Name: Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese; 1/3 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; 1 sheet puff pastry; 1 egg (yolk and white separated); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 2 Tbsp milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 8 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamt of a bakery-style treat that comes together quickly but tastes like a little slice of heaven, this Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine buttery, golden puff pastry surrounding a luxuriously smooth cream cheese filling, all ready before your coffee even cools down. It’s the perfect balance of flaky and creamy, sweet but not overwhelming, making it an irresistible addition to any breakfast or snack time. Let me take you through this joyful journey that transforms simple ingredients into pure delight in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with smooth, creamy, off-white whipped mixture. The surface has soft swirls and gentle peaks, with a dip in the middle revealing a slightly deeper yellow tone inside. The texture looks light and airy, with clear motion marks suggesting recent stirring. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe plays a crucial role, from creating that perfect flaky crust to adding a silky, sweet cream cheese center. You’ll see how a few pantry staples come together beautifully for a visually stunning and delicious result.

8 oz. cream cheese: Provides the rich, creamy filling that’s the heart of this danish.
1/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling delicately without graininess.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the flavor.
1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
1 sheet puff pastry: The buttery, flaky foundation that creates that dreamy, puffed-up texture.
1 egg (yolk and white separated): Egg yolk enriches the filling while the egg white gives the crust a glossy, golden finish.
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing): For a sweet drizzle topping that adds extra charm.
1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for icing): Infuses the icing with subtle, comforting flavor.
2 Tbsp milk (for icing): To achieve a smooth and pourable icing consistency.

How to Make Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cream Cheese Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—setting yourself up for easy cleanup and even baking. While that warms up, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and a pinch of salt together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and fluffy. This filling will be the luscious, silky center of your danish that everyone will adore.

Step 2: Ready the Puff Pastry

Next, gently unfold the puff pastry sheet and pat off any excess flour—that helps maintain that flawless texture. Cut the pastry into three long strips along the fold lines, then each strip in half to form six rectangles. Using a fork, gently prick around the edges of each rectangle, leaving a half-inch border unperforated. This clever trick keeps the edges puffed up while the center stays nicely flat for the cream cheese.

Step 3: Fill and Glaze

Now comes the fun part: dollop two heaping tablespoons of your cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry square. Spread it evenly but be sure to keep the filling away from the edges to preserve that perfect puff. Whip the egg white until frothy and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the edges of each square. This simple step gives your danish that irresistible shiny, golden look once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your danishes at 400°F for 10 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet to ensure an even bake. Continue for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully risen and golden brown. Once out, transfer them onto a cooling rack—that crispy flaky crust will be hard to resist even at this stage!

Step 5: Add the Icing Finish

While your danishes cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over your slightly cooled pastries. This sweet touch adds a lovely shine and a hint of extra sweetness, making your cheese danishes feel indulgent and special. Optional: a drizzle of strawberry jam thinned with a teaspoon of water adds a gorgeous fruity twist.

How to Serve Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe

This image shows three square puff pastries on a white marble surface and a cooling rack. Each pastry has golden, flaky layers with slightly raised edges. The center holds a small amount of white cream. One pastry is being spread with a bright red jelly by a spoon held by a woman’s hand. Behind the pastries is a small glass bowl with more white cream and a blurred white cup in the background. The overall colors are warm and soft. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the icing alone makes these pastries stunning, you can elevate the presentation with light dustings of powdered sugar or fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or a little zest of lemon on top will brighten the flavors and add an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Cheese Danishes praise good company on the breakfast table! Pair these warm pastries with fresh fruit salads, a vibrant green smoothie, or simply a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. The balance between creamy, flaky, and fresh makes for a perfect morning or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe on rustic wooden boards or elegant serving platters to match any occasion. For a brunch spread, plate them alongside mini quiches and smoked salmon. You can also use parchment paper-lined baskets for a cozy, casual vibe at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and honestly, that’s rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling fresh without losing any of that delightful flavor combination.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unbaked filled pastries on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes for a fabulous make-ahead option whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe is in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives that crisp flakiness while warming the cream cheese just right, unlike microwaving which can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut that keeps this Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe quick and easy, without compromising on that buttery, flaky texture.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

You can try mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture and flavor profile, but cream cheese gives the best balance of creaminess and tanginess that defines a classic danish filling.

Can I make these danishes dairy-free?

Yes, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a vegan puff pastry for a delicious dairy-free version that stays true to the spirit of this Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe.

What if I don’t have an egg white for glazing?

Simply brushing the edges with a bit of milk or melted butter will still give a lovely golden color, though egg white adds that extra glossy finish.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy under the filling?

Pricking the border with a fork and leaving a neat edge around the filling helps keep the center flat and prevents sogginess. Also, spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly and thinly is key to maintain crispiness throughout.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about pulling warm, golden Cheese Danishes out of the oven in less time than it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. This Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Cream Cheese Pastry in Under 30 Minutes Recipe is a simple, yet spectacular way to create bakery-level delight right in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try and share the joy of flaky, creamy bliss with your favorite people—you won’t regret it!