Cream Cheese Danish Recipe with Berries

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Ricotta is lower in fat and can provide a similar texture.

puff pastry

🥗Healthier: phyllo dough

💰Cheaper: homemade pastry dough

Phyllo is lighter and can be made at home easily.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds sweetness with fewer calories.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg yolk, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.

Beat together on medium high speed for a few minutes until whipped creamy and smooth.

On a clean work surface, unfold the first sheet of puff pastry dough and roll it into a ten by ten inch square.

Cut the dough into 12 even strips using a pizza cutter.

Take two strips of dough and pinch them together at one end, sealing tightly.

Twist the strand from one end to the other, ensuring it's a loose ribbon.

Press one end of the ribbon onto the work surface and loop the twisted strand from the center outward, pinching the end to secure.

Flatten the center with fingers to create a well for the filling and poke it with a fork to prevent puffing up too much.

Add a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the well, then add fresh berries, pushing them halfway into the filling.

Preheat the oven to 400˚F.

Transfer the pastries to a parchment lined baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water and beat together with a fork.

Brush the outside of the pastries generously with the egg wash.

Bake in the preheated oven at 400˚F for about 18 to 20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown at the edges.

Let the pastries cool completely to room temperature so the cream cheese filling will set.

While waiting, make the lemon glaze by combining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.

Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the cooled pastries.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens