Description
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.
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Ingredients
For the Pastry:
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1 package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
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1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
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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½ tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
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Pinch of salt
Optional Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or cream
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¼ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
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Fresh fruit (berries, peach slices, or cherries)
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Fruit preserves
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Lemon zest
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Almond slices
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: American / European-Inspired Pastry