Name: Cheesecake Danish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting); Fresh fruit or fruit preserves (optional, for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesecake Danish strikes the ideal balance between a sweet dessert and a light pastry. The cream cheese filling is tangy and rich, while the puff pastry gives it a flaky, crisp texture that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to prepare with store-bought puff pastry, making it a quicker and more convenient option than traditional cheesecake. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these Danish pastries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They are versatile and can be customized with fruit toppings or even a drizzle of icing for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh fruit or fruit preserves (optional, for topping)

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 4 equal squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth and creamy.
Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry inward toward the center, creating a small border around the cream cheese filling.
Beat the egg and brush it over the edges of the puff pastry for a golden finish.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
Allow the Danish to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh fruit or fruit preserves, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 cheesecake Danish pastries
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Variations

Fruit toppings: Add fresh berries, sliced peaches, or fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese filling before folding the pastry to add extra flavor.
Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the puff pastry before baking for a warm, spiced flavor.
Lemon zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
Chocolate drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the top for a richer dessert.
Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and a bit of milk, and drizzle it over the cooled Danish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cheesecake Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the Danish on a baking sheet and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pastry for this recipe?

Yes, while puff pastry is ideal for its flakiness, you can use other doughs like croissant dough or even phyllo dough for a different texture.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the Danish just before serving for the freshest taste.

3. Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry is a great shortcut. Just make sure to thaw it according to package instructions before using it in this recipe.

4. Can I make these Danish without eggs?

Yes, you can skip the egg wash if you prefer, or use a plant-based milk alternative to brush the pastry for a golden color.

5. Can I make this into a bigger cheesecake Danish?

Yes, you can fold the puff pastry into one large square or rectangle and fill it with the cream cheese mixture, then bake as a single larger Danish. Just increase the baking time to around 20-25 minutes.

6. Can I freeze these Danish?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked Danish pastries. Assemble them, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

7. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly baked until golden brown to avoid any sogginess. Avoid overfilling the Danish with cream cheese filling as well.

8. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cream cheese filling for added texture and flavor.

9. Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Certainly! Flavored cream cheeses such as strawberry, blueberry, or cinnamon will add a fun twist to this recipe and give the Danish a unique flavor.

10. Can I make a sugar-free version of the cheesecake filling?

Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol to make a sugar-free version of the cream cheese filling.

Conclusion

Cheesecake Danish is a simple yet decadent pastry that brings together the rich flavor of cheesecake and the flaky texture of puff pastry. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to make and customizable with various fruit toppings, glazes, or additional spices. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these Cheesecake Danish pastries are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something indulgent and delicious