Description
If you love buttery, flaky pastries with a creamy, tangy-sweet filling, these Homemade Cheese Danishes are going to be your new favorite treat. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. With a golden puff pastry base and a luscious cream cheese center, these danishes are both elegant and easy to make at home.
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Ingredients
For the Cheese Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 egg yolk (save the white for brushing the pastry)
For the Pastry:
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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1 egg white (for egg wash)
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1 tbsp water (to mix with egg white)
Optional Toppings:
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Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries)
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Fruit preserves or jam
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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Vanilla glaze (see notes below)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
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In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolk.
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Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Cut the Puff Pastry
4. Unroll or unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
5. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
6. Score a smaller rectangle about ½ inch inside each piece (don’t cut all the way through). This helps the edges puff up while keeping the filling centered.
Step 4: Add the Filling
7. Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each rectangle.
8. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the filling, staying inside the scored lines.
Step 5: Egg Wash & Bake
9. Whisk the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
10. Brush the outer edges of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the danishes are puffed and golden brown.
Step 6: Cool & Add Toppings
12. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
13. Top with fresh berries or a small spoonful of fruit preserves if desired.
14. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze once fully cooled.
Notes
Use Cold Pastry – Keep your puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it to ensure it puffs up beautifully.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can overflow and make the pastry soggy.
Chill Before Baking – If your kitchen is warm, pop the assembled danishes in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for extra flakiness.
Line the Baking Sheet – Always use parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Cool Before Glazing – Let them cool completely before adding glaze so it doesn’t melt off.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: American