Nothing says “weekend breakfast” like a warm, flaky Danish loaded with your favorite fruits. This warm berry Danish brings together simple ingredients to create a decadent treat for the whole family. Ready in just a little bit over an hour, your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery, and there’s no denying the joy of biting into a warm, gooey pastry.
Warm Berry Danish
A cozy, flaky Danish filled with cream cheese and berries, perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Beat in the egg and combine with dry ingredients. Knead for 6-8 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the butter block by placing cold butter between parchment paper and roll it into an 8-inch square. Chill until firm but pliable.
- Roll chilled dough into a 16-inch square. Center the butter block on the dough and fold the corners over to seal it. Roll into a rectangle (8×24 inches) and fold into thirds. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this step two more times.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into 4-inch squares. Place a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Fold over corners or twist as desired, then add berries or jam.
- Arrange pastries on a baking sheet and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Brush tops with egg wash or milk, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Cool on a wire rack and prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled pastries.
Notes
These Danishes are best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Mastering the Warm Berry Danish
Trust me, once you get the hang of making this Danish, it will become a staple in your home. Let’s break down the process so you can whip it up with confidence!
Your Ingredient Lineup
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious creation to life:
- 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
Cooking Method Made Simple
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, stir the warm milk with the yeast and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it’s foamy and fragrant. Then, beat in the egg and combine with your dry ingredients. Knead this dough for about 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover this beauty and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Butter Block: Take your cold butter and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, pound it gently until you have an 8-inch square. Chill it again until it’s firm but still pliable.
- Laminate the Dough: Roll your chilled dough into a 16-inch square. Center your butter block on the dough like a diamond. Fold the corners over the butter to seal it in. Now, roll the dough into a long rectangle (8×24 inches), then fold it into thirds like a letter. Chill for another 30 minutes. This rolling and folding process gives that flaky texture, and you’ll want to repeat it two more times, chilling in between each.
- Shape the Danish: Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut it into 4-inch squares. Spoon a tablespoon of your cream cheese mixture right in the middle of each square. Feel free to fold over the corners or twist them up as you please, then add fresh berries or a dollop of your favorite jam.
- Proof and Bake: Arrange your shaped pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They’ll need to rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, so shoot for a warm spot in your kitchen. While that’s happening, preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Brush the tops with an egg wash or some milk for that golden sheen, and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden.
- Glaze and Serve: Let your Danish cool completely on a wire rack, because nobody likes a soggy bottom! Whisk up the powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and vanilla together until smooth and drizzle generously over the cooled pastries. Now, you’re ready to serve that warm goodness!
Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: Approx. 300-400 per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
Balanced and filling without feeling heavy, this indulgence is worth savoring every bite!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
For a casual brunch or fancy afternoon tea, pair your warm berry Danish with a good cup of coffee or a refreshing herbal tea. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an evening indulging treat. Berry season? Swap in those vibrant fruits for turns of flavor throughout the year!
Storage & Reheat Tips
These Danishes are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to three days in an airtight container. Want to take it up a notch? Freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly for up to a month. Just reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes for that lovely warm crunch.
Smart Tips
- Always chill your butter but ensure it’s pliable, too; this helps create those flaky layers.
- Keep the kitchen warm to ensure proper rising; a cold dough equals a dense Danish.
- Experiment with different fillings beyond cream cheese—Ricotta, lemon curd, or almond paste can all change your game.
Creative Flavor Twists
- Seasonal Delight: Use warmed spiced apple compote in the fall for a cozy vibe.
- Flavor Forward: Incorporate some chocolate chips in the cream cheese mixture for a decadent twist.
- Unexpected Punch: Try adding a sprinkle of cardamom to the dough for a fragrant surprise.
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
- What can I substitute for cream cheese in the Danish? You can swap it with ricotta cheese or even mascarpone for a different texture.
- Can I use frozen berries? Absolutely! Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from thawed berries before using them in your filling.
- Is it possible to make this Danish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the Danish before refrigerating them overnight; bake the next morning for a fresh breakfast treat.
- How do I know when my Danish is done baking? Look for a rich golden color. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow when it’s fully baked.
And there you have it—your go-to warm berry Danish recipe! Enjoy mastering this pastry and watching your loved ones delight in the fruits of your labor. Happy baking!