Indulge in a delicious bakery-style treat with this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish. With flaky puff pastry, a smooth cream cheese filling, and decadent chocolate ganache, these pastries offer the perfect balance of rich, creamy sweetness and crisp, buttery texture. Whether you’re preparing for a special brunch, an afternoon treat, or a sweet indulgence, this easy-to-make Danish will surely impress.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish – A Perfectly Indulgent Pastry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish combines two classic flavors—cream cheese and chocolate—wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. The contrast between the crispy pastry and the rich, creamy filling creates an irresistible texture, while the chocolate ganache elevates the flavor, giving each bite a luscious, decadent finish. The best part is that this recipe is surprisingly simple and requires no special pastry-making skills. It’s perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to something extraordinary without the hassle of complicated techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Danish:

2 frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed)
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
1/3 cup white granulated sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tsp water (for egg wash)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy cream

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

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Foundation:

Thaw your frozen puff pastry sheets according to package directions, usually 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once thawed, unfold the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and roll them out slightly to smooth any creases.

2. Create the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
Beat the mixture using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. The cream cheese must be at room temperature for the best consistency.

3. Assemble the Danish:

Cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 equal squares, yielding a total of 12 pieces.
Place a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
Fold two opposite corners of each square towards the center, overlapping them slightly over the filling. Gently press to seal the edges, but don’t worry if they don’t stay perfectly closed— the pastry will hold its shape during baking.

4. Apply the Egg Wash:

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash.
Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the exposed pastry surfaces with the egg wash. This will give the Danish a golden-brown, glossy finish when baked.

5. Bake to Perfection:

Arrange the assembled Danish on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each piece.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up beautifully. The cream cheese filling should be set but still slightly soft.

6. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

While the Danish are baking, prepare the ganache. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer—don’t let it boil.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

7. Final Assembly:

After the Danish have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the warm chocolate ganache over each pastry using a spoon or squeeze bottle. Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips

Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure the cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid lumps. If you’re in a hurry, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Handling Puff Pastry: Be gentle with the puff pastry. If it becomes too soft while working, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
Chocolate Ganache: If your ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it cool for a few minutes to thicken naturally.
Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash! It’s what gives your Danish a beautiful golden-brown color and glossy finish.

Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 12 Danish
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To refresh day-old Danish, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to restore the pastry’s crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Danish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Danish up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble them and store them in the fridge, then add the egg wash just before baking. The ganache can be made 3 days ahead of time and gently rewarmed before drizzling.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. If using milk, the ganache will be thinner, so adjust the consistency by adding a bit more chocolate or using less liquid.

Can I freeze the unbaked Danish?

Yes, assemble the Danish without the egg wash and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, bake them directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when the Danish are done?

The pastry should be golden brown and puffed up, and the cream cheese filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the pastry is browning too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish recipe proves that bakery-quality pastries can be made at home without any complicated techniques. With its combination of flaky puff pastry, smooth cream cheese filling, and decadent chocolate ganache, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, treating yourself to a special dessert, or impressing your friends, these Danishes will deliver a delicious and elegant experience every time.