Name: Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Tarts with Fresh Berries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 packs Puff pastry (thawed, but still cold); 226 g Cream cheese (full fat, such as Philadelphia); 67 g Granulated sugar; 1 Egg yolk; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 Egg; Splash of milk; Strawberries (washed and cut lengthwise); Raspberries (washed and cut lengthwise); Blueberries (washed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 77 reviews

If you are craving something that feels like a bakery treat yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, the Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Tarts with Fresh Berries Recipe is here to delight you. These charming tarts combine the flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese filling, all topped with juicy, vibrant fresh berries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings both elegance and comfort to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The collage shows four steps of making fruit pastries on a white marbled surface. In the top left, a white bowl holds thick white cream while a whisk lifts some cream high. The top right shows six square pastry dough pieces spaced evenly on white parchment paper on a baking tray. The bottom left shows a woman's hand spooning white cream into one dough square, spreading it to a rectangle shape inside the edges. The bottom right shows a close-up of another dough square with white cream and fresh whole blueberries on top, while another woman's hand uses a pink brush to spread cream under halved raspberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the flaky puff pastry to the creamy cheese and bright berries, everything works together seamlessly.

Puff pastry (2 packs): The golden, flaky base that gives the tarts their irresistible crispiness and light texture.
Cream cheese (226 g, full fat): Provides a rich and smooth filling that contrasts perfectly with the crisp pastry and tart berries.
Granulated sugar (67 g): Adds necessary sweetness that balances the tang of the cream cheese and the tartness of the berries.
Egg yolk (1): Helps to enrich the filling and bind ingredients together for a smooth custard-like texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cream cheese filling with a subtle sweet aroma, elevating the overall flavor.
Egg (1 for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust for a beautiful finish.
Milk (a splash for egg wash): Lightens the egg wash so it spreads easily and bakes to a perfect color.
Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries): The vibrant topping that adds freshness, bursts of flavor, and a pop of color.

How to Make Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Tarts with Fresh Berries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Berries

Start by thawing the puff pastry sheets if they were frozen, but keep them cold for easy handling. Meanwhile, wash your fresh berries thoroughly; cut strawberries and raspberries lengthwise to showcase their juicy interior and make arranging easier on the tart.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Whisk together cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until the mixture is silky and smooth. This creamy filling will be the perfect contrast to the crisp pastry and juicy berries, so take your time to ensure it’s well combined and fluffy.

Step 3: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry

Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and cut it into six rectangles. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a border about half an inch from the edge on all sides of each rectangle. This technique encourages the edges to puff up around the filling, creating that signature Danish look without cutting through the dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Tarts

Spoon about a tablespoon of cream cheese filling inside the unscored center part of each pastry rectangle. Carefully arrange your prepared berries on top, distributing them evenly for that picture-perfect presentation.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Whisk together the egg and a splash of milk to create an egg wash. Brush this gently on the scored edges of each tart—avoid getting it on the cream cheese or berries—to ensure a golden, glossy crust once baked.

Step 6: Bake the Tarts

Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) without the fan and chill the assembled tarts briefly if the pastry feels warm. Arrange half of the tarts on a baking tray and bake for about 40-45 minutes. About 15 minutes in, cover them lightly with foil to prevent over-browning. After baking, let the tarts cool for a few minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Repeat for the Second Batch

While the first batch bakes, keep the second set chilled. Once the first batch is out, bake the remaining tarts using the same method. This ensures all your Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Tarts with Fresh Berries Recipe creations come out perfectly fresh and delicious.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Tarts with Fresh Berries Recipe

The image shows a group of small rectangular pastries arranged on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has three layers: the bottom golden brown puff pastry with flaky, crisp edges; a middle creamy white cheese layer that is smooth and slightly glossy; and a top layer of vibrant fresh berries. Some pastries have red sliced strawberries, others have dark blueberries, and others have deep red raspberries gently pressed into the cheese layer. Scattered blueberries and raspberries fill the spaces between the pastries, adding more bright color accents. The lighting highlights the shiny, baked crust and the fresh juicy fruit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is a classic choice that adds a touch of sweetness and looks stunning against the colorful berries. Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing aroma and a vibrant green contrast, making the tarts even more tempting.

Side Dishes

Pair the tarts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. For a more indulgent spread, consider serving alongside homemade whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the tarts on a rustic wooden board or a fancy cake stand to make your gathering feel special. For parties, individual small plates with a drizzle of berry coulis or a dollop of mascarpone cheese on the side add elegance and a burst of extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Tarts with Fresh Berries Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for 2-3 days, though the puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled tarts by wrapping them tightly and placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through perfectly.

Reheating

Reheat leftover tarts gently in a low oven (around 160°C or 320°F) for 5-10 minutes to revive their flaky texture without making the filling overly warm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and the berries mushy.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese alternatives for the filling?

Yes, you can experiment with lighter cream cheese or mascarpone, but keep in mind full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and taste balance for these tarts.

What types of berries work best for this recipe?

Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are ideal because they hold their shape and offer a lovely tartness that complements the cream cheese. You can also use blackberries or a mixed berry combination for variety.

Is it necessary to score the puff pastry edges? What if I skip it?

Scoring creates a raised border that keeps the filling in place and gives the tart its classic look. Without scoring, the puff pastry may not puff up correctly, and the filling could spill over during baking.

Can I prepare these tarts ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can assemble them the night before, keep them chilled, and bake fresh just before guests arrive for the best taste and presentation.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy under the cream cheese?

Using full-fat cream cheese and chilling the assembled tarts before baking helps. Also, scoring the pastry border allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the warm, flaky layers of puff pastry paired with a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling and the bright burst of fresh berries. This Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Tarts with Fresh Berries Recipe brings all those elements together seamlessly. Whether you’re indulging yourself or impressing friends, these tarts never fail to brighten the day. Go ahead, bake a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!