Homemade Cheese Danishes

Flaky, buttery, and filled with luscious sweetened cream cheese, these Homemade Cheese Danishes are a bakery-style delight you can make right in your own kitchen. With golden puff pastry and a rich, vanilla-scented filling, every bite melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, these pastries are easier to make than you think—and impossible to resist.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bakery-Style at Home – Just as good as your favorite café pastry.
Quick & Easy – Uses store-bought puff pastry for a shortcut.
Creamy & Tangy – Sweetened cream cheese filling is rich and balanced.
Beautifully Golden – A simple egg wash gives that glossy, golden top.
Great for Any Occasion – Serve warm or cold, morning or night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pastry:

• 1 package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh fruit (berries, peach slices, or cherries)
• Fruit preserves
• Lemon zest
• Almond slices

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush
Knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (for 8 danishes total).
Optional: Fold each square’s edges inward slightly to create a border.
Place squares on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Step 4: Fill and Shape
Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling into the center of each square.
Spread gently, keeping inside the border.
Optional: Add a dollop of fruit preserves or a slice of fresh fruit on top.

Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the edges of each pastry with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and deep golden brown.
Cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve
If desired, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze.
Drizzle over cooled danishes and serve.

Tips for the Best Cheese Danishes
Use Cold Pastry – Puff pastry puffs best when cold.
Don’t Overfill – Keeps the filling from leaking out.
Customize the Flavors – Add lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon.
Make Mini Danishes – Cut into smaller squares for bite-size versions.
Add a Crunch – Top with sliced almonds or sanding sugar before baking.

Serving Suggestions
With Fresh Coffee or Tea – A cozy café-style breakfast.
On a Brunch Board – Pair with fresh fruit, muffins, and yogurt.
As a Dessert – Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For Gifting – Wrap in parchment and tie with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.
With Sparkling Juice – A light and elegant brunch combo.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days—reheat before serving for best texture.

Freezing:
Freeze baked and cooled danishes in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
Reheat in oven or air fryer to re-crisp.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Air Fryer: Heat at 320°F for 3–4 minutes.
Microwave: Use short bursts, but pastry may soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the danishes and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

2. Can I use homemade dough?
Definitely—try a homemade Danish or laminated dough for a true from-scratch experience.

3. What other fillings work?
Try Nutella, lemon curd, raspberry jam, or apple pie filling.

4. Are these sweet or savory?
This version is sweet, but you can omit sugar and add herbs for a savory twist.

5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat provides the creamiest, richest result.

Final Thoughts
Homemade Cheese Danishes are a simple yet impressive way to bring bakery magic into your kitchen. With creamy filling and crisp pastry, they’re a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether dressed up with fruit or enjoyed plain, they’re always a hit.

Bake up a batch and enjoy the flaky, creamy goodness—no bakery trip required!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Cuisine: American / European-Inspired Pastry

Nutritional Information (Per Danish, makes 8):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 19g | Sugar: 9g | Sodium: 210mg

Print