There’s nothing quite like biting into a homemade cheese danish. Flaky, buttery pastry meets a creamy, sweet filling in a treat that feels bakery-quality but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Picture this: the golden pastry baking away, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of butter and vanilla. Moments later, you’re enjoying a warm danish with a cup of coffee—it doesn’t get much better than that.
Did you know? Cheese danishes trace their roots back to Denmark, where bakers first created them in the 1850s, inspired by Austrian techniques. Today, this pastry is loved around the globe, and now you can make it from scratch in under 30 minutes!
What is a Cheese Danish?
A cheese danish is a buttery, flaky pastry filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture. While the name suggests Danish origins, the recipe is actually a blend of European baking traditions that spread worldwide.
It’s the perfect blend of textures: crisp layers of pastry on the outside with a smooth, creamy center. Think of it as the ultimate comfort pastry that feels indulgent yet approachable for home bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Creamy & Sweet – The cream cheese filling with a hint of vanilla is simply irresistible.
-
Budget-Friendly – Skip the bakery price tag—these are inexpensive to make at home.
-
Quick & Easy – Only 30 minutes from start to finish!
-
Customizable – Add fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or drizzle with glaze for variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
⅓ cup powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 egg (for egg wash)
-
Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Pastry
Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases. Cut into 4 equal squares. -
Make the Filling
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. -
Assemble
Spoon filling into the center of each pastry square. Fold corners toward the middle to form a pinwheel shape. Pinch edges lightly to seal. -
Brush with Egg Wash
Beat the egg and brush over the pastry for a golden finish. -
Bake
Place pastries on prepared sheet. Bake 15–20 minutes, until puffed and golden. -
Serve
Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze. Enjoy warm!
Serving Ideas
Pair your cheese danish with:
-
Fresh fruit salad 🍓🍍
-
A steaming cup of coffee ☕
-
Scrambled eggs or a light omelet 🍳
It’s a breakfast, brunch, or anytime treat that feels like a little luxury.
Tips for Success
-
Soften cream cheese – This prevents lumps in your filling.
-
Prepare ahead – Make filling a day in advance and store in the fridge.
-
Watch while baking – If pastry edges brown too quickly, cover lightly with foil.
Storing & Reheating
-
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.
-
Freeze: Assemble unbaked danishes, wrap well, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Homemade Cheese Danish
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg for egg wash
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry to smooth the creases. Cut it into 4 equal squares.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assembly
- Place a generous spoonful of cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a pinwheel shape, pinching the edges to seal them securely.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl, then brush it over the top of each danish.
Baking
- Place the danish on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serving
- Enjoy your homemade cheese danish warm!
Leave a Reply