Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 225 grams cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheet and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting all the way through.
- Prick the center area several times with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Bake the pastry for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly puffed and beginning to turn golden.
- Remove the pastry from the oven and gently press down the center if needed while keeping the border raised.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the pastry.
- Spoon dollops of jam over the filling and swirl gently with a knife or toothpick.
- Return the Danish to the oven and bake for another 15 to 18 minutes until the filling is set and the pastry edges are deeply golden.
- Allow the Danish to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apricot, or cherry jam all work well.
- Adding vanilla extract to the filling creates extra sweetness and depth.
- Sliced almonds add a crunchy topping variation.
- A powdered sugar glaze can be drizzled over the cooled pastry.
- Fresh berries may be added sparingly for extra fruit flavor.
- Partially baking the pastry first helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for the flakiest texture.
- Freeze slices for up to 1 month and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
