Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Danish

Making a cream cheese Danish at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients, like puff pastry and cream cheese, you can recreate a bakery favorite in your own kitchen. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s a convenient way to enjoy a homemade pastry without the hassle.

This recipe is inspired by the popular Starbucks cheese Danish, known for its flaky pastry and creamy filling. If you enjoy grabbing one of these pastries with your coffee, you'll love making them at home. The ingredients are simple, and the process is quick, so you can easily recreate that familiar taste without leaving your kitchen.

If you enjoy working with puff pastry, there are many other recipes you can try. Puff pastry is incredibly versatile and can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. For instance, you might like to try making Italian cream horns, which are also made with puff pastry and filled with a rich, creamy filling. You can try my savory Spinach and Cheese Puffs.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry : You can find puff pastry in the frozen section of most grocery stores. Before starting, place the puff pastry in the refrigerator so it’s chilled but not frozen. This makes it easier to work with.

• Cream cheese : Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.

• Sugar, salt and vanilla extract : Use granulated sugar for balanced sweetness, a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor, and vanilla for added warmth.

• Egg : The egg is used for brushing the pastry to give it a golden finish.

How to make easy homemade cheese danish

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Take the puff pastry out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry and cut it into 6 rectangles or squares, depending on your preference.

• Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
• In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

• Assemble the Danishes:
• Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry piece. or use a piping bag to pipe a line in the center of the rectangles.

• Prepare the Egg Wash:
• In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
• Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash to ensure a golden brown color when baked.

• Bake:
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the assembled Danishes on it.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.

• Cool and Serve:
• Allow the Danishes to cool slightly before serving.

Optional Add-Ons

• Fruit Toppings: Before baking, add a spoonful of your favorite fruit preserves, such as raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry, on top of the cream cheese filling. This adds a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness.

• Lemon Glaze: After baking, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled Danishes. To make the glaze, mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. This adds a zesty contrast to the rich cream cheese.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, over the cream cheese filling before baking. This adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to each bite.

• Cinnamon Sugar: For a touch of warmth, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar over the puff pastry edges before baking. This gives the Danish a slight cinnamon flavor and extra sweetness.

• Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled Danishes for a rich, decadent twist. Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work well.

How to store leftovers?

Place the Danishes in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and keep them in the refrigerator. The Danishes will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

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• 3 Ingredients banana bread

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• flourless granola cookie recipe

Recipe video