Name: Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon milk; 9 ounces raspberries (fresh, sliced into halves); ½ tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon milk; ½ cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 51 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightful, flaky treat that perfectly balances tart raspberries with a creamy, luscious filling, you’ve just found your new favorite. The Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is a heavenly combination of buttery puff pastry, smooth cream cheese, and fresh raspberries all sprinkled with a sweet glaze that feels like a little celebration in every bite. This recipe will quickly become your go-to for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a special treat that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with bright red raspberries that are whole and some slightly broken, showing their juicy inside and textured surface. The raspberries fill the bowl almost to the top, with a few juice drops splattered on the inner sides of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You don’t need a long list to make this Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe stand out. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor — from the flaky puff pastry to the fresh raspberries, and the sweet cream cheese filling that ties everything together with vanilla warmth.

1 sheet puff pastry: This is your golden, flaky base that gives the Danish its irresistible crispness.
1 large egg (room temperature): Essential for the egg wash that helps the pastry get that beautiful shiny finish.
9 ounces raspberries (fresh, sliced into halves): The star fruit providing juicy tartness and vibrant color.
½ tablespoon cornstarch: This thickens the raspberry mixture so your filling isn’t runny.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the raspberries just right.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Enhances the fresh raspberry flavor with a bright, zesty kick.
4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): The creamy, smooth richness that makes the filling luscious.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without overpowering it.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting note to your cream cheese mixture.
1 teaspoon milk: For achieving the perfect creamy consistency in the filling.
½ cup powdered sugar: The base of the glaze that brings everything together with a sweet finish.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses your glaze with subtle depth and flavor.
1 tablespoon milk: Thins the glaze so it drizzles beautifully over the finished pastries.

How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Puff Pastry and Oven

Start by thawing your puff pastry according to the package instructions if you’re using store-bought. Then preheat your oven to 395°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This sets the stage for a flaky, golden crust that’s sure to impress.

Step 2: Mix the Raspberry Filling

Gently combine halved raspberries with cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice. The cornstarch will help the juices thicken while baking, so your Danish doesn’t get soggy. The sugar and lemon juice perfectly complement the fruit’s natural tartness, creating a bright and flavorful filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until silky smooth. This creamy filling adds a luscious texture contrast to the puff pastry and pairs beautifully with the raspberry topping.

Step 4: Shape and Score the Pastries

Roll out the puff pastry to roughly a 9 by 11 inch rectangle, then cut it into six equal pieces. Place the cut rectangles on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least an inch apart so they have room to puff. Lightly score a ¼-inch border inside each rectangle; this will help the edges puff up nicely during baking and keep your filling neatly in the center.

Step 5: Assemble the Danish

Spread about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside each scored rectangle. Then top with a single, elegant layer of your raspberry mixture. This layering ensures every bite is a perfect balance of creamy and fruity.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

Mix your egg with a tablespoon of water and gently brush this egg wash around the edges of each pastry. This crucial step helps the edges brown beautifully, making your danishes extra enticing with a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 7: Bake the Danishes

Bake in your preheated oven at 395°F until the edges turn a deep golden brown, about 17 to 20 minutes. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes to settle, but don’t wait too long—these taste heavenly warm straight from the oven!

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to create a simple glaze. Drizzle this over your cooled Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes for that perfect sweet sparkle and extra moist bite that finishes each piece beautifully.

How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

The image shows several rectangular puff pastries on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each pastry has three layers: the bottom golden-brown puff pastry is thick and flaky, a middle creamy white layer spreads evenly just inside the edges, and the top layer is made of bright red raspberries closely packed together. A woman's hand is pouring a white glaze in thin streams over the top pastries, adding a shiny and smooth texture that contrasts with the raspberries. The scene is brightly lit, focusing on the texture and fresh appearance of the pastries, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a pretty and practical touch, add a few whole raspberries on top of the glaze or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for crunch and color contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also elevate the visual appeal and add an elegant, snowy finish.

Side Dishes

This Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte in the morning. For a brunch spread, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade for a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these danishes on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs like mint or edible flowers sprinkled around for a brunch table centerpiece. You can also slice them in half and spread a little extra cream cheese or honey between layers for a decadent raspberry cream cheese sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep them airtight in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The puff pastry will lose some crispness but warming them gently will help revive that flaky texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes after baking and cooling completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked taste, warm the danish in a preheated 350°F oven for about 7-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the puff pastry crisp and flaky.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries in this Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe?

Yes, frozen raspberries will work fine. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess juice making the pastry soggy before mixing with cornstarch.

Is there a substitute for puff pastry?

You could use crescent roll dough or even homemade pie dough, but puff pastry creates the signature layers and flakiness that make this recipe shine.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and plant-based milk options to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

How do I prevent the cream cheese from leaking during baking?

Scoring the puff pastry edge about ¼ inch inside and spreading the filling within this border helps keep it contained and prevents leakage during baking.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Definitely. Blueberries, blackberries, or sliced peaches can be delicious alternatives or additions to raspberries for different flavor twists.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is one of those joyous treats that feels like a little indulgence every time you make it. It’s surprisingly straightforward but looks so elegant and tastes wonderfully fresh and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weekend breakfast, you’re going to love sharing these flaky, fruity pastries with your favorite people. Give it a try—you might just discover your new signature recipe!