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Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish

This easy Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish combines the tangy brightness of lemon, the sweet burst of fresh raspberries, and the creamy richness of cream cheese all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s quick to prepare using store-bought puff pastry and results in a bakery-quality pastry with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed as per package instructions)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting or glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the filling is smooth, creamy, and fully incorporated.
  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheet according to package instructions. On a lightly floured surface, unfold and gently roll out the pastry. Cut into squares or rectangles based on your preferred size. Lightly score a smaller square inside each larger square to create a border for the filling.
  3. Assemble the Danish: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, keeping inside the scored border. Top each with a handful of fresh raspberries, gently pressing them into the filling to secure.
  4. Add the Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the edges of each puff pastry square with the egg wash to promote a glossy, golden-brown finish when baked.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling is set.
  6. Optional Finishing Touch: Once slightly cooled, dust the danishes with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness and flair.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese and egg to room temperature for smooth mixtures and even baking.
  • Avoid overfilling with cream cheese or raspberries to prevent soggy pastry or filling spillage.
  • Chill the cut puff pastry squares for about 10 minutes before baking for a better puff.
  • Use fresh, firm raspberries that are ripe but not mushy for best texture.
  • Keep a close eye while baking as puff pastry browns quickly; remove once golden.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Danish, Raspberry Pastry, Cream Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Breakfast Pastry