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Cheese Danish Recipe

Cheese Danish Recipe - Cheap Delicious Meals

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 523
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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 teaspoons 3 to 5 teaspoons whole milk

Method
 

  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, orange zest, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
  2. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.