Wild Blueberry Coffee Cake Danishes

Imagine the best parts of a buttery Danish and a comforting coffee cake combined into one perfect pastry. These Wild Blueberry Coffee Cake Danishes feature flaky, golden pastry filled with tangy cream cheese and sweet, jammy wild blueberries, all finished with a crunchy cinnamon-streusel topping.

They are the perfect treat for a cozy autumn morning, a special brunch, or an afternoon snack alongside a hot cup of coffee. This recipe uses simple ingredients and clever shortcuts, like store-bought puff pastry, to deliver a bakery-quality result with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

• Bakery Taste, Home Effort: Achieves that professional bakery look and taste with a surprisingly simple and quick method.
• Incredibly Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Swap the blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or chopped apples to suit your taste or the season.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need expensive items to create an impressive treat.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe is easy to scale up, making it ideal for sharing with family, friends, or coworkers.

Ingredients You Will Need

(Note: Full measurements are typically found on a complete recipe card.)

• Puff Pastry: A sheet of all-butter, store-bought puff pastry is the key to a quick and flaky base.
• Wild Blueberries: Fresh or frozen. Their small size and intense, sweet-tart flavour are perfect for pastries.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it provides a rich, tangy, and creamy filling.
• Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese filling and create the crumble topping.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice gives the danishes their signature “coffee cake” flavour.
• Butter: Cold, cubed butter is used to create the crisp, crumbly streusel topping.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth and a comforting aroma to the cream cheese filling.
• Egg: For an egg wash that gives the pastries a beautiful golden sheen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 375∘F (190∘C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut the Pastry On a lightly floured surface, unroll the sheet of puff pastry. Cut it into 6-8 equal squares (approximately 4×4 inches).

3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, a portion of the sugar, and the vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Danishes Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Top the cream cheese with a generous spoonful of wild blueberries, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Fold the Pastry Gently fold two opposite corners of each square into the center, overlapping them slightly over the filling. Press down gently to seal.

6. Prepare the Crumble Topping In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining sugar, the cinnamon, and the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until a sandy, crumbly mixture forms.

7. Add Topping and Egg Wash Sprinkle the crumble topping over the exposed filling of each danish. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the exposed pastry edges of each danish with the egg wash.

8. Bake to Golden Perfection Place the prepared danishes on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown, and the blueberry filling is bubbly.

9. Cool and Serve Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Serving Suggestions and Pro Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the danishes completely (without the egg wash), cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, brush with egg wash and bake as directed for a fresh, effortless breakfast.
• Freezer-Friendly: These danishes freeze wonderfully. Assemble them and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea. For an indulgent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference if I use regular blueberries? Regular blueberries are larger and have a higher water content, but they will still be delicious. Wild blueberries offer a more concentrated flavour and hold their shape better when baked.

2. Can I use a different dough? While puff pastry provides the classic flaky texture, croissant dough would also work well.

3. How can I make these lighter? For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel or a reduced-fat cream cheese in the filling.

4. Can I make these with other fruits? Absolutely. This recipe is wonderful with raspberries, blackberries, chopped strawberries, or even a spiced apple or pear filling.

5. How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy? Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Using a parchment-lined baking sheet also helps conduct heat evenly, resulting in a crispier bottom.

Conclusion

These Wild Blueberry Coffee Cake Danishes are a delightful homemade indulgence that perfectly blends simplicity and elegance. With their buttery, flaky layers, creamy filling, and sweet-tart fruit, they offer a comforting and delicious experience in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to pastry, this straightforward recipe provides a rewarding way to create a truly special treat for any occasion. Enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen and the even better taste of a fresh, warm danish.

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