Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Cream Cheese Danish! This delightful pastry is a favorite among many, and for good reason. It’s flaky, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a batch of delicious Cream Cheese Danish in no time.

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Danish

There are so many reasons to love this Cream Cheese Danish recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of flaky pastry and creamy cheese filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’ve never worked with pastry before.

But that’s not all. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a fruit topping, swap out the cream cheese for a different type of cheese, or make it gluten-free, the options are endless.

And let’s not forget about the presentation. These pastries look as good as they taste, making them the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Danish

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cream Cheese Danish:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Cream Cheese Danish recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Fruit-Topped Cream Cheese Danish: Add a spoonful of your favorite jam or preserves on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish: Mix in a few chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey twist.
Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Danish: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free.
Savory Cream Cheese Danish: Swap out the sugar for herbs and spices to make a savory version of this pastry.

How to Make Cream Cheese Danish

Making Cream Cheese Danish is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Assemble the Danishes: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the mixture over the tops of the danishes.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
Serve: Let the danishes cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Cream Cheese Danish even better:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pastries with the cream cheese mixture, as it can leak out during baking.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the cream cheese filling and adjust the sugar to your liking.
Freeze Leftovers: These pastries freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Here are some serving suggestions:

Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
Toppings: Don’t forget the toppings! A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of jam, or a spoonful of fresh fruit can take these pastries to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cream Cheese Danish is perfect for making ahead and storing. Here’s how:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the danishes up to a day in advance. Just assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed in the morning.
Store: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To freeze, let the danishes cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can swap out the cream cheese for ricotta, mascarpone, or even a flavored cream cheese.

Can I make these danishes gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How can I make these danishes less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling or omit it altogether for a less sweet pastry.

Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, you can mix in fresh or dried fruit to the cream cheese filling for added flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover danishes?

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze these danishes?

Yes, these danishes freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Cream Cheese Danish. This delightful pastry is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast treat or a show-stopping brunch dish, this recipe has you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy baking!