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.
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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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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once the Cheese Danish have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. This step adds a sweet finish that ties everything together.
Here are some tips to ensure your Cheese Danish turns out perfectly every time:
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.
Cheese Danish Recipe Nutrition Facts
If you're wondering how to serve these delightful pastries, here are some ideas:
Many substitutions can give your Cheese Danish a fun twist. Here are a few options:
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!
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.
Servings 8
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Here are some tips to ensure your Cheese Danish turns out perfectly every time:
Cool before glazing: Glaze at room temperature to prevent it from melting off.
Martha Adams is a registered dietitian and the creator of Cheap Delicious Meals, a blog focused on making healthy, tasty, and affordable meals accessible to all. With over a decade of experience, Martha combines her expertise in nutrition with a passion for budget-friendly cooking. Her goal is to inspire people to eat well without overspending.