Cream Cheese Danish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of flaky puff pastry and a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and irresistible. With just a few ingredients, you can create a bakery-worthy treat at home. The egg wash gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish, while the glaze drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness. This recipe is easy to make, perfect for special occasions, or a simple afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoon water

Glaze Drizzle:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pastry:

• 1 box puff pastry sheets

Directions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Set aside.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.
4. Assemble the Danish: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, pinching the corners to create a little pouch or shape them into a rectangle. Brush the edges with the egg wash to give them a golden color when baked.
5. Bake: Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
6. Make the Glaze: While the danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
7. Glaze the Pastries: Once the danishes are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the top of each danish.
8. Serve: Enjoy these delicious cream cheese danishes warm, or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 danishes
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Topping: Add fresh fruit like berries, apples, or peaches on top of the cream cheese mixture before baking for a fruity twist.
• Almond Cream Cheese Danish: Add 1 tablespoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the puff pastry before baking for an extra hint of warmth.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the glaze drizzle for melted chocolate for a decadent touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cream cheese danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until they’re warm and flaky again. You can also microwave them in short intervals, but the texture may be less crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

While phyllo dough can be used as a substitute, puff pastry gives the danish its signature flaky, airy texture. Phyllo dough will result in a different texture but can still work in a pinch.

2. Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the danishes and refrigerate them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I freeze these danishes?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked danishes for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw, just bake at the normal temperature and add a few extra minutes.

4. Can I use a different filling instead of cream cheese?

Yes! You can fill the danishes with Nutella, fruit preserves, or even a custard filling. Just adjust the amount depending on your preference.

5. How do I keep the danishes from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake the danishes until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. Avoid overfilling the pastries, as too much filling can cause sogginess. Also, allow them to cool slightly before glazing.

6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, but the filling may not be as rich and creamy as with full-fat cream cheese.

7. How can I make the danish more golden and shiny?

Brushing the pastries with an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish. You can also brush them lightly with melted butter after baking.

8. Can I use store-bought cream cheese glaze instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought glaze or icing, but homemade glaze adds a fresher, more customized touch.

9. Can I make these danishes without an egg wash?

Yes, you can skip the egg wash if you prefer. The egg wash helps give the danishes a glossy, golden finish, but they will still bake up nicely without it.

10. Can I add nuts to the cream cheese filling?

Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the cream cheese mixture for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Danish is a wonderfully indulgent and easy-to-make pastry that will impress your friends and family. The combination of flaky puff pastry and creamy, sweet filling is irresistible, and the glaze drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just a cozy breakfast, these danishes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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