If the cost of buying your favorite cheese danish at the bakery is adding up, why not bake them fresh at home? Cheese danishes are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Follow the steps in this recipe for delicious results!
Cheese danishes are easier to make than you may think! This recipe turns out great every time and takes about 45 minutes.
What Is Cheese Danish?
Cheese danish is a flaky pastry that’s filled with sweetened cream cheese. They’re often enjoyed with a hot beverage like coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- cream cheese
- egg yolk
- lemon juice
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- puff pastry
- egg white
- powdered sugar
- milk
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Cheese Danish
- Position two oven racks in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla on medium-low speed until well combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll homemade puff pastry into a 16×8-inch rectangle, cut in half lengthwise, and then cut into quarters crosswise, creating 8 (4-inch) squares. If using store-bought puff pastry, lightly roll each sheet to flatten the creases and cut to make 8 (4-inch) squares.) Brush the edges of the squares lightly with the beaten egg white. Fold each corner in about 1 inch towards the center and gently press to adhere. Place the danishes two inches apart on the baking sheets. Brush any exposed pastry with egg white.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Rotate the pans and continue to bake for another 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet while making the glaze.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm pastries before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Always thaw the puff pastry according to the instructions on the package. Puff pastry will tear and crack if you try to roll it when it’s still frozen.
- For extra flavor, add a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam to the center of the baked danish before drizzling with glaze.
- Let the danishes cool for a few minutes before adding the glaze. This will ensure that the glaze doesn’t melt off.
What Does Cream Cheese Danish Taste Like?
Cheese danish has textures of flaky pastry and creamy sweetened cream cheese. They’re slightly savory and tangy, and not overly sweet.
Can I Make Cheese Danish Ahead Of Time?
Yes, but ensure that the danishes are stored in the fridge in air-tight containers. They can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, warm them up slowly in the microwave or a regular oven.
Can I Freeze Cheese Danish?
Yes, these cheese danishes can be placed on a baking sheet and flash frozen in the freezer. Place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer until frozen solid. Store in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the danishes in the fridge and then re-warm in a microwave or regular oven.
Cheese Danish Recipe
Ingredients
Danish
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 batch puff pastry
- 1 egg white lightly beaten
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Danish:
- Position two oven racks in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla on medium-low speed until well combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll homemade puff pastry into a 16×8-inch rectangle, cut in half lengthwise, and then cut into quarters crosswise, creating 8 (4-inch) squares. If using store-bought puff pastry, lightly roll each sheet to flatten the creases and cut to make 8 (4-inch) squares.) Brush the edges of the squares lightly with the beaten egg white. Fold each corner in about 1 inch towards the center and gently press to adhere. Place the danishes two inches apart on the baking sheets. Brush any exposed pastry with egg white.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Rotate the pans and continue to bake for another 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let the danishes cool on the baking sheet while making the glaze.
Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm pastries before serving.
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