Starting with a package of puff pastry makes this Raspberry Danish quick & easy! The creamy filling is surrounded by flaky pastry and drizzled with a simple icing. Beautiful & delicious!
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Puff pastry is one of the most under-rated recipe shortcuts out there. It's so easy to work with and creates the most flaky, buttery pastries imaginable in a short amount of time. This Raspberry Danish made with puff pastry is no exception. It's got a simple cream cheese filling, raspberry jam and is all bundled up in a layer of puff pastry.
This recipe reminds me of the butterbraids we did as fundraisers growing up - anyone remember those?! And for those of you in the midwest who are lucky enough to live near a Casey's General Store, it also reminds me of a raspberry flip. Never had one? Do yourself a favor and try one! Or just make this recipe - basically the same thing! 😉
Raspberry Danish Ingredients
- Puff Pastry - You can find puff pastry in the freezer section of the grocery store near the frozen desserts and whipped topping. The only brand I typically see available is Pepperidge Farm and it comes in a package with two sheets.
- Cream Cheese - You can use regular or the ⅓ less fat cream cheese.
- Powdered Sugar - You'll need powdered sugar for the filling AND for the icing.
- Vanilla Extract
- Jam or Pie Filling - I love using raspberry for this recipe, but you can use other fruit-flavors as well, such as blackberry, strawberry or blueberry.
- Egg
- Milk
How to Make a Raspberry Danish with Puff Pastry
This recipe comes together super quickly for a tasty breakfast or brunch option, thanks to a box of puff pastry. The pictures above will help visualize how the danish is made - it's not difficult, but much easier to explain with photos than with words! 🙂
- Unfold each sheet of puff pastry and cut the outer two folds into 10-12 strips. I find it easiest to use a pizza cutter, but you could certainly use a knife, too.
- Divide the cream cheese filling over the center of the puff pastries and spread.
- Divide the jam (or pie filling) over the cream cheese filling and spread to an even layer.
- Fold cut pieces of puff pastry over the filling, alternating sides, to create a braid look.
- Finish the folding and use a pizza cutter to remove the excess dough at the end of the braid, if desired.
- Brush with the egg wash and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes. Next, you'll bake, drizzle with icing, cut into strips and enjoy!!
What is considered a "Danish pastry?"
Danish pastries are made with a sweet, flaky laminated dough, similar to puff pastry. Though this Raspberry Danish is made with a pre-made puff pastry (which isn't sweetened), it's the same concept and the filling & icing makes up for the "lack" of sweetness in the dough.
Other Quick & Easy Breakfast Ideas
If you're looking for something you can prepare ahead of time (like the night before), this Overnight French Toast Casserole is so tasty!
Looking for a savory breakfast option? This Breakfast Braid has the same concept and look as the Raspberry Danish, but has a savory filling with sausage, eggs and cheese!
Maybe you just need a classic breakfast staple such as Homemade Blueberry Muffins. It's one of my go-to breakfast pastries, because it's just simply so delicious!
Connect with Dance Around the Kitchen!
Follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a recipe!! And as always, thank you for following along with my blog, making my recipes, liking and sharing on social media and any other way you support Dance Around the Kitchen! -Kelsey
Raspberry Danish
Ingredients
- One 17.3 oz box puff pastry includes 2 sheets
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ c powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ c raspberry jam or pie filling
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Icing
- 1 c powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove puff pastry from the freezer and let set on the counter for 5-10 minutes.
- While the puff pastry is thawing a bit, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla in a small bowl; set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the egg yolk and water; set aside.
- Unfold each of the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. (Use your warm fingers to press the folds back together if they break when opened.)
- Use a pizza cutter to cut the outer folds of the pastry into 10-12 strips. (See photos above for a better visual).
- Divide the cream cheese mixture in the center fold of each of the puff pastries.
- Spread the raspberry jam (or pie filling) over the cream cheese.
- Fold the strips over the filling alternately to create a "braid."
- Transfer the braids to the prepared baking sheet and brush with the egg wash (egg yolk + water).
- Place the pan of braids into the freezer for 15-20 minutes (this will help it really puff up in the oven!).
- Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Combine icing ingredients and drizzle over the warm pastry.
- Cut into slices and enjoy!
Adam says
While this looks good it's hardly a Danish. First danish pastry doughs are based both on fat/steam and yeast whereas puff pastry is only on the fst/steam part. This gives a different taste and texture. Second what is called a Danish in the States is the spandauer in Denmark and this has no resemblance to that.
Maybe a raspberry puff bar or something like that.
Kelsey says
Hi Adam - I totally see where you're coming from. This is technically not a Danish (with yeast and a laminated pastry), however I don't think that'll be a concern for most people. I figured it would be a good name as it has many similarities of a Danish (the laminated pastry and a fruit filling) and would be more descriptive than a "puff" per se. It'll be interesting to see if anyone from other countries comment with name suggestions, too, since pastries have different names/meanings in different places!
Jena says
Made this for Easter brunch, first time I’ve used puff pastry. So simple and so delicious!
Regina says
"In a separate small bowl, combine the egg yolk and water; set aside." Where do you use this in the recipe?
kelsey says
Hi Regina - That's the egg wash. However, I just updated the recipe to be a little more clear on that. Thanks for asking the question, because I'm sure you're not the only one who's wondered that! 🙂 -Kelsey