Description
Danish pastry lovers rejoice over this classic Cheese Danish that brings Copenhagen’s bakery magic right to home kitchens. Rich cream cheese filling nestled in buttery, flaky pastry creates a delightful breakfast or dessert you can savor with morning coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Pastry:
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal baking.
- Create a velvety cream cheese filling by thoroughly blending cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Gently unfurl the puff pastry on a lightly dusted work surface, then carefully slice into uniform squares or rectangles for consistent pastry size.
- Distribute the luscious cream cheese mixture to the center of each pastry piece, leaving enough border for folding.
- Elegantly fold the pastry corners toward the center, allowing them to slightly overlap and encase the creamy filling.
- Craft a golden glaze by whisking the remaining egg with water, then delicately brush the pastry surface to achieve a lustrous finish.
- Arrange the prepared Danish on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each pastry.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color that indicates perfect caramelization and flaky texture.
- Allow the Danish to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Adjust cream cheese temperature beforehand for smoother, lump-free filling by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Experiment with flavor variations by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for unique taste profiles.
- Ensure pastry edges are sealed properly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, using a fork to gently press down the folded corners.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough, keeping cooking time and temperature consistent.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg