Cheese Danish Recipe

If you have a soft spot for pastries that perfectly blend flaky texture with creamy sweetness, then this Cheese Danish Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. Imagine biting into a light, airy puff pastry that’s golden and crisp on the outside, generously filled with a luscious, sweet cream cheese center. It’s incredibly simple, yet so satisfying and elegant that it feels like a little celebration with every bite. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, afternoon tea, or as a special dessert, this Cheese Danish Recipe is guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to try it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up these Cheese Danishes is easier than you might think, and that’s thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance that makes this dish shine.

• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This creamy base provides richness and the classic tangy flavor crucial to any good cheese Danish filling.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Just the right amount to sweeten the cream cheese without overpowering it, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed if frozen): The star of the show for that flaky, buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth.
• Egg (1): Used to make the egg wash, giving the pastry edges a stunning golden-brown finish.
• Water (1 tablespoon): Mixed with the egg to create the perfect consistency for brushing the dough edges, ensuring a gorgeous shine and crisp texture.

How to Make Cheese Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to a warming 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Danish won’t stick. While the oven warms, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy — this is going to be the dreamy filling in each pastry.

Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry

Unroll your thawed puff pastry onto a clean surface. If the sheet isn’t quite the size you want, use a rolling pin gently to roll it out to about a 9×13 inch rectangle. Cut this into eight equal rectangles — these will become individual Cheese Danishes.

Step 3: Score the Dough

Transfer the cut pastry rectangles to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Using a paring knife, carefully score a smaller rectangle inside each piece of dough. Make sure you leave a ½-inch border all around and do not cut all the way through — this scoring helps the edges puff up nicely while keeping the center perfect for holding the filling.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Filling and Egg Wash

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture inside the smaller rectangle on each pastry piece. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the water to create an egg wash, then brush this over the uncovered borders of the puff pastry. This step not only seals the pastry but gives the Danish that irresistible golden glow.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Puffy

Place the baking sheet(s) in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as the Danish swell and turn a perfect golden brown. Once baked, let them cool slightly — they’re best served warm to enjoy that delightful blend of flaky pastry and creamy center.

How to Serve Cheese Danish Recipe

Garnishes

A Cheese Danish is a piece of art on its own, but you can elevate it with delicate finishing touches. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet snow-kissed look, while a drizzle of warm fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This Cheese Danish makes a perfect partner for a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, making it ideal for a cozy breakfast or a cheerful brunch spread. Pair with fresh fruit or a simple green salad if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal to balance richness with refreshing notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, transform your Cheese Danish Recipe into mini pastries by cutting the puff pastry sheet into smaller squares — they make charming bite-sized treats. Layer the Danish on a tiered serving tray alongside other pastries for an elegant display that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Danishes left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry flaky and the cream cheese fresh without becoming soggy or dried out.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked Cheese Danish pastries by preparing them up to the baking step, then placing the tray covered with plastic wrap in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring leftover Cheese Danishes back to life, warm them gently in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness of the puff pastry while keeping the filling soft and inviting.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the Cheese Danish Recipe?

While low-fat cream cheese is an option, it may affect the richness and texture of the filling, making it less creamy. For the best flavor and smoothness, the full-fat version is recommended.

Is puff pastry gluten-free?

Traditional puff pastry is made from wheat flour and contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, look for specialty gluten-free puff pastry in stores or consider making your own with gluten-free flour blends.

How long can I keep the Danish after baking?

The Cheese Danish is best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness. After that, the pastry might lose its flakiness and the filling could start to dry out.

Can I make this Cheese Danish Recipe vegan?

You can make some substitutions like using vegan cream cheese and plant-based puff pastry, but the traditional recipe calls for egg wash to get that golden finish. For a vegan version, try brushing with a plant-based milk alternative.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen puff pastry?

Thaw frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight for best results, or leave it at room temperature for about 30 to 40 minutes until it’s pliable but still cool to handle.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the simplicity and elegance of this Cheese Danish Recipe. It’s a comforting, impressive treat that you can easily whip up any time you want to add a little bakery magic to your day. Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll adore the way flaky pastry and creamy, sweet cheese come together in perfect harmony. So go ahead and treat yourself — your taste buds will thank you!

Cheese Danish Recipe

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This easy Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth and sweetened cream cheese blend. Ready in just 25 minutes, this delightful pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and yields 8 perfectly portioned servings.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen

Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugar is fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If necessary, use a rolling pin to gently roll it out into a rectangle approximately 9 by 13 inches. Cut the pastry into 8 equal rectangles.
4. Score the Pastry: Transfer the cut rectangles to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Using a paring knife, carefully score a smaller rectangle inside each pastry piece, leaving a ½-inch border all around. Be cautious not to cut all the way through to allow the edges to puff independently.
5. Assemble the Danishes: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the smaller rectangle inside each piece of dough, avoiding the edges. In a small bowl, beat the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash gently along the exposed edges of the puff pastry to achieve a golden and glossy finish when baked.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pastries for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the Cheese Danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

• You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness after cooling.
• For added flavor, mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest into the cream cheese filling.
• If puff pastry is frozen, ensure it is fully thawed according to package directions before using.
• Use a sharp knife for scoring to avoid tearing the dough.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.