Description
The Ultimate Cheese Danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, topped with a sweet glaze. It’s the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, egg yolk, and flour (if using). Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll slightly to 1/8-inch thickness, then cut into 6 squares or rectangles.
- On each pastry square, spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling into the center, being careful not to overfill.
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling, leaving the center exposed, or fold the sides for a more open Danish. Pinch the edges to seal. Brush the edges with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and fully puffed.
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danishes once they’ve cooled for a few minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add a dollop of fruit preserves (raspberry, apricot, or blueberry) on top of the filling before folding the pastry.
- If you want a more chocolatey version, add chocolate chips to the cheese mixture.
- For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free puff pastry.
- If you prefer a spiced flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a warm twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
