where the filling sits) will remain relatively flat. This prevents the filling from spilling out and ensures a beautiful, professional-looking Danish.
A soggy bottom can be quite disappointing! This typically happens for a couple of reasons. First, it’s crucial that your puff pastry remains cold until it enters the oven. If it starts to get too warm, the butter in the layers can melt, leading to less steam and less puff, and thus a denser, potentially soggy bottom. If you notice your dough getting soft, pop it back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes before proceeding. Second, your oven might not be hot enough. Puff pastry needs high heat to create that instant steam that makes it rise. Always ensure your oven is thoroughly preheated to 395°F (200°C) before baking your danishes. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but be aware that they will release more liquid as they thaw. If using frozen, let them thaw completely and drain off any excess liquid before mixing them with cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice. You might even want to add a tiny bit more cornstarch (e.g., ¼ teaspoon) to account for the extra moisture. Patting them dry with a paper towel can also help.
To achieve maximum flakiness, ensure your puff pastry is very cold when it goes into the oven. Also, avoid overworking the dough when rolling it out, as this can compress the delicate layers. A high initial oven temperature is also critical for the butter to create steam, which separates the layers and makes them flaky. Don’t open the oven door during the first 10-12 minutes of baking to keep the heat consistent.
How to Store Your Delicious Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes
To keep your danishes fresh and delightful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here’s a guide for storing them at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or even freezing them for later enjoyment:
Room Temperature Storage
These pastries are truly at their best when enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, if you have leftovers you want to save for the next morning, you can store them overnight. Place them in a paper bag first to help absorb any excess moisture, then seal them inside an airtight container. The paper acts as a barrier to prevent the flaky pastry from becoming soggy, helping to maintain its crisp texture.
Refrigerator Storage
For longer storage, your raspberry cream cheese danishes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply reheat it in the microwave for 20-40 seconds. This gentle warming will soften the cream cheese and refresh the pastry, making it feel almost freshly baked.
Freezing Instructions
If you’ve baked a larger batch or want to enjoy these treats even further down the line, raspberry danishes freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, making sure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy, simply retrieve one from the freezer and heat it in the microwave for 40-60 seconds, or until warmed through. This makes them a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or a convenient dessert option!
More Raspberry & Cream Cheese Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re as smitten with the delightful combination of raspberries and cream cheese as I am, or simply love fruit-filled baked goods, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes. Each one offers a unique way to enjoy these beloved flavors:
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Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies
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Cheesecake Stuffed Raspberry Cookies
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The Best Lemon Raspberry Muffins
-
Easy Raspberry Crumble Cookies (Better than Costco)
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Thank you!
-Kayla
📖 Recipe
Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Baking sheet
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Measuring spoons
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Scale/measuring cups
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer recommended
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Spatula
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Pastry cutter/knife
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Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry store-bought or homemade
- 1 large egg room temperature
Raspberry Filling
- 9 ounces raspberries fresh, sliced into halves
- ½ tablespoon (4 g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces (113.4 g) cream cheese room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon milk
Vanilla Icing
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
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Thaw store-bought puff pastry as instructed on its label, preheat oven to 395°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, gently mix the halved raspberries with ½ tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Set aside.
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In a separate mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Gently roll out the puff pastry sheet to approximately 9×11 inches using a rolling pin. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Place these rectangles on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring at least 1 inch of space between each.
Lightly score a rectangle inside of each pastry, about ¼ inch from the center, being careful not to cut all the way through the dough.
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Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the scored inner rectangle of each pastry. Top this with a single layer of the prepared raspberries, trying to leave behind any excess juice.
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In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush this egg wash on the outer edges of each pastry rectangle.
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Bake in the preheated oven at 395°F (200°C) for 17-20 minutes, or until the pastry edges are beautifully golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
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While the danishes cool, prepare the vanilla icing. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth and drizzly. Drizzle this icing artfully over the warm raspberry cream cheese danishes. Enjoy!
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Notes
Storage: For optimal freshness, consume danishes on the day of baking. They can be stored at room temperature in a paper bag placed inside an airtight container overnight. In the refrigerator, they’ll last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat cold or frozen danishes in the microwave for 20-60 seconds until warm.
Nutrition: The provided nutrition information is an estimate calculated per serving. Please note that accuracy is not guaranteed and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.