Sourdough Discard Raspberry Cream Cheese Danishes (Printable Version)
Flaky pastries with creamy cheese and sweet raspberry filling
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
→ Cream Cheese Filling
07 - 6 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
→ Raspberry Filling
11 - 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
12 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
13 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch
14 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
→ Glaze
15 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
16 - 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
17 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Cut cold butter into flour in a large bowl until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in sourdough discard, sugar, and salt until soft dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
02 - Beat cream cheese in medium bowl until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice; mix until creamy and fully combined. Set aside.
03 - Combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened for 3–5 minutes. Let cool.
04 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 8 rectangles or circles. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Create indentation in center of each piece with fingers or spoon back. Spoon about 1 tablespoon cream cheese filling into each center, then top with raspberry filling.
05 - Let assembled pastries rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to puff slightly. Brush edges lightly with beaten egg. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and set. Cool on rack.
06 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled danishes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tangy sourdough depth balances perfectly with sweet cream cheese
- Those discarded portions finally get their moment to shine
- Fresh raspberries burst through every buttery layer
02 -
- The dough must stay cold until it hits the oven, or those butter layers will disappear
- Overfilling seems tempting but the raspberry filling will bubble over and make a mess
03 -
- Freeze the prepared unbaked danishes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to three weeks
- Brush the edge with egg wash carefully, avoiding the fruit filling or it will not brown properly