Save This flaky, golden pastry combines the sweet-tart brightness of cranberry sauce with creamy, smooth cheese filling. The puff pastry is baked until perfectly puffed and tender. Finished with a delicate glaze and optional orange zest garnish, it offers a balanced, festive flavor ideal for breakfast or an elegant snack. Preparation involves cooking cranberries till thickened, mixing a sweetened cream cheese blend, and layering these inside cut rectangles of puff pastry. Baking yields a moist, flavorful treat highlighting seasonal fruit and rich textures.
I remember the first time I tried making Cranberry Cream Cheese Danish—it was during the holiday season when the smell of buttery pastry and sweet-tart cranberries filled my tiny kitchen. It felt like discovering a secret little joy to start cozy mornings or impress unexpected guests.
One winter morning, while hosting last-minute guests, I pulled these danishes from the oven and suddenly, the whole room lifted with the warm aroma and smiles that followed—the kind of moment that sticks with you.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: I always reach for a good quality sheet that stays flaky and buttery because it is the foundation of this danish
- Cream Cheese: Softened and smooth is key to a creamy filling that melts in your mouth
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work but fresh give that vibrant tang I love in this dish
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness; I keep a bit extra on hand for adjusting sweetness
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm note that elevates the cream cheese filling
- Powdered Sugar and Milk: For the glaze; I use just enough milk to keep it pourable but not runny
- Egg (optional): For a shiny golden finish but I sometimes skip it and still get a lovely result
- Orange Zest (optional): A fresh aromatic touch that brightens up the whole pastry
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Start by heating your oven to a crisp 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures that golden finish.
- Make the Cranberry Sauce:
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat watching and stirring as cranberries burst open, releasing their sweet-tart goodness until thickened perfectly—smells like a holiday treat.
- Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. This will add that luscious texture contrasting the tart sauce.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Unroll the pastry on a floured surface and cut into 8 rectangles. Score a border about 1 cm inside each, being careful not to cut through to keep that raised edge which catches all the filling.
- Egg Wash and Fill:
- Brush the edges gently with beaten egg for a beautiful shine (optional). Then spoon cream cheese filling onto each, spreading it within the border and topping with cranberry sauce.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Pop the trays in and bake until the pastry puffs to golden perfection, usually 18–20 minutes—the flaky scent growing in your kitchen is irresistible.
- Glaze and Garnish:
- Once cooled, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the danishes, finishing with orange zest for that extra zing if desired.
Save This danish stopped being just food the day I served it at a close friend's celebration—a treat that brought people closer and created warm memories that are sweeter than icing.
Keeping It Fresh
I find these danishes taste best the same day but to keep them fresh, store in an airtight container at room temperature and gently reheat in a warm oven to revive the crispness.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Serving alongside a cup of strong coffee or a mild tea makes mornings feel special. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can create extra layers of texture and flavor.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
Once, when last-minute guests dropped by, these came together fast and everyone was amazed. Having puff pastry in the freezer is like keeping a little magic on hand.
- Remember to cool pastries well before glazing to prevent melting
- Experiment with berry preserves if cranberries aren’t available
- Final tip: Warm pastries slightly before serving for the best experience
Save Thanks for spending a little kitchen time with me—may your danishes always turn out flaky and your mornings a little sweeter.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is used for this dish?
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Puff pastry is used for its light, flaky texture that puffs up nicely when baked.
- → Can I use frozen cranberries for the sauce?
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Yes, frozen cranberries work well and cook down similarly to fresh ones for the sauce.
- → How do you achieve the shiny finish on the pastry edges?
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Brushing the pastry borders with beaten egg before baking gives them a golden, glossy appearance.
- → Is it possible to substitute the cranberry filling with other fruits?
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Yes, raspberry or blueberry preserves can be used as alternatives for a different fruit flavor.
- → How should the glaze be applied for best results?
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The powdered sugar glaze mixed with milk should be drizzled over the cooled pastries to add a light sweetness and shine.
- → What is the recommended serving temperature?
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Slightly warm pastries enhance the flavor and texture, though they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
