Anyone can make this foolproof Cheese Danish recipe! Using frozen puff pastry makes it so easy, it practically makes itself. The luscious sweet cream cheese center is to die for and only takes 5 minutes to make. You can enjoy flaky, sweet, creamy Cheese Danish in just about 35 minutes!
Ingredients For Homemade Cheese Danish
- Eggs
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Frozen puff pastry
- Confectioner’s sugar
- Milk
How To Make 35-Minute Cheese Danish
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Make the egg wash: beat one whole egg with a tbsp of water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Make the cream cheese filling: mix the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, lemon juice, and ½ tsp vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl using a whisk, until smooth.
- Place one sheet of thawed puff pastry on each baking sheet and cut into 4 squares.
- Fold the corners of the squares over by one inch to make octagons.
- Spoon about 2 tbsp of cream cheese filling into the middle of each square (do not spread it). Brush them with egg wash and dust them with sugar.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let them cool down a bit.
Make the icing: mix the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle on top of the slightly cooled danishes.
Can I Prepare The Cream Cheese Mixture Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make it and keep it in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature before you start making the cheese danishes.
Easy 35-Minute Cheese Danish Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 tbsp sugar plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, divided
- 1 - 17.3 oz box frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Make the egg wash: beat one whole egg with a tbsp of water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Make the cream cheese filling: mix the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, lemon juice, and ½ tsp vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl using a whisk, until smooth.
- Place one sheet of thawed puff pastry on each baking sheet and cut into 4 squares.
- Fold the corners of the squares over by one inch to make octagons.
- Spoon about 2 tbsp of cream cheese filling into the middle of each square (do not spread it). Brush them with egg wash and dust them with sugar.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let them cool down a bit.
- Make the icing: mix the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle on top of the slightly cooled danishes.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need To Use Both The Egg And The Egg Yolk In The Filling?
No, you have to add the egg yolk to the filling and use the whole egg to make the egg wash.
My Puff Pastry Isn’t Golden After Baking; What Should I Do?
Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 400 F before baking, and bake four at a time. Place the baking sheet in the middle of the oven and bake for a few more minutes if necessary.
The Puff Pastry Squares Are Sticking To My Baking Sheet; Any Tips?
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line the baking sheets and avoid this, and for easy removal.
Do I Need A Mixer To Make The Cream Cheese Filling?
No, you don’t. As long as the cream cheese is room temperature you can even use a fork. Just make sure it is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
Can I Add Or Change The Toppings On The Danishes?
If you don’t like the cream cheese filling, you can use your favorite jam or preserve, sprinkle some nuts on them, or drizzle them with icing!
