The Ultimate Cheese Danish is a delicious pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky, and buttery puff pastry shell. It’s the perfect combination of crispy, tender dough and smooth, rich cheese filling, making it an irresistible breakfast, snack, or dessert. With a sweet glaze on top, this Danish will quickly become a go-to treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheese Danish is the epitome of indulgence. The buttery, flaky puff pastry perfectly complements the rich and creamy cream cheese filling, while the hint of vanilla and lemon zest adds a fresh and aromatic twist. The glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness, making each bite absolutely divine. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it at a brunch gathering, this pastry will never disappoint.

Ultimate Cheese Danish

Ingredients

For the filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

For the pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

For the glaze:

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, egg yolk, and flour (if using). Beat everything together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If using store-bought puff pastry, ensure it’s thawed properly. Roll it slightly to make it a bit larger, about 1/8-inch thick.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 6 equal squares, or create rectangles depending on your preference.

3. Assemble the Danish:

On each puff pastry square or rectangle, spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling into the center. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spill over during baking.
Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling, leaving the center exposed, or fold the sides in to create a more open Danish. Pinch the edges slightly to seal if you want a more enclosed shape. You can also leave it open for a more traditional Danish look.
If desired, brush the edges of the pastry with a lightly beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

4. Bake the Danish:

Place the assembled Danish pastries onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.
While the pastries bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

5. Glaze the Danish:

Once the Cheese Danishes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries for an extra sweet touch.

6. Serve:

Serve the Ultimate Cheese Danish warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a couple of days.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 Cheese Danishes and takes about 35-40 minutes, including prep and baking time.

Variations

Fruit-Topped Cheese Danish: Add a dollop of your favorite fruit preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry) on top of the cream cheese filling before folding the puff pastry.
Chocolate Cheese Danish: Add a few pieces of chopped chocolate or chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolatey twist.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free puff pastry to make a vegan-friendly version of this Cheese Danish.
Cinnamon Sugar Danish: For a spiced version, add a little cinnamon and sugar to the cream cheese filling for a warm, comforting flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the Danish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain its flakiness and warmth. You can also microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick fix, though it won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these Danish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese filling and assemble the pastries the night before. Cover the unbaked pastries and refrigerate them. When ready to bake, just take them out of the fridge and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, you can use crescent roll dough, but the texture will be slightly different—more soft and less flaky than puff pastry. Still, the flavor will be delicious!

Can I freeze these Cheese Danishes?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pastries. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional, but it does add a nice sweetness and glossy finish to the Danish. You can also drizzle with honey or leave them plain if you prefer a less sweet option.

Can I make this without lemon zest?

While lemon zest adds a bright flavor, you can skip it or substitute it with orange zest or a small amount of almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Cheese Danish is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the best of buttery, flaky pastry with a rich, creamy cheese filling. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch gathering or enjoying it with your morning coffee, these Danishes are guaranteed to impress. With a simple glaze and a few easy steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a bakery-style pastry at home, warm and fresh out of the oven.

Jane

Ultimate Cheese Danish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients