Easy Cheese Danish

This Easy Cheese Danish recipe brings the delightful combination of flaky puff pastry and creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling straight to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these homemade danishes are customizable with fruit, nuts, or a sweet glaze, offering a bakery-style treat without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is simple yet incredibly delicious.

• Flaky and Buttery: The puff pastry creates a crisp, golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy filling.

• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of glaze to make it your own.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these danishes are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon water

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh berries

• Honey drizzle

• Sliced almonds

• Melted chocolate

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   Roll out the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 4-6 squares or circles, depending on your preference.

4. Score the Edges:
   Use a knife to lightly score a border around each pastry square, leaving a ½-inch edge. This will help the edges puff up beautifully during baking.

5. Add the Filling:
   Spoon the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, making sure not to overfill.

6. Brush with Egg Wash:
   Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the egg wash over the exposed edges of the puff pastry to achieve a golden finish.

7. Bake:
   Bake the pastries for 15-18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.

8. Prepare the Glaze:
   While the danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk amount for your desired glaze consistency.

9. Glaze and Serve:
   Once the danishes are cool enough to handle, drizzle the glaze over the top. Add any optional toppings, such as fresh berries, honey drizzle, sliced almonds, or melted chocolate.

10. Enjoy:
    Serve your danishes warm and enjoy the flaky, creamy goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 danishes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Preserves: Add a dollop of fruit preserves (like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry) on top of the cream cheese filling before baking for an extra fruity twist.

• Chocolate: Fold in some chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the danishes after glazing for a chocolatey indulgence.

• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, over the cream cheese filling for a bit of crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: You can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days, though the pastry may lose some of its crispiness.

• Reheat: To reheat, place the danishes in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly fine. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before using it in the recipe.

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these danishes ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat them before serving for a fresh taste.

Can I use a different filling besides cream cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese filling with pastry cream, custard, or even a fruit filling like cherry or apple for a different twist.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?

Be sure not to overfill the pastries, and be gentle when brushing the edges with the egg wash. This will help keep the filling inside the pastry during baking.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature or warm it up slightly before drizzling.

Conclusion

These Easy Cheese Danishes are the perfect combination of flaky pastry and rich, creamy filling. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. Whether you keep them simple or add your favorite toppings, they’re sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy these warm, buttery danishes with your favorite drink for a delightful treat!

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