Easy Cheese Danish Recipe

A Buttery, Flaky Delight

If you love bakery-style pastries but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Easy Cheese Danish recipe is just for you! With a golden, flaky puff pastry shell and a rich, creamy cheese filling, these homemade danishes taste like they came straight from a high-end café. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Made with store-bought puff pastry, this recipe cuts down on prep time without sacrificing taste.
  • Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create a deliciously rich and creamy filling.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re always a hit.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling in advance and bake the danishes fresh when needed.

Who Is This Recipe For?

This Easy Cheese Danish recipe is perfect for busy home bakers who want an impressive pastry with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll appreciate the straightforward steps and the foolproof results. It’s also a great recipe for brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply indulging in a sweet treat with your morning coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 large egg plus 1 yolk (for egg wash and filling)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for a rich, creamy texture)
  • 3 tablespoons sugar (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra depth of flavor)
  • One 17.3-ounce box frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed (for that crisp, flaky base)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Baking pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl (for egg wash)
  • Medium bowl (for filling)
  • Electric mixer
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking pans with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the whole egg with 1 teaspoon of water and set it aside.

3. Create the Filling

In a medium bowl, blend the egg yolk, softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth.

4. Prepare the Pastry

Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut each into four squares. To give the danishes a professional look, fold the corners of each square inward to form an octagon.

5. Add the Filling

Place about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.

6. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar

Brush the exposed pastry with the egg wash and generously dust with additional sugar.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake the pastries for about 18 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the danishes to cool slightly on the pan before serving.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheese Danish

  • Use Cold Puff Pastry: If your pastry gets too warm, it can become sticky and difficult to handle. Keep it cold until ready to use.
  • Chill the Assembled Danishes Before Baking: If you have time, refrigerating the prepared danishes for 15 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape better.
  • Enhance the Flavor: Add a fruit jam layer under the cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Drizzle with Icing: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and drizzle over the cooled danishes for a bakery-style finish.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze unbaked danishes. Assemble them as instructed, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Reheating: Warm up danishes in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Pairing Suggestions

These cheese danishes are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:

  • Coffee or Espresso: A hot cappuccino or strong espresso enhances the richness of the pastry.
  • Fresh Fruit: Serve with berries or orange slices for a refreshing contrast.
  • Mimosas: For a brunch-worthy treat, pair with a glass of bubbly mimosa.

FAQs

Can I Use Homemade Puff Pastry?

Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade approach, use your own laminated dough for an even flakier result.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the danishes right before baking. You can also freeze them before baking.

Can I Use Other Fillings?

Definitely! Try swapping out the cream cheese filling for Nutella, fruit preserves, or almond paste.

What If I Don’t Have a Mixer?

You can mix the filling by hand using a whisk, but an electric mixer helps achieve a smoother texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheese Danish recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flaky, buttery pastries with a creamy center. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely delicious—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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