Cream Cheese Danish Delight

This air fryer cream cheese danish combines flaky puff pastry with creamy cheesecake filling and fresh berries for a delightful breakfast treat that tastes like it came from a bakery. The simple method creates professional results with minimal effort, making it perfect for special brunches or weekend indulgences.

I first made these danishes when hosting a last minute brunch for unexpected guests. The combination of crispy pastry, tangy cream cheese, and sweet berries earned so many compliments that they've become my signature entertaining recipe.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry: Forms the flaky base that puffs beautifully in the air fryer and creates those delicious buttery layers
• Cream cheese: Provides the rich, tangy filling that balances the sweetness perfectly
• Fresh strawberries and blueberries: Add natural sweetness and bright color contrast
• Confectioners' sugar: Sweetens without graininess and helps create the smooth glaze
• Lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the cream cheese
• Egg wash: Gives the pastry edges a beautiful golden shine and helps create a seal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pastry:

Cut puff pastry sheet in half and score a border around each piece about half an inch from the edge. This creates the raised edge that will hold your fillings. Dock the center area with a fork to prevent it from puffing too much during initial baking.

Initial bake:

Brush the borders with beaten egg and air fry at 370°F for 10 minutes. This partially bakes the pastry and creates structure before adding wet fillings.

Prepare the fillings:

Mix cream cheese with confectioners' sugar and lemon juice until completely smooth. Separately prepare strawberries and blueberries by gently tossing each with a bit of confectioners' sugar and lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness.

Create pastry wells:

After the initial bake, use the rounded handle of a wooden spoon to gently press down the center of each pastry, creating a depression for your fillings. The scored border will remain raised.

Add fillings and finish baking:

Spread cream cheese mixture evenly in the center of each pastry. Arrange prepared berries decoratively on top. Return to air fryer for 5 to 6 more minutes until pastry is golden brown and fillings are warmed through.

Glaze and serve:

While danishes finish baking, prepare simple glaze by mixing confectioners' sugar with cream until smooth. After removing danishes from air fryer, let cool slightly, then drizzle with glaze before serving with additional fresh berries.

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The cream cheese filling is truly the heart of this recipe. I love adding a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the tanginess and create the perfect contrast to the sweet berries. My family particularly enjoys when I make a double batch of the glaze so everyone can add extra to their portions.

Perfect Puff Pastry Tips

For best results, look for butter-based puff pastry rather than shortening-based versions. The butter creates more pronounced flaky layers and richer flavor. When scoring the border, be careful not to cut all the way through. Your knife should only penetrate about halfway through the dough to create the perfect raised edge.

The temperature of your puff pastry matters significantly. If it becomes too warm before baking, the butter layers will melt together rather than creating distinct flaky layers. If your kitchen is warm or you're working slowly, place the prepared pastry in the refrigerator for a few minutes before baking.

Make-Ahead Options

These danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline the process. The cream cheese filling can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading for easier application.

You can also score and dock the puff pastry up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. The berry mixture is best prepared just before using to prevent excess juice release that could make your pastry soggy.

Serving Suggestions

These danishes make an elegant centerpiece for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Serve alongside a fruit salad and hot coffee for a complete morning spread. For an extra special touch, offer whipped cream on the side or sprinkle with sliced almonds before the final bake.

For dessert presentation, warm each danish slightly and top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm pastry and cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast, while the vanilla complements both the berries and cream cheese.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen berries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid affecting the pastry.

→ What other fruits can I use for the filling?

You can try raspberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches for a unique twist on the flavors.

→ Can I make this Danish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before cooking to save time.

→ What type of cream should I use for the sugar glaze?

All-purpose cream works great, but you can use heavy cream or milk for a thinner consistency if preferred.

→ Do I need to thaw the puff pastry completely?

No, partially thawing the puff pastry is ideal as it makes scoring and handling the pastry easier while maintaining its structure.

→ Can I use a different type of pastry dough?

Yes, you can use phyllo dough or croissant dough, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly from traditional puff pastry.