If you are searching for a delightful treat that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, this Easy Cheese Danish Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines flaky puff pastry, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a burst of fresh fruit, all glazed with a shiny layer of jam that makes these pastries irresistible. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a tea party, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these Danish pastries never fail to impress with their perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and buttery crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Easy Cheese Danish Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen for their role in building layers of flavor and texture. The puff pastry brings that irresistible flakiness, the cream cheese adds creamy richness, and the fresh fruit injects vibrant color and freshness to every bite.
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed): The foundation for flaky, buttery layers that puff up beautifully in the oven.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Helps give the pastry a glossy, golden finish that makes your Danish look bakery-worthy.
- 1 tsp water (for egg wash): Dilutes the egg slightly for easier brushing and perfect browning.
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): The lush, creamy filling that balances sweet and tangy flavors.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese just enough without overpowering the fruit’s natural taste.
- 1 egg yolk (whisked): Adds richness and a silky texture to the cheese mixture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cream cheese with warm and aromatic notes.
- 12 apricots (sliced or quartered): Fresh apricots bring a juicy, slightly tart flavor; feel free to substitute with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries.
- 4 tablespoons apricot jam: Used for glazing the fruit, it adds shine and an extra punch of sweetness.
How to Make Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Fruit
Begin by preheating your oven to 400℉ to ensure it’s hot enough to give your Danish pastries that golden puffiness. Meanwhile, get your fruit ready—if you’re using apricots, cut them in half, remove pits, and slice thinly. Other fruits like strawberries or cherries need to be hulled or pitted and sliced, while berries like blueberries can stay whole. Fresh fruit preparation ahead of time helps everything flow smoothly once the dough is ready.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix the room temperature cream cheese with egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of your Danish; getting it well blended ensures each bite is luscious and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk together one egg and a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. This simple mixture will be brushed on the pastry edges to give them a stunning golden shine and help seal the filling inside perfectly.
Step 4: Cut and Prick the Puff Pastry
Unwrap your thawed puff pastry sheets one at a time and cut each sheet into 12 equal rectangles. Using a fork, gently prick the dough across the surface, avoiding the edges by about 1/2 inch—this keeps the edges puffed up and crisp while the center stays perfectly fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Danishes
Lay the cut pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto each pastry, keeping clear of the edges for that classic puffed border. Arrange your sliced fruit over the cheese layer, then brush the fruit with apricot jam for a lovely glaze. Don’t forget to brush the edges with your egg wash for color and crispness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking sheet in the oven’s middle rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for those edges turning golden brown and flaky—this is the signal your Danish pastries are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once out of the oven, allow your Easy Cheese Danish Recipe creations to cool slightly for the filling to set but don’t wait too long—these are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature when the cream cheese is luxuriously soft and the pastry still shines fresh.
How to Serve Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar over the Danish adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios can add texture and color, making your pastries even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve these danishes alongside fresh fruit salad or a bowl of seasonal berries to enhance the fruity notes. For a brunch spread, pair with creamy yogurt or a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for a balanced and vibrant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the danishes on a wooden board or tiered cake stand to create a stunning breakfast display. You can also offer an assortment of jams and honey on the side so everyone can customize their own sweet glaze after baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Cheese Danish Recipe pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay delicious but are best enjoyed within this timeframe to keep their flaky texture fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the assembled danishes on a baking sheet before baking. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the danishes in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives the crispiness of the puff pastry and warms the filling without drying it out, unlike the microwave which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
It’s best to thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours until it’s pliable but still cold. This prevents tearing and helps it puff up properly when baked.
What if I don’t have apricot jam for glazing?
No worries at all! You can substitute apricot jam with any other fruit jam like strawberry or raspberry, or even a light honey drizzle for a different but equally delicious finish.
Can I make these danishes vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry, replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and swap the egg wash with a bit of plant milk or melted coconut oil brushed on the edges for that golden touch.
How long do these danishes stay fresh?
These danishes are most delicious fresh but will stay good at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigeration can dry them out, so it’s better to keep them in a cool, airtight container if you plan to store longer.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Just bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on the dough for easier spreading.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about serving homemade pastry that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery, and this Easy Cheese Danish Recipe lets you do just that with minimal effort. Whether you are treating yourself or impressing guests, these danishes are a warm, comforting delight that’s bound to become a beloved staple. So grab your puff pastry and get baking—your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
Print
Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Easy Cheese Danish pastries featuring flaky puff pastry topped with a creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese filling and fresh fruit, all glazed with apricot jam for a perfect sweet finish. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, these delightful pastries combine simplicity with elegance in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk (whisked)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping and Glaze
- 12 apricots (sliced or quartered, or substitute with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries)
- 4 tablespoons apricot jam (or your favorite jam for glazing fruit)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking flaky, golden pastries.
- Prepare Fruit: Carefully prepare your chosen fruit. For apricots, halve, pit, and slice. If using strawberries, cherries, or peaches, hull or pit as needed, then slice. Leave raspberries and blueberries whole for a burst of flavor.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, use a fork to blend the room temperature cream cheese, whisked egg yolk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the whole egg with a teaspoon of water to create a glossy egg wash for the pastry edges.
- Cut and Dock Pastry: Unwrap one sheet of thawed puff pastry and cut into 12 equal rectangles. Using a fork, prick the surface of each rectangle, avoiding the outer 1/2-inch border to help prevent excessive puffing in the center.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Transfer all the pastry rectangles onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly to allow air circulation.
- Fill Pastries: Spread an even layer of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving the edges clear for puffing and browning.
- Add Fruit and Glaze: Arrange apricot slices or your chosen berries on top of the filling. Brush the fruit generously with apricot jam to add shine and sweetness. Then, brush the perimeter of each pastry with the prepared egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry edges are puffed, golden brown, and flaky. Oven times may vary slightly so check for doneness visually.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the Danish cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a fruit variation, use seasonal berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries according to availability and preference.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- You can prepare these ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, but allow the puff pastry to come to room temperature before baking for optimal puff.
- Brush the fruit with jam right after assembling to keep the fruit glossy and prevent drying during baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
