Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe: A Delicious Flaky Pastry Treat

Craving something sweet and indulgent? This homemade Cream Cheese Danish recipe will satisfy your dessert cravings with its combination of buttery, flaky pastry and smooth, creamy cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon treat, these Danishes are incredibly simple to make and taste just like they came from a bakery!

Ingredients:

For the Danish Dough:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• A pinch of sugar (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional for creamier filling)
• A pinch of salt

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it has thawed completely before use.
3. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into squares or rectangles—about 3 inches in size. You can shape them into circles for a more traditional look.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. If you prefer a silkier filling, add one tablespoon of heavy cream and stir until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Danish Pastries

1. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square.
2. Carefully fold the edges of the pastry around the filling, creating a small border to prevent it from spilling out during baking.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

1. Beat the egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to lightly brush the egg wash over the edges of the pastry. This will give your Danishes a glossy, golden finish once baked.
2. Optionally, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the pastries for extra crunch and sweetness.
3. Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and the cream cheese filling is slightly set.

Step 5: Let Them Cool and Serve

1. Remove the Danish pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set up and makes them easier to handle.
2. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature. These Cream Cheese Danishes make a wonderful treat for any occasion.

Additional Tips:

• Fruity Additions: For a twist on this classic, add fresh fruit on top of the cream cheese filling before baking. Berries, peaches, or apples make a perfect addition to the recipe.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Danish pastries in advance by assembling the dough and filling, then refrigerating them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if they are chilled.
• Storage: Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just reheat them in the oven before serving.

Conclusion:

This easy Cream Cheese Danish recipe is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a delicious homemade treat. With buttery, flaky pastry and a smooth, creamy filling, it’s perfect for a special occasion or just a quick indulgence at home. Try it out, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible pastries in no time. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these Danishes will definitely be a hit! Enjoy!