This recipe gives you all the flavor and texture of a bakery-style Danish with minimal effort. The crisp, golden puff pastry contrasts beautifully with the smooth, tangy cream cheese filling. It’s quick to prep, easy to customize with fruit or jam, and looks impressive enough for guests or special occasions. No yeast or complicated dough—just delicious results every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed) cream cheese (softened) granulated sugar vanilla extract lemon juice (optional, for brightness) egg (for egg wash) powdered sugar (for glaze) milk or cream (for glaze)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth.
Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred shape.
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each piece.
Fold or shape the pastry around the filling as desired—leave it open in the center or create a pinwheel, envelope, or braid.
Beat the egg and brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
While the pastries cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or cream to make the glaze.
Drizzle glaze over the cooled Danishes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 to 8 Danishes, depending on the size. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15–18 minutes Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Add a dollop of fruit preserves, pie filling, or fresh berries on top of the cheese before baking.
Mix lemon zest into the filling for extra citrus flavor.
Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a different twist.
Use chocolate chips or Nutella for a dessert-style version.
Dust with powdered sugar instead of glaze for a lighter finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes or in the microwave for about 20 seconds. The oven will help restore the pastry’s crispness better than the microwave. Danishes are best eaten fresh but can also be frozen (without glaze) for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a low oven until warmed through, then glaze if desired.
FAQs
Can I make these Danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Bake fresh for best texture.
Do I need to prick the puff pastry before baking?
No, but if your pastry puffs too much in the center, you can gently press it down after baking.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese yields a creamier texture and richer flavor.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The glaze adds sweetness and shine but isn’t necessary if you prefer a less sweet pastry.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works great if you have the time and skill to prepare it.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Don’t overfill, and keep the edges clear. Press down or crimp edges slightly if you’re enclosing the filling.
What fruit works well in this recipe?
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or sliced peaches all pair beautifully with the cream cheese filling.
Can I make mini versions for a party?
Yes, cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and reduce baking time by a few minutes.
Should I thaw puff pastry in the fridge or at room temperature?
It’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight, but you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes in a pinch.
Can I freeze the baked Danishes?
Yes, freeze them unglazed in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven and add glaze after warming.
Conclusion
Easy Cheese Danish with Puff Pastry is a no-fuss recipe that delivers bakery-quality flavor and texture with minimal prep. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or with fruit, these Danishes are a flaky, creamy delight that’s sure to become a favorite for both everyday and special occasions.
Easy Cheese Danish with Puff Pastry is a flaky, buttery treat filled with a sweet cream cheese center and finished with a simple glaze. Using store-bought puff pastry makes it fast and foolproof—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth.
Unfold thawed puff pastry and cut each sheet into 6–8 rectangles or squares.
Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each piece of pastry.
Shape the pastries as desired—open-faced, pinwheels, or envelopes.
Beat the egg and brush it on the pastry edges for a golden finish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly. Whisk powdered sugar and milk/cream to form glaze, then drizzle over pastries.
Notes
Add fruit preserves, jam, or fresh berries on top of the cheese before baking.Use lemon zest in the filling for extra citrus brightness.Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a flavor variation.Dust with powdered sugar instead of using glaze for a lighter option.To make mini Danishes, cut pastry into smaller pieces and reduce bake time slightly.
