This Easy Blackberry and Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful treat that combines sweet, tangy blackberries with rich, creamy cheese in a flaky pastry. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive indulgence. The golden, buttery crust contrasts beautifully with the luscious filling, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
Each bite offers a burst of juicy blackberries, balanced by the smooth creaminess of the cheese and a hint of sweetness. With its irresistible aroma and elegant presentation, this danish feels like a bakery masterpiece without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself, it’s a recipe that promises to delight every time.
Ingredients for Easy Blackberry and Cream Cheese Danish
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened for easier mixing)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons flour (to thicken the filling)
- 8-ounce tube Pillsbury Crescent rolls (or crescent roll sheet for easier assembly)
- 21 ounces blackberry pie filling (or substitute with fresh blackberries, about 1 cup)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (optional, for extra freshness)
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and flour until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, keeping it in one large rectangle. If using individual crescents, press the seams together to seal any holes.
- Cut the dough: Make 1/2-inch diagonal cuts along both long sides of the dough, leaving the center intact.
- Add the filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, about 2-3 inches wide. Top with blackberry pie filling or fresh blackberries (or both).
- Braid the dough: Fold the cut strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern. Tuck in any excess dough at the ends.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool: Let the danish cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter.
- Make the icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the icing over the cooled danish, slice into pieces, and enjoy!
Creative Toppings and Icing Variations
While the recipe calls for a classic powdered sugar icing, you can get creative with your toppings! Try a lemon glaze by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the icing mixture. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the danish before baking. If you’re a fan of chocolate, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled danish for an indulgent finish.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
This Easy Blackberry and Cream Cheese Danish is a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. Serve it warm with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. For a brunch spread, pair it with a fresh fruit salad or a side of scrambled eggs. It also makes a delightful dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the danish in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
If you’re short on time, use pre-made crescent roll sheets instead of individual rolls to skip the step of pressing seams together. You can also prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. For an even quicker option, swap the homemade icing with a store-bought vanilla glaze. These small tweaks can save you precious minutes without sacrificing flavor!
Recipe Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Swap the blackberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even apple pie filling for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture. For a savory twist, omit the sugar and vanilla, and fill the danish with a mixture of spinach, feta, and garlic. The possibilities are endless!
Easy Blackberry and Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 8 ounce tube Pillsbury Crescent rolls or crescent roll sheet
- 21 ounces blackberry pie filling
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and flour.
- Set aside.
- Open crescent roll dough and unroll, leaving crescents all together in one large rectangle
- On an ungreased baking sheet, lay the crescent roll rectangle. The dough should be almost the entire length of a half sheet pan. (If you’re not using a crescent roll sheet, be sure to press edges together to even out edges and seal any holes.)
- Cut 1/2 inch diagonal strips up each side of the dough.
- Carefully spread cream cheese filling down the center of the dough to be about 2-3 inches wide.
- Top with blackberry pie filling or fresh blackberries (or both). You may not need to use the whole can, just enough to cover it well.
- Fold 1/2 inch dough pieces up over filling alternating sides to get a braided pattern. You may have excess dough once you reach the end of the danish, so fold them in as best as you can.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until filling is set and crescent dough is golden in color.
- Cool before removing from baking sheet.
- Once danish has cooled, remove to serving platter.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla and cream to create icing.
- You may need to add more cream to get the desired consistency. Drizzle icing over danish. Cut into pieces and serve.