Cheese Danish is a beautifully flaky, buttery pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese that melts in your mouth with every bite.
If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or uninspired desserts, this recipe promises a bakery-quality treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. At dishfoody.com, I focus on sharing feel-good, flavorful recipes that bring joy and ease to your kitchen.
This article will guide you through why this recipe works, ingredient choices, preparation tips, step-by-step baking instructions, expert insights, flavor variations, serving ideas, and FAQs.
Why This Cheese Danish Recipe Works
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients like puff pastry and cream cheese
- Balances crisp, flaky layers with rich, smooth cream cheese filling
- Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or delightful desserts
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cheese Danish
Best Ingredients for This Recipe
Frozen puff pastry offers convenience and authentic flakiness. Full-fat cream cheese creates a rich, creamy filling, while fresh vanilla and sugar add sweetness and depth.
Buying Tips
Use fresh cream cheese and high-quality puff pastry for best results. Opt for organic or unbleached flour if making dough from scratch.
Substitutions
Pre-made cream cheese filling or alternative berries can diversify flavors.
Ingredients & Prep for Cheese Danish
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for finishing

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cheese Danish
Pre-Cooking Prep
Thaw puff pastry. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and flour until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut puff pastry sheets into rectangles (about 4×6 inches).
- Spread cream cheese filling onto each rectangle, leaving edges free.
- Fold or shape pastry edges to seal filling. Brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until puff pastry is golden and flaky.
- Cool slightly, then optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle glaze.
Doneness Check
Pastry should be puffed and golden; filling set and creamy.
Resting
Allow to cool a few minutes to firm up for easier handling.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese Danish
- Keep puff pastry cold until assembly to ensure flakiness.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks and sogginess.
- Use an egg wash for a shiny, beautiful finish.
Flavor Variations for Cheese Danish
Spicy Twist
Add cinnamon or lemon zest to cream cheese filling.
Keto/Paleo
Use almond flour-based pastry and sugar substitutes with coconut cream filling.
Global Flavors
- French: Incorporate lavender or orange flower water.
- Italian: Use mascarpone cheese and fresh figs.
- American South: Add pecan streusel topping.
| Variation | Key Ingredient | Dietary Tag | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spicy Twist | Cinnamon, lemon zest | Warm | Aromatic, fresh |
| Keto/Paleo | Almond flour | Low-carb | Nutty, rich |
| Global Flavors | Lavender, mascarpone | Exotic | Floral, creamy |
Serving Suggestions for Cheese Danish
Serve warm with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit. Ideal for brunch, desserts, or gifting.
FAQs for Cheese Danish
- Can I make ahead? Yes, assemble and chill before baking.
- How to store leftovers? Refrigerate for 2-3 days; reheat gently.
- Suitable for children? Yes, sweet and mild flavor appeals to kids.
Conclusion
Cheese Danish offers a perfect blend of flaky pastry and creamy filling that’s easy to make and delightful to eat. This recipe brings bakery treats into your home with less fuss and great flavor. For more comforting recipes, visit dishfoody.com and try our Strawberry Danish next!
PrintCheese Danish
Flaky, golden pastry filled with a sweet, creamy cheese center the ultimate bakery-style Cheese Danish you can easily make at home.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Danish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon juice until smooth.
- 3. Unfold puff pastry and cut into 6 equal squares.
- 4. Spoon a tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each square.
- 5. Fold corners toward the center or leave open-faced for classic shape.
- 6. Whisk egg and water; brush edges with egg wash.
- 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- 8. Let cool slightly.
- 9. Mix powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze and drizzle over cooled danishes.
Notes
- Add fruit jam or pie filling before baking for fruity cheese danishes.
- For extra shine, brush with a little honey while warm.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheese danish, puff pastry danish, cream cheese pastry, breakfast pastry

