Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheese Danish combines the rich, tender layers of puff pastry with a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling that’s sweetened just right. It’s easy to assemble using store-bought puff pastry, making it accessible for home bakers who want to enjoy bakery-quality pastries without the hassle.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Puff pastry sheets (thawed)
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Cream cheese (softened)
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Granulated sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Egg (for egg wash)
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Powdered sugar (for glaze)
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Milk or cream (for glaze)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Unfold puff pastry sheets and cut into squares or rectangles.
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Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
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Fold corners toward the center or fold the pastry over the filling to create your desired shape, sealing edges gently.
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Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
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While cooling, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream to create a glaze. Drizzle over the warm danishes before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
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Add fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries to the cream cheese filling.
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Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.
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Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a warm spice note.
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Use apricot jam or preserves as an additional layer beneath the cream cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Store Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven (350°F/175°C) for a few minutes to refresh the pastry’s crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the puff pastry from scratch?
Yes, but store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and time-saving option.
Can I freeze Cheese Danishes?
Freeze before baking, wrapped tightly, for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
Can I use refrigerated crescent roll dough instead?
Yes, but the texture will be less flaky compared to puff pastry.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Don’t overfill and ensure edges are sealed properly before baking.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or almonds add a nice crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a sweet and creamy treat loved by all ages.
How do I make a glaze?
Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or cream until smooth and drizzle over cooled pastries.
Can I use dairy-free cream cheese?
Yes, dairy-free alternatives work but may affect texture slightly.
How long do Cheese Danishes last?
Best eaten fresh but keep for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Conclusion
Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines flaky, buttery layers with a creamy, sweet filling. Easy to make with store-bought puff pastry, it’s a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Whether for a special occasion or everyday indulgence, these danishes bring a taste of the bakery to your home kitchen.
Cheese Danish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese Danish is a classic, flaky pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. This indulgent treat offers buttery puff pastry layers combined with a luscious, tangy cream cheese center. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s easy to make using store-bought puff pastry for bakery-quality results at home.
Ingredients
-
Puff pastry sheets (thawed)
-
Cream cheese (softened)
-
Granulated sugar
-
Vanilla extract
-
Egg (for egg wash)
-
Powdered sugar (for glaze)
- Milk or cream (for glaze)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
-
Unfold puff pastry sheets and cut into squares or rectangles.
-
Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
-
Fold corners toward the center or fold pastry over the filling to your preferred shape, sealing edges gently.
-
Brush pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- While cooling, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream to make a glaze. Drizzle over warm danishes before serving.
Notes
Add fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries to the filling.Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer flavor.Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for warmth.Use apricot jam beneath the cream cheese for added sweetness.
