Description
A beautiful and delicious warm berry Danish, featuring flaky layers, creamy filling, and juicy berries, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (10g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250g) cold unsalted butter, for laminating
- 7 oz (200g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar for the filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar for the glaze
- 1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice for the glaze
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for the glaze
- Optional toppings: fruit preserves, fresh berries, or sliced almonds
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, stir warm milk with yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Beat in the egg and combine with dry ingredients. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Butter Block: Pound cold butter into an 8-inch square between two sheets of parchment paper and chill until firm but pliable.
- Laminate the Dough: Roll chilled dough into a 16-inch square, center the butter block, and fold corners over the butter. Roll out into a long rectangle, fold into thirds, and chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this process two more times.
- Shape the Danish: Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick, cut into 4-inch squares, and spoon cream cheese mixture into the center. Fold corners over or twist as desired, adding fresh berries or jam on top.
- Proof and Bake: Arrange pastries on a lined baking sheet, letting them rise for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Brush tops with an egg wash or milk and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffy.
- Glaze and Serve: Cool on a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pastries before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours. Can be frozen before baking, and baked directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg