This Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is a quick and easy dessert with a perfect balance of sweet cream cheese and fresh blueberry filling, all encased in flaky puff pastry. It’s the ideal treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, whether served as a dessert, a snack, or even a breakfast paired with coffee. Baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these pastries are a crowd-pleaser that will be devoured in no time!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Filling:
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18 oz fresh blueberries
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¼ cup sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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Zest from 1 lemon
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 egg yolk
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⅓ cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Pastry and Topping:
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2 sheets puff pastry
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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1 tablespoon water
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¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the blueberries burst and the filling thickens. Let it cool.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Add the egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice, and beat until well combined.
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Assemble the Pastries: Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the pastry sheet, followed by half of the cooled blueberry mixture. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, then cut the pastry into diagonal strips.
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Roll the Pastries: Roll each strip like a crescent, then brush with egg wash (whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water).
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Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Finish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar once baked and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrients (per pastry, approximately 10 servings)
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Calories: 473 kcal
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Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 52g
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Sugar: 26g
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Protein: 6g
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Sodium: 203mg
Why Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Is So Special
What makes Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry so special is the contrast of textures and the burst of flavor in every bite. The puff pastry forms a delicate, crispy shell, while the cream cheese filling is rich and creamy, with a hint of lemon to balance the sweetness. The blueberry filling, with its vibrant color and tangy-sweet taste, is a refreshing addition that elevates the dessert.
The combination of cream cheese and fresh blueberries is a classic pairing that works perfectly in this dessert, offering a fresh yet indulgent treat. The addition of lemon zest and juice brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that makes each bite irresistible.
Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe
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Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide a burst of fruity sweetness and color to the pastry. They are the star ingredient of the filling, and as they cook, they release their juices, thickening into a luscious compote-like consistency.
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Sugar and Brown Sugar: These sugars help sweeten the blueberry filling while adding depth and richness. The brown sugar also imparts a subtle caramel flavor, complementing the fresh fruit.
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Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: The lemon zest and juice brighten up the blueberry filling and cream cheese mixture, cutting through the sweetness and adding a refreshing, zesty contrast to the richness.
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Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the blueberry filling, ensuring that it has a smooth, spreadable consistency that won’t run out of the pastry during baking.
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Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the base of the creamy filling, providing a rich, smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet blueberries.
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Egg Yolk: The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the cream cheese filling, giving it a silky texture that contrasts beautifully with the flaky pastry.
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Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the sweetness of the cream cheese filling, adding a subtle depth of flavor that complements the blueberries.
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Puff Pastry: The puff pastry creates the perfect flaky shell for the fillings. It crisps up beautifully in the oven, providing a golden, buttery texture that’s the perfect vessel for the creamy, fruity filling.
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Egg Wash: The egg wash is brushed on the pastry before baking to give it a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
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Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar after baking adds a touch of sweetness and makes the pastry look even more inviting.
How to Make the Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry
Making Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is easy and comes together quickly. Here’s how to make these delicious pastries:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
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Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the blueberries begin to burst and the filling thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and beat until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
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Assemble the Pastries: Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the pastry sheet, followed by half of the cooled blueberry filling. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, then cut the pastry into diagonal strips.
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Roll the Pastries: Roll each strip like a crescent, creating a spiral shape. This will ensure the filling is evenly distributed throughout the pastry. Once rolled, brush each twist with the egg wash (whisk together 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water) to give the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
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Bake the Pastries: Bake the pastries for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.
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Finish and Serve: Once the pastries are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry
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Use Fresh Blueberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh blueberries. Frozen blueberries can release too much liquid, which may affect the filling’s consistency.
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Allow the Blueberry Filling to Cool: Make sure the blueberry filling cools before assembling the pastries. This prevents the puff pastry from becoming soggy and ensures a better texture in the finished product.
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Brush with Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash! It’s what gives these pastries that beautiful golden, crispy exterior and a lovely shine.
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Serve Immediately or Store Properly: These pastries are best served fresh and slightly warm. If you need to store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions for Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry
These pastries are versatile and can be served in many different ways:
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For Breakfast: Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat.
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As a Snack: They make an excellent afternoon snack, perfect for pairing with a hot beverage or simply enjoyed on their own.
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For Dessert: Serve them as a light dessert after a meal, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
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For Brunch: Add them to your brunch spread for a sweet option that everyone will love. They pair perfectly with fresh fruit and other pastries.
Nutritional Information for Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry
Each pastry contains approximately 473 calories, with 28 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat. The pastries have 52 grams of carbohydrates, 26 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of protein. While these pastries are a bit indulgent, they’re perfect for a special treat or occasion. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a lower-fat cream cheese alternative.
Conclusion
Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of blueberries, the richness of cream cheese, and the crispiness of puff pastry. With its balance of flavors and textures, it’s the perfect dessert, snack, or breakfast option that will please anyone who loves sweet, buttery pastries. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these pastries are sure to be a hit at any occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible, easy-to-make pastry!