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If you have ever wandered into Starbucks just for their cheese danish and wished you could make that gooey treat at home you are in the right place. This easy recipe brings together flaky puff pastry and a tangy vanilla cream cheese center in less than half an hour. It is perfect for breakfast gatherings lazy weekends or anytime you crave bakery-style comfort without leaving your kitchen.
When my sister first tried these copycat danishes she called them dangerously good. Now they are our go-to for brunch and holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry: brings buttery layers and puffiness opt for all-butter versions in the freezer section that feel cold and firm
- Cream cheese: gives the rich creamy center pick a full-fat block for best flavor and avoid whipped tubs
- Granulated sugar: provides sweetness and helps caramelize the edges
- Vanilla extract: offers deep flavor use pure vanilla for best results
- Salt: balances sweetness and highlights the tang in the filling
- Egg and water: create the shiny finish look for fresh eggs with vibrant yolks
Instructions
- Prep the Bakery Base:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. The high temperature ensures the pastry puffs quickly.
- Shape the Pastry Squares:
- Lay a thawed puff pastry sheet on a kitchen surface and use a sharp knife to cut it into six even rectangles or squares. Place each piece on your baking sheet with an inch between for spreading space.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl beat cream cheese granulated sugar vanilla and salt together with a hand mixer or spatula until the filling is velvety and lump free. To make things tidy scoop the filling into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off.
- Fill the Pastry:
- Pipe a generous line of the cream cheese mixture right down the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful to leave about half an inch border so the filling does not bubble out while baking.
- Brush On the Egg Wash:
- Whisk an egg with a spoonful of water in a small bowl. Paint the edges of each pastry with this glaze using a pastry brush for a deep golden color after baking.
- Bake Until Puff and Gold:
- Slide your pan into the hot oven and let the danishes bake for 15 to 16 minutes. They are ready when the pastry is crisp and golden and the centers are slightly set.
- Cool and Devour:
- Transfer the danishes to a wire rack and let them cool for five to ten minutes before enjoying. The filling will set slightly making each bite creamy but not runny.
The first time I made these I was amazed by how bakery-fresh they tasted. My favorite part is that warm sweet aroma that fills the kitchen as they puff in the oven.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Once cooled store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature or up to four days in the fridge. Reheat in a toaster oven for best results which brings the flakiness back. For longer storage wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months then bake straight from the freezer adding an extra two to three minutes.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
No puff pastry available Try crescent roll dough and gently press seams together before slicing and filling. If you are out of vanilla try almond extract for a nutty twist. Low fat cream cheese can be swapped in but full fat creates the richest texture.
Perfect Ways to Serve This
Serve danishes warm with fresh berries or dust with a little powdered sugar before serving. They pair beautifully with coffee or even a mimosa for brunch. For a dessert platter drizzle each cool danish with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
A homemade cheese danish is delightfully easy and satisfying. Enjoy this bakery classic fresh from your own oven whenever you crave that sweet creamy comfort.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I keep puff pastry crisp?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid overfilling with cream cheese. Bake until deeply golden to maintain crispiness.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
You can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them before baking. Bake just before serving for best results.
- → What type of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor and consistency for the filling.
- → Can I add toppings to the danishes?
Try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar, or fruit preserves to the filling for a twist.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate to keep longer.