Heavenly Cheese Danish Recipe
Introduction
The Heavenly Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweet cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast or a special treat, this easy-to-make dessert will impress friends and family with its buttery texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed)
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Egg (1 large)
- Lemon zest (optional, 1 teaspoon)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into rectangles, about 3×4 inches each.
- Step 4: Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each rectangle. Fold the edges up and over slightly to create a border around the filling.
- Step 5: Brush the exposed pastry edges with egg wash to help achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Step 6: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the Danish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, try sprinkling a little cinnamon on the cream cheese mixture.
- Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus twist.
- Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
- If puff pastry sheets are not available, frozen puff pastry discs can be adapted for smaller individual Danishes.
Storage
Store any leftover cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to bring back crispness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Danishes and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture and flavor, though the classic cream cheese offers the best balance of tanginess and creaminess.
PrintHeavenly Cheese Danish Recipe
Heavenly Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture accented by vanilla and lemon zest. Perfect for breakfast or an elegant snack, these Danish pastries are baked until golden and puffed, offering a light, tender, and flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 cheese Danish pastries 1x
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and well blended. This forms the sweet and tangy filling for the Danish.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly on a lightly floured surface and cut it into rectangles, approximately 3×4 inches each, depending on desired Danish size.
- Assemble Danish: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Fold the edges of the pastry slightly over the filling to create a border, without fully enclosing it, allowing the filling to peek through.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash. This will give the Danish a beautiful golden brown color and shine once baked.
- Bake: Arrange the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up nicely.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the Danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, you can drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze after baking.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a bright citrus note that complements the cream cheese.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a creamier filling.
- You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry, Cream Cheese Pastry, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Danish, Baked Pastry
