Cheese Danish Recipe
Craving something sweet and flaky?
This Cheese Danish recipe is the ultimate indulgence!
With a creamy cream cheese filling wrapped in buttery, puff pastry, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ready in just 45 minutes, this simple yet delicious recipe will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a bakery—without the fuss.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this golden, melt-in-your-mouth pastry!
For the Danish
- Cream Cheese – Softened for the perfect creamy filling.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling.
- Egg Yolk – Binds the filling and adds richness.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic note.
- Puff Pastry – The flaky, buttery base of the Danish.
- Egg White – Lightly beaten, used to brush the pastry for a golden finish.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze to perfection.
- Milk – Loosens the glaze to a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a hint of flavor to the glaze.
Cheese Danish Recipe
If you crave a sweet, creamy breakfast or a quick dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make, this Cheese Danish is your answer! With a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry, it’s a treat that feels like a bakery delight made right at home.
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Servings: 8 servings
Notes
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 6 oz (170g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 sheet puff pastry (1 batch), thawed
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Position two oven racks in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract on medium-low speed until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll your puff pastry into a 16x8-inch rectangle.
- Cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters to make 8 (4-inch) squares.
- If using store-bought puff pastry, lightly roll out each sheet and cut it into 8 squares.
- Brush the edges of the squares with the beaten egg white.
- Fold each corner inward about 1 inch, pressing gently to seal the corners.
- Arrange the pastries 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and brush any exposed pastry with the egg white.
- Assemble the Danish:
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate the pans and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- Let them cool on the baking sheets while you prepare the glaze.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle and Serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
- For even filling portions, use a cookie scoop.
- Always thaw puff pastry before rolling; it can crack if frozen.
- If you're using block puff pastry, opt for pre-rolled sheets to save time.
- For extra flavor, add a spoonful of fruit jam to the center of each Danish before baking.
- Let the Danishes cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Nutrition
Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 324IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of making my own?
Yes, using store-bought puff pastry is a great time-saver! Simply thaw it according to the package instructions, and you’re good to go. No need to make it from scratch unless you prefer! - Can I prepare the cream cheese filling in advance?
Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to assemble the danishes when you’re ready to bake! - How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting too puffy in the middle?
Before adding the filling, score a small border around the edges of the pastry and prick the center with a fork. This will help the pastry stay flat and create an even surface for the filling. - Do I need a pastry brush to apply the egg wash?
If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can easily use a paper towel or your fingers to apply the egg wash. It’ll still give you that golden finish! - How should I store leftover Cheese Danishes?
Leftover danishes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to restore their crispiness, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
