Cream Cheese Danish is the kind of delightful pastry that makes you want to do a little happy dance in the kitchen. Picture this: golden, flaky layers of dough wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, lightly sweetened and begging for a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. The aroma wafting through your home will have everyone asking, “What’s that heavenly smell?”
Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with this delicious treat. It was at a family gathering, where the dessert table looked like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Amongst the cupcakes and brownies stood the Cream Cheese Danish; I couldn’t resist its inviting allure. With each bite, I was transported to pastry heaven! There’s something about its flaky texture and creamy filling that makes it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack—ideal for those moments when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for Cream Cheese Danish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect even for novice bakers
- Each bite bursts with rich flavors, combining the tangy cream cheese with just the right amount of sweetness
- The visual appeal is undeniable; these pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious, fitting perfectly on any brunch spread
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or adorned with fruits and glazes for extra flair
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Danish
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Frozen Puff Pastry: This is your base; opt for high-quality puff pastry that puffs beautifully when baked.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
Granulated Sugar: Just a bit enhances sweetness without overpowering the cream cheese flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds a warm, aromatic quality to your filling.
Egg: This will give your pastries a lovely golden glaze when brushed on before baking.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top after baking; it makes everything look more delightful!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cream Cheese Danish
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your pastries don’t stick.
Step 2: Thaw Puff Pastry
Take your frozen puff pastry out of the freezer and let it thaw according to package instructions. You want it pliable but not overly soft.
Step 3: Mix Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy—this should only take about two minutes.
Step 4: Roll Out Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle about an eighth of an inch thick. Cut this into squares—roughly four inches by four inches works well.
Step 5: Fill and Fold
Place about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Fold over two opposite corners towards the center so they meet on top of the filling (like folding up a present), then pinch the edges together gently.
Step 6: Bake
Brush each pastry with beaten egg for that golden finish and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re puffy and golden brown.
Transfer to plates and dust with powdered sugar before serving; these beauties are best enjoyed warm! Your friends will be begging you for this recipe—get ready for some serious praise!
You Must Know
- This delightful Cream Cheese Danish is not just a treat for the taste buds; it makes breakfast feel like a celebration
- The flaky pastry and sweet, creamy filling will have everyone asking for seconds
- Perfect for brunch but equally satisfying as an afternoon snack
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the pastry. Roll out the dough, fill with cream cheese mixture, and fold over. Bake until golden brown for that perfect crispy exterior and creamy interior.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cream cheese for ricotta or mascarpone for a twist. Add fresh fruit toppings like berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to elevate your Cream Cheese Danish experience even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that fresh-baked goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfectly flaky pastry, avoid overworking the dough; treat it gently
- Always let your cream cheese soften before mixing to achieve a smooth filling
- Brush with egg wash before baking for that golden, glossy finish
There was this one time I made Cream Cheese Danish for my family’s Sunday brunch. They devoured every last bite and insisted I start a bakery. Their enthusiasm was so contagious; I almost considered it!
FAQs:
What is a Cream Cheese Danish?
A Cream Cheese Danish is a delicious pastry made with layers of flaky dough filled with a sweetened cream cheese mixture. Often topped with icing or fruit, this treat offers a perfect balance of creamy and buttery flavors. It’s commonly enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack. Many variations exist, incorporating different fruits or spices, making the Cream Cheese Danish versatile for any occasion.
How do you store Cream Cheese Danish?
To store your Cream Cheese Danish, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. For extended storage, you can freeze the pastries. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months when frozen.
Can I make Cream Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cream Cheese Danish ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and filling the day before and assemble the pastries before baking them. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving time on busy mornings. Just ensure you refrigerate the assembled danishes if you’re not baking them right away.
What variations can I try with Cream Cheese Danish?
There are many delightful variations to try with your Cream Cheese Danish! You can add fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or peaches to the cream cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor. Alternatively, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to infuse warmth into your pastry. You can also experiment with different glazes, like lemon or almond, for added sweetness.
Conclusion for Cream Cheese Danish:
In summary, making a Cream Cheese Danish is both enjoyable and rewarding. The combination of flaky pastry and rich cream cheese filling creates an irresistible treat that everyone loves. With easy storage options and various ways to customize your danish, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to serve it at breakfast or as a delightful dessert, it will surely impress your friends and family!
Cream Cheese Danish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cream Cheese Danish is an irresistible pastry featuring light, flaky puff pastry enveloping a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, these delightful danishes are easy to prepare and sure to impress family and friends. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of buttery and creamy flavors, often finished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh fruit for an added touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface into an 1/8-inch thick rectangle; cut into four squares.
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square, fold corners to the center, and pinch edges to seal.
- Brush each pastry with beaten egg and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
