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Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

Delight in these homemade Cream Cheese Danish pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese mixture accented with fresh lemon zest and vanilla. Perfectly golden and slightly tangy, these danishes make a sophisticated breakfast treat or elegant dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry dough (thawed)

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 4 Tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Egg Wash

  • 1 Egg
  • 2 Tablespoons Water

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  2. Roll and cut puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12 by 9-inch rectangle. Cut it lengthwise in half to make two strips approximately 4 1/2 inches wide. Then, cut each strip crosswise into thirds, resulting in six rectangles total.
  3. Score and prick dough: Using a knife, score a half-inch border around the edge of each puff pastry rectangle. Then, use a fork to prick five or six holes inside the border area of each piece. This prevents the center from rising too much during baking.
  4. Make cream cheese filling and fill pastries: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth and creamy. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of this filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, spreading evenly but making sure to stay within the scored border.
  5. Apply egg wash: Whisk together one egg and two tablespoons of water. Brush the edges of each pastry evenly with this egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
  6. Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through to ensure even browning. Once puffed and golden brown, remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure puff pastry is thawed but still cool before rolling to prevent tearing.
  • The cream cheese filling can be flavored with other citrus zests or extracts for variety.
  • Egg wash adds shine and helps the edges brown evenly.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature; danishes can be reheated gently before serving.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Cream Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Easy Danish Recipe, Breakfast Pastry, Lemon Cream Cheese Danish

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/cream-cheese-danish-recipe/