Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

I make this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish when I’m craving something flaky, creamy, and rich—with buttery puff pastry layered around a tangy cream cheese center and finished with a silky chocolate topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s ridiculously easy and yet feels indulgent. Using frozen puff pastry gives light, flaky layers without rolling dough from scratch. The cream cheese filling is smooth and slightly tangy, contrasting brilliantly with the sweet chocolate ganache as it cools into a frosting‑like topping.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen puff pastry sheets

• Cream cheese (full‑fat, room temperature)

• Granulated white sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Large egg (for egg wash)

• Water (for egg wash)

• Semi‑sweet or dark chocolate chips

• Heavy cream

directions

1. I let the puff pastry thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes until manageable and still cold.

2. While it thaws, I warm the heavy cream and pour it over chocolate chips, letting it sit briefly before stirring into a smooth ganache. I let it rest at room temperature for about 2 hours until it thickens to a spreadable, frosting‑like consistency.

3. I beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.

4. I preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. I cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 rectangles (for a total of 12). I score a smaller rectangle inside each, leaving a border that will puff around the filling.

6. I blend an egg with water to make egg wash and brush it around the border of each pastry piece.

7. I spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each inner rectangle, smoothing it down.

8. I chill one sheet briefly in the freezer to firm up before baking, then bake the first tray for 17–20 minutes until golden and puffed—then bake the second sheet the same way.

9. Once the danishes cool completely, I spread the thickened ganache over the cream cheese layer, leaving a border of pastry visible around the edges.

Servings and timing

• Makes: 12 danishes

• Prep time: ~45 minutes (including thawing and ganache chilling)

• Bake time: ~17–20 minutes per sheet, about 2 sheets total

• Cooling time: ~2 hours (for ganache and pastry)

• Total time: ~3 hours 3 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes skip the chocolate topping and keep them as classic cream cheese danishes if I want something lighter. They’re still delicious without it.

• I’ve added chocolate curls or sprinkles on top of the ganache before it sets for decoration.

• I may fill them with fruit jam or chopped berries mixed into the cream cheese for a fruity spin.

storage/reheating

I store cooled danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They hold up well and stay flaky and moist—no need to refrigerate unless the room is hot.

FAQs

What if the cream cheese filling sinks when cooling?

That’s normal—I’ve noticed the filling often pulls back slightly as it cools. It doesn’t affect the flavor and the chocolate topping helps smooth it out.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—I find they taste great the next day. I usually bake them ahead and only add the ganache when I’m ready to serve or gift them.

Do I really need the chocolate ganache topping?

No—the danishes taste wonderful just with the cream cheese filling on top. But the ganache adds a chocolatey richness that makes them feel extra special.

Can I substitute puff pastry with crescent roll dough or pie dough?

I haven’t tried with pie dough, but I suspect crescent roll dough may not give the same flaky layering. Puff pastry is best here for that pastry lift and texture.

Can I freeze leftover danishes?

I don’t recommend freezing after the ganache is set—it can affect texture. I’ve frozen plain baked pastry (without chocolate) and it reheats well before topping.

Conclusion

I love making this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish when I want something elegant, flaky, and satisfying but still easy enough for casual baking. In just a few ingredients—puff pastry, cream cheese, and chocolate—I get bakery‑style treats that feel decadent yet doable. Perfect for brunch, gifts, or an indulgent snack that always impresses.

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