Name: Homemade Cream Cheese Danish from Scratch Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-490281H19M23S
Cuisine: American / Danish Inspired
Ingredients: 2 sticks (8 ounces) salted butter, at room temperature; 44 grams (1/3 cup) flour; 500 grams (3 3/4 cups) flour; 2 Tablespoons instant yeast; 1 1/3 cups hot water (around 120 degrees Fahrenheit); 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 50 grams (1/4 cup) sugar; 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese; 200 grams (1 cup) sugar; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup prepared fruit filling of your choice (optional); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1/4 cup sugar (for sprinkling); 141 grams (1 1/4 cups) powdered sugar; 2 Tablespoons room temperature water

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm, flaky pastry that feels like a hug from the inside. This Homemade Cream Cheese Danish from Scratch Recipe is that perfect treat, combining buttery laminated dough with a luscious, dreamy cream cheese filling. It’s one of those recipes that takes a bit of time and love but rewards you with an irresistibly tender, flaky pastry layered with a sweet and tangy center. If you’ve ever thought making danishes at home was complicated, I promise this step-by-step guide will change your mind and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of baking ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear glass bowl filled with white flour at the top left. Below it are two yellow sticks of butter side by side. A small brown-rimmed white bowl contains granulated sugar near the center. To the right of the sugar are two white eggs. An opened silver foil package reveals a white block of cream cheese on the top right. Near the bottom, a smaller clear glass bowl holds some white powder, possibly powdered sugar. Next to it is another small bowl with beige dry yeast. A clear bottle with a black lid and a label reading

The magic of this Homemade Cream Cheese Danish from Scratch Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the butter brings richness and flakiness, the yeast helps the dough rise to that airy perfection, and the cream cheese balances sweetness with a tangy creaminess you’ll adore.

Salted butter (8 ounces): Room temperature for easy mixing, essential for that rich, flaky texture.
Flour (3 3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup): The foundation for the dough and butter mixture to create layers.
Instant yeast (2 Tablespoons): Helps the dough rise beautifully and adds a subtle depth to the flavor.
Hot water (1 1/3 cup at around 120 degrees): Activates the yeast and starts forming the dough.
Egg (1 for dough, 1 beaten for egg wash): Adds richness and helps create a golden, glossy finish.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Almond extract (1 teaspoon for dough, 1/2 teaspoon for filling): Infuses a lovely, nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with cream cheese.
Sugar (1/4 cup for dough, 1 cup for filling, plus 1/4 cup for sprinkling): Sweetens both the dough and filling for that perfect balance.
Cream cheese (16 ounces): The star of the filling—rich, creamy, and smooth.
Prepared fruit filling (1 cup, optional): For a fruity twist that adds brightness and color.
Powdered sugar (1 1/4 cup): For the simple, sweet glaze that finishes each danish with a perfect sweetness.
Room temperature water (2 Tablespoons): Mixed into the glaze for smooth drizzle perfection.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Homemade Cream Cheese Danish from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Danish Butter

Begin by mixing room temperature salted butter with the small amount of flour until completely combined. This mixture is then spread onto half of a 12×16 piece of parchment paper, folded over, and gently rolled out to create a thin, even sheet of butter. Wrapping this and chilling it until very firm will help give your danish those signature flaky, buttery layers.

Step 2: Make the Danish Dough

Next, whisk together the flour and instant yeast and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the egg, salt, almond extract, and sugar, then carefully pour one cup of hot water over it all. Pour the flour and yeast into this warm mixture and stir vigorously until the dough becomes uniform, sticky, and stretchy. This dough will feel a bit different from regular bread dough—it’s meant to be delicate and pliable rather than stiff or heavily kneaded.

Step 3: Roll Out the Danish Dough

Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and gently shape it into a rectangle without kneading or turning it into a ball. Roll it out evenly to about 12×18 inches. Remove the chilled butter from the freezer and place it on one half of the dough before folding the other half over it. This is the beginning of layering your dough.

Step 4: Laminate the Dough with Folds

Turn the folded dough 90 degrees and roll it out again to 10×16 inches before folding into thirds like a letter. Repeat this rolling and folding process three more times to create multiple buttery layers. This technique is what makes your danishes so light and flaky. Once complete, place the dough in a baking pan, loosely cover with plastic, and refrigerate overnight for a slow, sensory rise.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the dough chills, blend together the cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract with a mixer until smooth and creamy. This filling is what transforms the danish from a simple pastry to a decadent treat. Keep this refrigerated until it’s time to assemble.

Step 6: Form and Fill the Danish Pastries

Take the well-risen dough from the fridge and divide it in half. Roll each half into a 14-inch circle and cut each into 8 triangles. Add either all cream cheese filling or a combination of cream cheese and your choice of fruit filling to the wide end of each triangle. Brush edges with water, roll them up like croissants, and place on parchment-lined sheets separated by a couple of inches.

Step 7: Final Rise and Baking

Brush the rolled danishes with beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish and sprinkle them with sugar. Let them rise for about an hour until doubled in size, then bake in a preheated 325-degree oven for 20-30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully puffed, flaky, light golden pastry.

Step 8: Add the Glaze

While your danishes bake, whisk together powdered sugar and room temperature water to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm pastries straight from the oven. This finishing touch adds a gentle sweetness and a lovely sheen that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Homemade Cream Cheese Danish from Scratch Recipe

A single crescent-shaped pastry with a light golden-brown color sits on a clean white plate, covered in thin white glaze lines drizzled in a neat pattern across the top, highlighting its layered, flaky texture. In the background, more of the same pastries are arranged on another white plate, all glistening with the same shiny white glaze, placed on a white marbled surface that contrasts softly with the pastries and plates. The scene is bright and simple, focusing on the smooth, curved shapes and the shiny glaze on the pastries, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your danishes even more special, sprinkle with crushed almonds or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves on the plate add a pop of color that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This danish pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning, naturally. For a brunch spread, offer alongside fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or scrambled eggs to balance sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your danishes on a beautiful platter garnished with edible flowers or a drizzle of berry coulis. For gatherings, serve with mini jars of extra cream cheese or fruit filling so everyone can add more as they wish. It makes for a fun, interactive way to enjoy this classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain crispiness, reheat briefly in an oven instead of microwaving.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolled danishes before the final rise. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then let them rise before baking as usual.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat danishes in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes. This reheating method helps restore their flaky texture and warms the creamy filling perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese that is not full-fat?

Full-fat cream cheese is best for creamy texture and flavor, but you can use reduced-fat versions if needed. The filling might be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Is it necessary to use almond extract?

Almond extract adds a signature nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cream cheese. You can substitute with vanilla extract, but the flavor profile will be different.

Can I make this danish without fruit filling?

Absolutely! The cream cheese filling alone is heavenly and makes a perfectly classic danish. Fruit is optional and adds a nice contrast if you prefer.

Why do I need to fold the dough multiple times?

The folding, or laminating process, creates thin layers of butter and dough. When baked, these layers puff up into delicate, flaky sheets that give danishes their characteristic texture.

How do I store leftover baked danishes best?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat gently in the oven for best results.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Homemade Cream Cheese Danish from Scratch Recipe is truly rewarding and a wonderful way to impress yourself and loved ones. Each bite captures the magic of buttery, flaky pastry and creamy filling that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, but with the warmth of homemade goodness. Don’t hesitate to give it a go—you’ll love the process and the delicious results!