Blueberry cream cheese pastry: just the name conjures up images of flaky, golden crusts and a burst of sweet, tangy filling, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you because it’s one of those treats that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Forget those store-bought pastries that are often dry and lacking in flavor; this homemade version is in a league of its own.
While the exact origins of cream cheese pastries are a bit hazy, the combination of creamy cheese and fruit fillings has been a beloved pairing for centuries. Think of the classic cheesecake, a dessert with roots stretching back to ancient Greece! This blueberry cream cheese pastry builds upon that tradition, offering a delightful twist with the addition of juicy blueberries.
What makes this pastry so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The flaky, buttery crust gives way to a smooth, rich cream cheese filling, punctuated by the bright, slightly tart blueberries. It’s a symphony in your mouth! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm from the oven for breakfast, as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea, or even as a sophisticated dessert. Get ready to experience the joy of baking with this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Blueberry Topping:
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Optional:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Preparing the Pastry Dough
Okay, let’s start with the pastry dough. This is the foundation of our delicious blueberry cream cheese pastries, so we want to get it just right. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is important for flavor.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the butter cold!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some small pieces of butter – these are what create those flaky layers we all love. The key here is to keep the butter cold. If it gets too warm, it will melt and the pastry won’t be as flaky.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in a tough pastry. You want a tender, flaky crust, so mix only until the dough forms a shaggy mass.
- Form and Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial! It allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out, and it also allows the butter to firm up, which contributes to flakiness. You can even chill the dough overnight if that’s more convenient for you.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
While the dough is chilling, let’s whip up the cream cheese filling. This adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the blueberries and flaky pastry.
- Cream Together: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your filling.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness that really enhances the flavor of the filling.
- Set Aside: Cover the bowl and set aside until ready to use.
Preparing the Blueberry Topping
Now for the star of the show: the blueberry topping! This is where all that juicy, fruity goodness comes in.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help thicken the blueberry mixture as it cooks.
- Add Water and Lemon Juice: Stir in the water and lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens the flavor and helps to balance the sweetness.
- Cook the Topping: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the blueberries have burst and the mixture has thickened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and let the blueberry topping cool slightly before using. This will prevent it from melting the cream cheese filling when you assemble the pastries.
Assembling and Baking the Pastries
Alright, the dough is chilled, the filling is made, and the blueberry topping is ready. Now comes the fun part: assembling and baking our beautiful pastries!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pastries from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible so the pastries bake uniformly.
- Cut into Squares: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rectangle into equal-sized squares. You can make them any size you like, but I usually aim for about 3-inch squares.
- Add Filling: Place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Don’t overfill them, or the filling will spill out during baking.
- Top with Blueberries: Spoon some of the blueberry topping over the cream cheese filling. Again, be careful not to overfill.
- Fold and Seal: Fold one corner of each square over to the opposite corner to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are well sealed.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining dough, cream cheese filling, and blueberry topping.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the filling is set. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool: Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Once the pastries are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar, if desired. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look even more appealing.
Tips for Success:
- Keep the Butter Cold: This is the most important tip for making flaky pastry. Use cold butter and ice water, and work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in a tough pastry. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, which contributes to flakiness.
- Don’t Overfill the Pastries: Overfilling the pastries will cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Press the edges of the pastries firmly to seal, or use a fork to crimp them. This will prevent the filling from leaking out.
Conclusion:
And there you have it! This blueberry cream cheese pastry recipe is truly a must-try for anyone who loves a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors all wrapped up in a flaky, golden crust. I know I’m biased, but seriously, the first time I made these, they disappeared within minutes! The vibrant burst of blueberries against the rich cream cheese filling is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it perfect for both a quick weekday treat and a show-stopping weekend brunch.
Why is this recipe a winner? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. For instance, if you’re looking for a lighter option, try using a reduced-fat cream cheese. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the blueberries for other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of all three! A sprinkle of lemon zest in the cream cheese filling adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the berries beautifully.
Serving suggestions are endless! These pastries are fantastic warm, straight from the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, or you could drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For a truly decadent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. Imagine enjoying one of these warm pastries on a crisp autumn morning – pure bliss!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Consider these variations to truly make this recipe your own. Instead of individual pastries, you could create one large pastry, perfect for sharing. Simply roll out the puff pastry into a larger rectangle, spread the cream cheese filling, top with blueberries, and bake until golden brown. You could also add a streusel topping for extra crunch and sweetness. A simple mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, sprinkled over the top before baking, will take these pastries to the next level.
Another fun idea is to use different shapes for your pastries. Instead of squares or rectangles, try cutting them into triangles or circles. You could even use cookie cutters to create fun and festive shapes for holidays or special occasions. Get creative and let your imagination run wild!
I truly believe that this blueberry cream cheese pastry recipe is a winner, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to make that anyone can do it. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious pastries.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy baking, and enjoy! Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Pastry: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Flaky, homemade pastries filled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and topped with a sweet and juicy blueberry compote. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- Cover the bowl and set aside until ready to use.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.
- Stir in the water and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the blueberries have burst and the mixture has thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let the blueberry topping cool slightly before using.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the rectangle into equal-sized squares (about 3-inch squares).
- Place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each square.
- Spoon some of the blueberry topping over the cream cheese filling.
- Fold one corner of each square over to the opposite corner to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Repeat steps with the remaining dough, cream cheese filling, and blueberry topping.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the pastries are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Keep the Butter Cold: This is the most important tip for making flaky pastry. Use cold butter and ice water, and work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in a tough pastry. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, which contributes to flakiness.
- Don’t Overfill the Pastries: Overfilling the pastries will cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Press the edges of the pastries firmly to seal, or use a fork to crimp them. This will prevent the filling from leaking out.
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