If you are looking for a luscious treat that effortlessly combines creamy and flaky textures, this Cheese Danish Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a golden, buttery puff pastry lovingly wrapped around a smooth, sweetened cream cheese filling that just melts in your mouth. It’s a dish that brightens any morning or turns a simple coffee break into a special occasion. The balance of tangy lemon and vanilla with the soft richness of cream cheese, all crowned with a delicate glaze, makes this Cheese Danish Recipe a delightful classic that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect Cheese Danish Recipe. From the richness of cream cheese to the delicate flakiness of puff pastry, every component contributes to flavor, texture, and that irresistible homemade appeal.
- Cream cheese (6 ounces, softened): This smooth and creamy base creates the signature filling that’s both tangy and rich.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Just enough to sweeten the filling without overpowering the natural cream cheese flavor.
- Egg yolk (1): Adds richness and helps bind the filling together for that luscious texture.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Provides a bright, fresh zing that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with a warm, aromatic note that elevates the entire Danish.
- Puff pastry (1 batch or box, thawed): The flaky, buttery canvas that embraces the delicious filling and bakes up golden and tender.
- Egg white (lightly beaten): Used to brush over the pastry edges for a beautiful, golden finish.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The key to the ultra-smooth glaze that adds sweetness and a glossy sheen.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon for glaze): A small touch to make the glaze sing with flavor.
How to Make Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by setting up your workspace for success. Position two oven racks toward the center so the pastries bake evenly. Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F, then line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your danishes don’t stick and bake beautifully crisp underneath.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract at medium-low speed. The goal here is a smooth, creamy filling with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of bright citrus that cuts through the richness.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry to a 16×8-inch rectangle. Cut it in half lengthwise, then into quarters crosswise, creating 8 perfect 4-inch squares. If you’re using store-bought pastry, just lightly roll it out to soften creases before cutting. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg white—it acts like glue for the folds and adds a beautiful golden color.
Step 4: Fold and Fill the Pastry
Bring each corner of the pastry square in about 1 inch toward the center and press gently to seal. This creates the signature shape that cradles the filling perfectly. Then spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each center, ensuring a generous but not overwhelming filling.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the filled pastries 2 inches apart on your baking sheets to allow for puffing, then brush any exposed pastry with egg white. Bake initially for 15 minutes, rotate the pans for even color, and bake for another 15 minutes until the pastry is golden and beautifully puffed. Let them cool on the baking sheet to keep their structure.
Step 6: Glaze the Danishes
While the danishes cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Drizzle this over the warm pastries for an irresistible sweet finish that adds shine and a hint of extra vanilla flavor.
How to Serve Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheese Danish Recipe further, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few fresh berries on top. A light zest of lemon peel scattered over the glaze can add a fresh flourish that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This Danish pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte for breakfast. For a brunch spread, adding fresh fruit salad or yogurt with honey complements this rich pastry beautifully, balancing indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cheese Danish on elegant plates with edible flowers for a brunch centerpiece that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Another fun idea is to create mini versions for a party platter so everyone can enjoy a personalized treat with a side of fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheese Danish Recipe treats keep well covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to maintain their flaky texture and prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Cheese Danishes by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Stored properly, they last for up to two months, making your next cozy breakfast just a thaw away.
Reheating
To reheat, allow the danish to thaw at room temperature, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 10 minutes until the pastry regains its crispness and the filling is warm, reviving that fresh-baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese from the refrigerator straight away?
For the best smooth filling, always use cream cheese softened to room temperature. This ensures it blends easily with the sugar and eggs, delivering a creamy, lump-free texture in your Cheese Danish Recipe.
Is puff pastry the only pastry option for this Danish?
Puff pastry is ideal because of its light, flaky layers, but if you prefer a tender, buttery texture, you could experiment with croissant dough. Just know the overall texture will be a bit different, though still delicious.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just give it a gentle stir before filling the pastry to keep it smooth and easy to spread.
Why is the lemon juice important in the filling?
Lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese, preventing the filling from tasting too heavy or cloying.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Brushing the pastry edges with egg white helps seal the dough and the baking process at 375°F ensures a crisp, flaky exterior. Cooling on the baking sheet also helps maintain structure before glazing.
Final Thoughts
If you are craving a pastry that combines timeless flavors, luscious textures, and simple ingredients, you really can’t go wrong with this Cheese Danish Recipe. It’s a recipe that feels special yet comes together effortlessly, inviting you to enjoy a sweet little moment of homemade delight any time you wish. Trust me, once you try this, your mornings will never be the same!
Print
Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
Description
This delightful Cheese Danish recipe features a creamy cream cheese filling encased in flaky, golden puff pastry. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, this classic Austrian breakfast pastry offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s an indulgent yet quick treat ideal for mornings or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Danish
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened (170g)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 batch puff pastry or 1 box, thawed
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Position two oven racks toward the center of your oven and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the pastries don’t stick during baking.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract on medium-low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy texture for the filling.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out homemade puff pastry into a 16×8-inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise in half, then crosswise into quarters to create eight 4-inch squares. If using store-bought puff pastry, lightly roll each sheet to flatten creases and cut into eight 4-inch squares. Brush the edges of each square lightly with beaten egg white.
- Assemble the Danish pastries: Fold each corner approximately 1 inch toward the center of the square and gently press to adhere the edges. Place the assembled pastries about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Brush any exposed pastry surfaces with the egg white for a glossy finish.
- Add the filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, making sure not to overfill to keep the shape intact during baking.
- Bake the pastries: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, rotate the pans to ensure even baking and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool the Danish: Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets while you prepare the glaze.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries. Serve immediately or allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before enjoying.
Notes
- You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but homemade puff pastry will yield flakier results.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Brushing the pastry with egg white before baking gives a beautiful glossy finish.
- Let the Danish cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too much.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
