Dessert

Cheese Danish Recipe – Cheap Delicious Meals

Name: Cheese Danish Recipe – Cheap Delicious Meals
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup white granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 batch homemade puff pastry; 2 teaspoons cold water; 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered confectioners’ sugar; 3 teaspoons 3 to 5 teaspoons whole milk

Martha Adams August 6, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 37 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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One of the pleasures I cherish is pairing delightful pastries with the right drinks. When it comes to Cheese Danish, I can’t help but think of a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea. That combination is simply divine.

The sweet, creamy filling of the Danish contrasts perfectly with the slightly bitter notes of coffee or the floral tones of tea. If you’ve never had that experience, you’re in for a treat.

What is Cheese Danish?

Cheese Danish is a sweet pastry made from flaky dough, filled with a rich mixture primarily centered around cream cheese. This pastry has its roots in Denmark, which is known for its bakery culture and pastries.

The cheese filling is often sweetened, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The outside is usually golden brown and flaky, making every bite a delightful experience.

I remember the first time I tried a Cheese Danish; I was young and wandering through a local bakery. The aroma wafting through the air drew me in like a moth to a flame. The moment I took that first bite, I was hooked.

The buttery pastry melted in my mouth, and the sweet, creamy filling was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. From that point forward, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

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The Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to create a delicious Cheese Danish from scratch:

Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup white granulated sugar

1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pastry

1 batch homemade puff pastry

Egg Wash

2 teaspoons cold water

1 large egg

Glaze

½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

1 cup powdered confectioners’ sugar

3 to 5 teaspoons whole milk

How to Make Cheese Danish?

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let me say that making Cheese Danish can be a labor of love but is well worth the effort. You can create a fresh batch and impress your family or guests on lazy Sunday mornings or at weekend brunches. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

The dough is the star of the show. If you’re making homemade puff pastry, start by ensuring all your ingredients are cold. The key to flaky pastry lies in keeping your butter and water chilled. Roll out your dough on a floured surface, folding and turning it several times to create layers.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, orange zest, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.

With a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until smooth and fluffier. You want it creamy but with a bit of body to hold that shape inside the pastry.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once your pastry is ready, roll it out into a large rectangular shape. You can cut it into squares or triangles, depending on how you want to shape your Danish. I usually prefer squares for a traditional look.

Step 4: Fill the Pastry

Place a generous spoonful of the cheese filling into the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill; you want to keep it contained, not escape into a cheesy explosion in the oven.

Step 5: Shape the Danish

Fold the corners of each square into the center, pinching them together to seal in the filling. Alternatively, you can create a classic shape by folding two opposite corners over the filling while leaving the other two corners up.

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash

To give your pastries that beautiful golden color, mix the egg with cold water and brush it over the tops of each Danish. This step adds a lovely sheen to your baked pastries.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the Danish for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. The smell will be incredible! Your kitchen will smell like a pastry shop in no time.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the Danish cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk until it reaches a drizzleable consistency. It should be thick but pourable.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once the Cheese Danish have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. This step adds a sweet finish that ties everything together.

Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your Cheese Danish turns out perfectly every time:

Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and water make for a flakier pastry.
Don’t overwork the dough: This can make the pastry tough. Handle it gently.
Let the cream cheese soften: This ensures a smoother filling.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add fruit or change up the spices according to your taste.
Cool before glazing: Glaze at room temperature to prevent it from melting off.

Storage Tips

To store your Cheese Danish, make sure they are fully cooled. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, but they may lose some flakiness.

You can also freeze unbaked Danish for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Nutrition Information

Cheese Danish Recipe Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

If you’re wondering how to serve these delightful pastries, here are some ideas:

With Coffee: A cup of rich coffee complements the sweetness of the Danish perfectly.
With Tea: The floral notes of Earl Grey or the spice of chai balance the richness.
Fresh Fruit: Serve with berries or sliced fruit for a fresh contrast.
Whipped Cream: A dollop adds creaminess, enhancing the overall experience.
Ice Cream: Warm Danish served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is heavenly.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Cheese Danish?

Many substitutions can give your Cheese Danish a fun twist. Here are a few options:

Ricotta Cheese: For a more delicate flavor, ricotta can replace cream cheese. It lends a lighter texture.
Mascarpone: This Italian cheese makes the filling extra creamy and rich.
Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt mixed with cream cheese to cut calories while adding protein.
Fruit Preserves: Mixing fruit preserves into the cheese filling can give a delightful twist and extra flavor. Consider raspberry or apricot.
Nut Pastes: Almond or hazelnut paste can replace some cream cheese for a nutty profile, elevating the flavor.

Conclusion

Creating a Cheese Danish is not just about baking; it’s about crafting a piece of joy that can be enjoyed at any hour of the day.

Whether paired with coffee or shared at brunch gatherings, these pastries have a charm that captivates. The blend of creamy filling and flaky pastry is a match made in heaven.

As I often say, cooking allows us to share love and memories, one delicious bite at a time. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let your kitchen fill with the warm, inviting aroma of cheese danishes baking away—you won’t regret it!

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Print Recipe

Cheese Danish Recipe – Cheap Delicious Meals

Author: Martha Adams Cuisine: American Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 17 mins Total Time 37 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 523

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

The cheese filling is often sweetened, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The outside is usually golden brown and flaky, making every bite a delightful experience.