Cheese Danish
This Cheese Danish tastes just like the one from Starbucks, only fresher, softer, and way more satisfying. It has flaky pastry, a sweet, creamy filling, and that cozy bakery vibe without leaving the house. It is the kind of breakfast treat that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, which is exactly the kind of chaos I support.
Servings: 12 Danishes
Print Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Sheet pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixer and bowl
- Spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Cut each puff pastry sheet in half, then divide each half into three pieces to form six rectangles per sheet. Arrange the puff pastry rectangles on the sheet pans. Use a fork to poke the centers of each rectangle three times.
- In the bowl of your mixer, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well blended. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
Why are you poking only the center of the puff pastry with the fork?
Poking holes in the center keeps that part of the pastry from rising. This helps the filling stay in place instead of spilling over the edges while it bakes. Can I add nuts to the top?
Yes. Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or pistachios all work well. Sprinkle them on before baking or add them after if you want more texture. Can I make these in different flavors other than the cream cheese?
Yes. You can use blueberry, blackberry, apple, or almost any fruit filling you like. They bake the same way. Can you add toppings to the Cheese Danishes?
Yes. Nuts are an option, and you can also use jams, honey, or a simple icing glaze if you want extra sweetness.
Poking holes in the center keeps that part of the pastry from rising. This helps the filling stay in place instead of spilling over the edges while it bakes. Can I add nuts to the top?
Yes. Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or pistachios all work well. Sprinkle them on before baking or add them after if you want more texture. Can I make these in different flavors other than the cream cheese?
Yes. You can use blueberry, blackberry, apple, or almost any fruit filling you like. They bake the same way. Can you add toppings to the Cheese Danishes?
Yes. Nuts are an option, and you can also use jams, honey, or a simple icing glaze if you want extra sweetness.