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Flaky Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Braid

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A flaky, golden Danish braid filled with a luscious cream cheese center and fresh blueberries, perfect for brunch or dessert. This easy homemade pastry combines buttery layers with creamy sweetness and juicy fruit bursts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ice water
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar glaze (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and cut into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Slowly add ice water, stirring gently until dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Prepare the Blueberry Filling: Toss blueberries with lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch to thicken juices and prevent sogginess.
  4. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough into a 14 by 10 inch rectangle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and trim edges if needed.
  5. Add the Filling: Spread cream cheese mixture down the center third of the dough, leaving 1-inch borders. Spoon blueberry mixture evenly over cream cheese.
  6. Create the Braid: Cut 1-inch strips along both long edges of the dough (6-7 strips per side). Fold strips over filling alternately to form a braid. Tuck ends underneath to seal.
  7. Apply Egg Wash: Brush braid generously with egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake braid for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Cool and Glaze: Let braid cool on baking sheet for 15 minutes. Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze if desired.

Notes

Keep butter cold to ensure flaky layers. Avoid overmixing dough to prevent toughness. Use egg wash for a golden crust. Thicken blueberry filling with cornstarch to avoid sogginess. Chill dough if sticky while rolling. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Frozen blueberries work well year-round.

Nutrition

Keywords: blueberry Danish, cream cheese braid, flaky pastry, homemade dessert, brunch recipe, easy pastry, blueberry dessert

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/flaky-blueberry-cream-cheese-danish-braid-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-idea/