If you are on the hunt for a delightfully flaky and creamy treat, this Easy Cheese Danish Recipe is the answer you’ve been dreaming about. Combining buttery puff pastry with a tangy, sweet cream cheese filling topped with vibrant, juicy berries, it is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy brunch or impressing guests at a special occasion, these danishes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they come together with surprisingly simple ingredients, making it easy to bake a little slice of heaven right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Cheese Danish Recipe is carefully picked to ensure a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the golden puff pastry’s crisp layers to the luscious cream cheese filling and fresh, bursting berries, each component plays a vital role in making your danishes irresistibly tasty.
- 1 lb puff pastry (2 sheets) (thawed): The flaky, buttery base that gives danishes their signature texture and delicate crunch.
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Creates the rich, creamy filling that balances sweetness and tang perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough without overpowering.
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature): Adds richness to the filling and helps bind everything smoothly.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- 1 tsp lemon zest from 1 lemon: Adds a bright, fresh zing that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1 1/2 cups berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries): Offers a colorful, juicy topping that bursts with natural sweetness.
- 1 egg: Used for brushing, it helps achieve that perfect golden-brown, glossy finish on the pastry.
- 1 Tbsp water: Mixed with the egg for the egg wash, improving the shine and texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the luscious glaze that adds sweetness and a beautiful sheen.
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest: Enhances the glaze with a subtle citrus kick to brighten every bite.
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness of the glaze with a tart finish.
How to Make Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by softening the cream cheese so it mixes easily – room temperature is key here. Then combine it with sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a bowl. Whip the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for the silkiest filling.
Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry
Take your thawed puff pastry sheets and gently unfold them on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares to yield 12 danishes total. To create the iconic pocket, lightly score a smaller square inside each piece without cutting all the way through—this allows the edges to puff up beautifully while containing the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
Place a generous spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center of each square, inside the smaller scored border. Next, artfully top the filling with a small handful of mixed berries, either whole or sliced depending on size. This will add a delightful burst of flavor and stunning color to each pastry.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Baking
Whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash. Brush the exposed pastry edges with this mixture to ensure a shiny, golden finish when baked. Place the danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, until puffed and beautifully browned.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Glaze and Serve
While the danishes bake, mix your powdered sugar with lemon zest and lemon juice to craft a zesty glaze. Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. This adds a sweet-tart element that perfectly complements the rich cheese and buttery crust.
How to Serve Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the beauty and flavor of your danishes when serving, consider sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar or adding a few extra fresh berries on top after glazing. A sprig of mint can add a lovely touch of green and fresh aroma, making your presentation look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Easy Cheese Danish Recipe is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich, creamy latte can transform breakfast into a special occasion. For a heartier brunch spread, add some mild cheeses, fresh fruit salad, or even scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these danishes on a rustic wooden board with a selection of jams and honey for a charming breakfast buffet. Alternatively, arranging them in a circular pattern on a decorative platter creates a festive centerpiece perfect for gatherings or holiday mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any danishes left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the pastry crisp and filling fresh. Avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as it can cause the puff pastry to become soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze these danishes by assembling them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring them to airtight bags or containers. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh results whenever you’re ready.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven flakiness, reheat danishes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method crisps the pastry gently without drying out the creamy cheese filling or berries.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen berries if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the pastry soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based puff pastry. The flavor might shift slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I prepare the filling the night before?
Definitely. Making the cream cheese filling ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld and speeds up assembly on baking day.
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
It’s best to thaw puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator to keep the layers firm but pliable. For quicker thawing, leave it at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, but don’t let it get too warm or sticky.
Can this recipe be doubled easily?
Yes, all the ingredients can be doubled or even tripled with no changes to the method, making it perfect for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about mastering this Easy Cheese Danish Recipe that brings a touch of luxury and comfort right into your kitchen. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert or breakfast that’s bound to become a favorite in your rotation. Once you try baking these danishes yourself, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved treat—flaky, creamy, and bursting with fresh berry goodness. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and share the joy of homemade pastries with your friends and family.
Print
Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheese danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheese Danish Recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and fresh berries, topped with a simple lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, this recipe yields 12 beautiful cheese danishes with a balance of tangy, sweet, and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 lb puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Fruit Topping
- 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp water
Lemon Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares, yielding 12 squares in total.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with a few mixed berries, pressing them slightly into the filling without breaking the pastry edges.
- Shape the Danishes: Fold the corners of each square towards the center, pinching slightly to seal if desired, or leave open-faced as preferred.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the edges of the pastry squares (or the entire top if open-faced) with the egg wash to achieve a golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake the Danishes: Arrange the assembled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: While the danishes bake, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm danishes. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- If fresh berries are not available, frozen berries can be used but thaw and drain them to avoid soggy pastries.
- The puff pastry must be properly thawed but cold for best puff and texture.
- For variation, try adding almond extract to the cream cheese filling.
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
