This Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is a tasty treat, featuring sweet blueberries wrapped in flaky pastry and creamy cheese. It’s a perfect snack for any time of day!
Whenever I make these, the kitchen smells amazing! Plus, they are super easy to whip up. They vanish so fast that I always wish I had made more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your dessert, giving it a light and flaky texture. If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-made puff pastry from the store, which is a real lifesaver. You could also try phyllo dough, although it’s thinner and will have a different texture.
Cream Cheese: For the filling, make sure to use softened cream cheese—this combines smoothly with the other ingredients. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using Neufchâtel cheese instead. It’s lower in fat but still creamy!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but if they’re not in season, frozen ones work too. Just remember to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. You might also use raspberries or chopped strawberries as interesting swaps!
Powdered Sugar: This is used to sweeten the cream cheese filling and for dusting. If you want to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute, but it might affect the texture slightly.
How Do I Cut Puff Pastry for Filling?
Cutting puff pastry is a key part of creating those beautiful shapes. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to your desired thickness, about 1/8-inch is perfect.
- When cutting your squares, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges.
- Make diagonal cuts from each corner to the center, but stop short of cutting all the way across. This creates the flaps to fold!
- Remember, the flaps should fold over without covering the filling completely—this gives the pastry that pretty braided look.
Practice makes perfect with pastry folding, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time. Just have fun with it!
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 25 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking time. So, you can have these warm, tasty pastries ready in just about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh blueberries. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to crush the blueberries too much. You want to keep those lovely bursts of berry!
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Now, cut the pastry into 6 equal squares. Each square will become one delicious pastry!
4. Cut Flaps for Braiding:
Take each square and make diagonal cuts from each corner towards the center, creating flaps. Make sure to leave a small space in the center where you’ll put the filling.
5. Fill the Pastries:
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the blueberry cream cheese mixture right into the center of each prepared pastry square. Don’t be shy with that filling!
6. Fold and Create the Braided Design:
Now it’s time to fold! Take the flaps and fold them over the filling, alternating sides to create a pretty braided look. Just fold one flap over, then the next—simple and beautiful!
7. Make the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make your egg wash. This will give the pastry a lovely golden color when baked. Use a brush to gently coat each pastry with the egg wash.
8. Bake the Pastries:
Pop the pastries into your preheated oven and bake them for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be puffed up and golden brown—so delicious!
9. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly. For the finishing touch, dust them with some additional powdered sugar before serving!
Enjoy your delightful Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry! They make a perfect treat for any occasion or just a sweet snack at home.
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to avoid excess moisture in your filling. Just pat them dry with a paper towel to help prevent sogginess in the pastry.
How to Store Leftover Pastries?
Store any leftover puff pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but they may be softer.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese and blueberry filling a day in advance! Just keep it covered in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, give it a quick stir before filling the pastries to ensure even distribution.
What Can I Use Instead of Powdered Sugar for Dusting?
If you prefer, you can use granulated sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture for dusting your pastries. Just keep in mind that granulated sugar won’t have the same fine look as powdered sugar, but it will still add a sweet touch!
