There’s something irresistible about a warm, flaky Cheese Danish fresh from the oven. With its golden, buttery crust and creamy, tangy filling, this treat is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. In just 20 minutes of prep and 17 minutes of baking, you can create a batch of eight danishes that are as impressive as they are delicious. The rich, velvety cheese center pairs beautifully with the crisp, layered pastry, making every bite a delightful experience.
These danishes are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a joy to make. The aroma of baking pastry and sweet cheese filling will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee or as an afternoon indulgence, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, with 10g of protein per serving, they’re a satisfying treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Ingredients for Cheese Danish
- Puff Pastry: 1 batch homemade puff pastry (or store-bought for convenience)
- Filling:
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons water
- Glaze:
- 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
- 3-5 teaspoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Divide the puff pastry: If using homemade puff pastry, cut it into 2 even parts width-wise. If using store-bought, it will already be divided into two sheets.
- Roll and cut the pastry: Roll the first half of the puff pastry into a 12×12” square (about 1/16” thick). Cut into 4 even squares and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the filling: Dollop about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center of each square. Fold the corners over the center, leaving a ¼” space in the center and between corners.
- Prepare the egg wash: Whisk together the egg and water. Brush generously over the top of the puff pastry.
- Bake: Transfer the cheese danishes to the preheated oven and bake for 17-19 minutes, or until light golden brown. They will puff up in the oven but settle as they cool.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with the second half of the puff pastry dough.
- Cool: Allow the cheese danishes to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cheese danishes. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Cheese Danishes are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit like berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist!
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. For longer storage, freeze unglazed danishes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding the glaze.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Get creative with your Cheese Danishes by trying different fillings! Swap the cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier texture. Add a spoonful of fruit preserves, like raspberry or apricot, to the center of each danish for a fruity twist. For a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the filling before baking. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or cardamom in the glaze for a unique flavor boost.
Time-Saving Hacks
Short on time? Use store-bought puff pastry instead of homemade—it’s just as delicious and cuts down on prep work. To save even more time, prepare the filling the night before and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble and pop them in the oven. If you’re making a large batch, consider freezing unbaked danishes and baking them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cheese Danish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 batch homemade puff pastry see note to use store-bought pastry
Filling
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons water
Glaze
- 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
- 3-5 teaspoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F (205C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Prepare filling by stirring together cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Divide puff pastry into 2 even parts (If using homemade puff pastry I’ll usually cut this width-wise, if using store-bought dough it will already be divided into two even sheets for you).
- Roll first half of puff pastry into a 12×12” square (about 1/16” thick). Cut into 4 even-sized squares.
- Transfer squares onto prepared baking sheet. Dollop about two tablespoons of filling into the center of each square. Fold the corners over the center of the filling, leaving a space about ¼” thick in the center and between corners.
- Prepare egg wash by whisking together egg and 2 teaspoons water. Brush generously over the top of the puff pastry dough.
- Transfer cheese danishes to 400F (205C) preheated oven and bake for 17-19 minutes or until light golden brown. Pastries will puff a lot in the oven but will settle as they cool.
- Repeat steps with second half of puff pastry dough.
- Allow cheese danishes to cool before drizzling with glaze.
- To prepare glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle glaze generously over cooled cheese danishes. Enjoy!