Cheese Danish

Nothing beats the flaky, buttery goodness of a freshly baked Cheese Danish. This delightful pastry is a classic treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With its rich cream cheese filling enveloped in golden puff pastry, it’s an indulgent yet simple delight that invites everyone to gather around the kitchen. In this article, I’ll guide you through making this mouthwatering Cheese Danish with just a few simple ingredients.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Cheese Danish recipe. Firstly, it utilizes ready-made puff pastry, which saves you hours of preparation and keeps the recipe approachable for anyone, even beginners. The cream cheese filling is delectably rich and just sweet enough, enhanced with a touch of fresh lemon, which adds a wonderful brightness. Not to mention, these danishes bake up to a stunning golden-brown hue that is as beautiful as they are delicious.

Every bite of this Cheese Danish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The crisp exterior gives way to a moist and creamy filling, making it an irresistible treat that can easily compete with your favorite bakery offering. Plus, the fact that you can prepare them at home means you can indulge without any guilt.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, a warm Cheese Danish fresh from the oven is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Cheese Danishes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed
• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

How To Make Cheese Danish

This Cheese Danish comes together beautifully in just a few simple steps. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure to leave your cream cheese out at room temperature until it’s nice and soft. This makes it much easier to blend. Also, thaw your puff pastry sheets on the counter for 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, mix them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps.

Next, add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix again until everything is well incorporated. The filling should be thick and velvety, ready to take your Cheese Danish to the next level.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of thawed puff pastry to a rectangle, then cut each sheet into 4 squares, giving you a total of 8 pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Danishes

Take each square of puff pastry and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, gently score a border about ½ inch from the edge of each square—this creates a little wall to hold your filling in place.

Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.

Step 5: Create an Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture along the scored border of each pastry square to give your Cheese Danishes a beautiful golden finish when baked.

Step 6: Sprinkle with Sugar

Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar over the cream cheese filling of each Danish. This will create a lovely sweetness and a slight crunch on top.

Step 7: Bake

Place your assembled Cheese Danishes into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the Cheese Danishes to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the flaky, creamy delight!

Expert Tips

To ensure your Cheese Danishes turn out perfect every time, consider the following expert tips:

• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling.
• When rolling out the puff pastry, be gentle to maintain its flaky texture.
• For a richer flavor, add a dash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
• Keep an eye on your Danishes as they bake; ovens vary and you want them to be golden, not burnt.

Variations and Customizations

Feel like experimenting? Here are a few delicious variations you can try with your Cheese Danish:

• Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top after cooling.
• Incorporate chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a decadent version.
• Substitute the lemon zest and juice with orange zest for a different citrus flavor profile.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare), store your Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can also refrigerate them, but it’s best to enjoy them on the same day for optimal flavor and texture. If you want to reheat them, pop them back in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain their flaky texture.

FAQ

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using it to fill the pastries.

Can I use different types of cheese?

While cream cheese is traditional, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheese. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Is it possible to freeze Cheese Danishes?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Cheese Danishes. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze first, and once solid, transfer them to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How can I tell when my Cheese Danishes are done baking?

Your Cheese Danishes are ready when they are golden brown and puffed up. If the edges are nicely browned but the center seems a bit soft, they’re likely done. Allow them to cool slightly, and they will firm up a bit.

Conclusion

There you have it—an irresistible recipe for Cheese Danish that is sure to impress your family and friends! With its rich cream cheese filling, light and flaky puff pastry, and delightful sweetness, this homemade treat is a comforting addition to any table.

So the next time you have guests over or want to spoil yourself with a sweet indulgence, whip up a batch of these beautiful Cheese Danishes. They are as fun to make as they are to eat! Happy baking!