Easy Homemade Cheese Danish - Flaky and Creamy
A Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that pairs a buttery, flaky crust with a smooth, creamy cheese filling. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. While it may seem like a treat you'd only buy from a bakery, this recipe will show you how easy it is to make your own at home. You’ll impress your family and friends with this light, flaky pastry filled with a rich cream cheese filling.
Ingredients
-
For the Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
-
For the Cheese Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk
-
For the Glaze (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cheese Filling. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and egg yolk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Shape the Puff Pastry. Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 8 equal squares. Place each square on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Form the Danish Shapes. Using a knife, gently score a smaller square within each puff pastry square (this will create a raised edge when baked). Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Add the Cheese Filling. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Spread it out gently, staying within the inner scored square.
Brush with Egg Wash. Brush the edges of each Danish with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
Bake the Danish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Glaze (optional). While the Danishes bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the Danishes are cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Recipe tips
For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling. Make sure the puff pastry is cold when you work with it. This ensures it puffs up nicely in the oven. If you're short on time, pre-made crescent dough can be used as a substitute for puff pastry. You can add fruit toppings like fresh berries or preserves to the cheese filling before baking for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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