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Cream Cheese Danishes Made Easy – Perfect Homemade Breakfast Pastry Thumbnail

Homemade Cream Cheese Danish

This homemade cheese Danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a smooth and lightly tangy cream cheese center. Made with puff pastry for ease, it delivers bakery-style results without complicated steps. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, each Danish bakes up golden and crisp with a soft, creamy filling inside. Serve it warm with coffee or tea, finished with a simple vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s an easy yet impressive pastry that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for everyday baking at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: European
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • This recipe yields 8 flaky bakery-style cheese Danishes. Make sure everything is ready before you begin.
  • Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 8 oz 226 g cream cheese, brought to room temperature
  • ¼ cup 50 g white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Pastry Base:
  • 1 sheet thawed puff pastry about 9×9 inches
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Simple Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
  • ½ cup 60 g powdered sugar
  • 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Before turning on the oven, gather these essentials:
  • Medium and small mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk:
  • Pastry brush
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Sharp knife or pizza wheel
  • Cooling rack:
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

1. Heat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.

    2. Mix the filling

    In a bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and egg yolk until smooth, fluffy, and lump-free.

      3. Prepare the pastry

      Place the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Slice it into 8 equal rectangles.

        4. Shape the Danishes

        Transfer pastry pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly score a border around each piece or gently fold the edges inward.

          5. Fill the centers

          Add about one tablespoon of cream cheese mixture to the middle of each pastry.

            6. Brush with egg wash

            Whisk the egg and water together. Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges to encourage a golden finish.

              7. Bake to perfection

              Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed, crisp, and deeply golden.

                8. Cool and finish

                Move Danishes to a wire rack. Stir together glaze ingredients and drizzle once pastries have cooled slightly.

                  Notes

                  Mistakes to Watch Out For

                  Avoid these common pitfalls:
                  • Using cold cream cheese
                  • Skipping the egg wash
                  • Overloading the filling
                  • Baking pastry that’s still frozen
                  • Forgetting to chill before baking

                  Pro Tips for Foolproof Cheese Danishes

                  • Chill assembled pastries briefly before baking
                  • Always use parchment or a silicone mat
                  • Keep filling away from the edges
                  • Cool on a rack to maintain crisp bottoms

                  Serving Ideas for a Bakery-Style Look

                  • Serve warm or slightly cooled
                  • Finish with powdered sugar or icing
                  • Arrange on a wooden board or serving tray
                  • Garnish with berries or edible flowers

                  Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

                  • Keep at room temperature (airtight) for 1 day
                  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
                  • Freeze baked Danishes for up to 1 month
                  • Reheat in the oven—avoid the microwave

                  Fun Cheese Danish Variations

                  Try these easy twists:
                  • Swirl in raspberry or apricot jam
                  • Add mini chocolate chips to the filling
                  • Top with chopped almonds or pecans
                  • Use flavored cream cheese

                  Frequently Asked Questions

                  Can I make my own puff pastry?
                   Yes, but store-bought saves time and works beautifully.
                  Can fruit be added on top?
                   Definitely—berries, peaches, or cherries pair well.
                  How do I prevent soggy Danishes?
                   Let them cool fully and don’t overload the filling.
                  Are baked Danishes freezer-friendly?
                   Yes. Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven when ready.

                  Final Thoughts

                  This cheese Danish recipe proves that homemade pastries don’t have to be complicated. With crisp layers, creamy filling, and a simple process, it’s perfect for brunch tables, holidays, or slow weekend mornings when you want something truly special.