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Heavenly Cheese Danish Recipe

4.5 from 94 reviews

Heavenly Cheese Danish features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese mixture infused with vanilla and a hint of lemon zest. This elegant yet simple pastry is perfect for breakfast or a delightful dessert, baked to golden perfection for a crisp outer layer and creamy center.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. This filling provides a rich, sweet flavor base for the danish.
  3. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into rectangles, approximately 3×4 inches each, depending on your desired danish size.
  4. Fill and Shape Danishes: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Fold the edges slightly toward the center, pinching if necessary to hold the filling and create a border.
  5. Brush with Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the surface and edges of each danish with the beaten egg. This step ensures a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
  6. Bake the Danishes: Arrange the prepared danishes on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat.

Notes

  • For a more decadent touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled.
  • You can add fresh fruit such as blueberries or raspberries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking for added flavor.
  • If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed but kept cool before cutting and baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and refreshed in a warm oven before serving.

Keywords: Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Recipe, Breakfast Pastry, Cream Cheese Danish, Easy Danish, Homemade Danish