Description
This Ultimate Cheese Danish features flaky, buttery puff pastry enveloping a rich and creamy cheese filling made from cream cheese, sugar, and subtle hints of vanilla and lemon. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, this bakery-style treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, delivering a delightful balance of tender pastry and luscious filling in every bite.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for a silky filling.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth it slightly, then cut it into six equal rectangular pieces using a knife or pastry cutter.
- Shape Pastry Borders: Fold or pinch the edges around each rectangle to create a raised border. This will hold the cheese filling in place while baking and give the Danish structure.
- Fill Pastry: Spoon an even amount of the cheese filling into the center of each bordered pastry rectangle, distributing the filling evenly among all six pieces.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture generously over the exposed edges of the pastry to achieve a golden and shiny finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown around the edges.
- Cool Pastries: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack to make glazing easier and prevent melting the glaze.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the slightly cooled pastries before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For a fruity variation, add a spoonful of your favorite fruit preserves on top of the cheese filling before baking.
- This Danish tastes best when served fresh on the day it is made to enjoy the crispiness of the pastry.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling texture.
- Use room temperature egg and water for the egg wash to improve adherence and finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
