Cream Cheese Danish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream Cheese Danish is a buttery, flaky pastry filled with a rich, slightly tangy cream cheese center and often topped with fruit or icing. Whether made with puff pastry or crescent roll dough, these easy, bakery-style treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Elegant yet simple, they’re sure to impress guests and satisfy any sweet craving.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cream cheese (softened)
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
puff pastry sheets or refrigerated crescent roll dough
egg (for egg wash)
powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
milk or cream (for glaze)
fruit preserves or fresh berries (optional topping)

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.

Unfold the puff pastry or roll out the crescent dough and cut into squares or rectangles.

Spoon a small amount of cream cheese filling into the center of each piece.

Fold or shape the dough as desired (pinch corners, twist edges, or fold diagonally for triangles).

Brush the edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.

If using fruit preserves or fresh berries, spoon a bit on top of the cream cheese before baking.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

While pastries cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze.

Drizzle glaze over the cooled pastries and serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 danishes.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15–20 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Add a fruit center with jam, fresh berries, or apple slices.
Use crescent roll dough for a quicker version.
Top with sliced almonds or coarse sugar before baking.
Flavor the filling with almond extract or orange zest for variety.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Freeze unglazed danishes for up to 1 month and thaw before warming and glazing.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pastry dough?

Yes, but store-bought puff pastry or crescent dough works well for convenience.

Do I have to add fruit?

No, the cream cheese filling is delicious on its own.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, assemble and chill them overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Why is my pastry soggy?

Overfilling or underbaking can cause sogginess—use minimal filling and bake until golden.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, though full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use an extra sheet of puff pastry or more dough.

Do I need to thaw puff pastry first?

Yes, thaw according to package instructions before using.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but it adds sweetness and a classic bakery finish.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze before or after baking, but add glaze after thawing.

Can kids help make these?

Yes, it’s a fun and simple recipe perfect for little hands to help shape and fill.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Danish is a rich, indulgent pastry that brings bakery-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. With its flaky crust, creamy center, and optional fruity or sweet glaze, it’s the perfect treat for special mornings or elegant brunches. Easy to customize and always delicious, this danish will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.

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