These Easy Wild Blueberry Coffee Cake Danishes are a treat you’ll want for breakfast! Flaky pastry wraps around sweet, juicy blueberries, making each bite delightful and satisfying.
Whenever I make these, my kitchen smells amazing, and I can’t resist having one with my coffee. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself—just don’t tell anyone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy texture to the dough. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. They’ll change the flavor slightly but can still work well.
Wild Blueberries: Wild blueberries pack an intense flavor! If you can’t find them, cultivated blueberries are a good substitute. Fresh is best, but frozen blueberries work just fine, too—just don’t thaw them completely before using.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, vegan butter works great here. You might even try coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor!
Sugars: For sweetness, you can mix and match. If you want to cut sugar, try using a sugar substitute like Stevia, or even honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind that the texture may change slightly.
How Do I Achieve Flaky Dough for My Danishes?
The secret to a flaky dough lies in how you handle the ingredients. When mixing the cream cheese and butter, ensure they’re softened but not melted. This keeps air pockets which will puff up during baking.
- Mix gently until smooth—overmixing can lead to a tough dough.
- Chill the dough briefly after rolling it out; this helps the butter firm up before baking.
- If your dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour while rolling it out.
Following these tips will give you that desirable flaky texture in your danishes that everyone will love!
Easy Wild Blueberry Coffee Cake Danishes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the dough:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the streusel topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 18-22 minutes for baking. You can expect a total of about 40 minutes from start to enjoying your warm danishes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so the danishes don’t stick.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. You want a soft dough, so don’t overwork it!
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep it even!
5. Cut the Dough Circles:
Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out 4 to 6 circles (about 4 to 5 inches in diameter) from the rolled dough. Place them on the lined baking sheet.
6. Prepare the Blueberry Filling:
In a small bowl, gently mix the wild blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch together. This will ensure your filling is sweet and thick!
7. Fill the Danishes:
Spoon a hearty amount of the blueberry filling into the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
8. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles crumbs.
9. Add the Streusel:
Sprinkle the streusel mixture around the edge of each danish, leaving the blueberry center uncovered.
10. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling.
11. Prepare the Glaze:
While the danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the milk to get your desired glaze consistency.
12. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over each danish just before serving.
13. Enjoy:
Serve your danishes warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect breakfast treat or a sweet snack at any time!
These danishes are sure to become a favorite, combining the flaky texture of coffee cake with a luscious wild blueberry filling, all topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Wild Blueberry Coffee Cake Danishes
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work great. Just make sure to add them directly to the filling without thawing them first to prevent excess moisture in your danishes.
How Can I Make These Danishes Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and the filling in advance. Store the dough wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze it for longer storage. When you’re ready to bake, just roll it out, fill, and bake straight from the fridge or thawed dough.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly but will still yield delicious results!
