Cheese danish is a classic breakfast pastry that combines rich cream cheese filling with buttery, flaky puff pastry. It’s the perfect treat for lazy mornings, brunch gatherings, or even as an indulgent afternoon snack. This ridiculously easy Cheese Danish recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is budget-friendly too!
Whether you’re making these for your family, friends, or just yourself, this homemade version beats store-bought pastries every time. With a soft, creamy center and crisp, golden edges, it’s a sweet delight that elevates any meal.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making cheese danish at home , including step-by-step instructions, ingredient breakdowns, nutritional information, storage tips, and more. Plus, we’ll share expert tricks to ensure your danishes come out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Danish Recipe
This easy Cheese Danish recipe is a must-try for several reasons:
- ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ Uses just a few simple ingredients
- ✅ Budget-friendly and delicious
- ✅ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dessert
- ✅ Can be customized with toppings like jam, fruit, or glaze
- ✅ Makes a great make-ahead breakfast or snack option
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and yields bakery-quality results without the hassle.
Ingredients for Homemade Cheese Danish
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy cheese danish recipe :
Cheese Danish Filling
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (softened) | Full-fat works best for flavor and texture |
| Powdered sugar | 1/3 cup | Adds sweetness without altering consistency |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances the cream cheese flavor |
| Salt | 1 pinch | Balances sweetness |
| Egg yolk | 1 | Helps bind the mixture and adds richness |
| Puff pastry sheet | 1 large sheet | Store-bought, thawed in the fridge |
| Egg white | 1 | For brushing on the edges for a golden finish |
Optional Glaze
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup | Smooths the glaze and adds sweetness |
| Vanilla extract | 1/4 tsp | Complements the cream cheese |
| Milk | 2 Tbsp | Thins the glaze for drizzling |
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a richer glaze, mix in 1 tbsp of melted butter when preparing the icing.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheese Danishes
Follow these easy steps to create perfect cheese danishes at home:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Position the oven rack in the center for even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following:
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend until smooth and light in texture. Set aside.
Step 3: Work with the Puff Pastry
Take one sheet of thawed puff pastry (do not thaw at room temperature). Dust off excess flour and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Puff pastry typically has folded seams—use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut along the folds and divide into three equal strips . Then, cut each strip in half so you have 6 rectangles total.
Step 4: Perforate the Edges
Using a fork, gently press around the edges of each rectangle, leaving about a ½-inch border . This creates a barrier that prevents the middle from rising too much during baking, forming a beautiful puffed edge with a flat center for the filling.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Scoop 2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each rectangle. Spread it evenly, being careful not to go over the borders.
Step 6: Brush with Egg White
Beat the remaining egg white until frothy. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the borders of each danish. This will give them a shiny, golden finish after baking.
Step 7: Bake the Danishes
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes . Then, rotate the pan front to back for even browning and continue baking for 5–10 minutes , or until the edges are deep golden brown and crisp.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10–15 minutes before adding the glaze.
Step 9: Make the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danishes using a spoon or piping bag. For extra flavor, mix in a tablespoon of melted butter into the glaze.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm or at room temperature. These danishes pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or juice.
Calories and Nutritional Information per Serving
Each cheese danish contains approximately:
| Calories | 438 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~10 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | ~15 g |
While this is a sweet, indulgent treat, it’s still a great option for special occasions or weekend breakfasts. The cream cheese provides protein, while the puff pastry contributes carbs for energy.
📝 Note: Be mindful of portion sizes if enjoying multiple danishes in one sitting due to their calorie density.
Benefits of Eating Cheese Danishes (in Moderation)
Though cheese danishes are considered a pastry treat rather than a health food, they do offer some benefits when enjoyed mindfully:
- Energy Source : High in carbohydrates and fats, they provide quick energy—ideal for active days.
- Calcium Boost : Cream cheese is a source of calcium, which supports bone health.
- Mood Enhancer : The combination of sweet and creamy flavors can improve mood and satisfaction in meals.
- Great for Meal Prep : They store well and can be made ahead for busy mornings.
Best Time to Enjoy Cheese Danishes
Thanks to their versatility, cheese danishes can be enjoyed at various times throughout the day:
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Provides energy and starts the day right |
| Brunch | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | A sweet addition to eggs, bacon, and toast |
| Lunch | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Pair with soup or salad for a light but satisfying meal |
| Snack | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Curbs midday cravings without being too heavy |
| Dessert | After dinner | A lighter alternative to cake or pie |
They’re also a favorite at holiday breakfasts, baby showers, bridal brunches, and office gatherings.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cheese Danishes Every Time
To ensure your cheese danishes turn out irresistibly flaky and flavorful, follow these expert-approved tips:
1. Use Cold Puff Pastry
Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Warm dough melts the butter layers, preventing proper rise and flakiness.
2. Don’t Overfill
Stick to 2 heaping tablespoons of filling per danish. Overfilling can cause leakage and uneven baking.
3. Seal the Borders
Brushing the edges with egg white helps them puff up and form a crispy border. Skip this step, and you may end up with a flat danish.
4. Chill Before Baking (Optional)
If time allows, refrigerate the filled danishes for 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps the dough set and improves rise.
5. Customize Your Flavor
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a citrus twist.
6. Drizzle Like a Pro
For neat drizzling, use a plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Fill it with glaze and squeeze gently for clean lines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make cheese danishes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving, or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Q: How long do cheese danishes last?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days .
Q: Can I freeze cheese danishes?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked danishes on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What kind of cream cheese should I use?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture. Low-fat versions can alter the consistency and richness.
Q: Can I use different fillings?
Yes! Try:
- Fruit-filled (strawberry, blueberry, apricot)
- Ricotta with honey and cinnamon
- Chocolate ganache or Nutella
- Cinnamon sugar with raisins
Creative Variations of Cheese Danishes
Make your danishes unique by trying these fun twists:
1. Strawberry Cheese Danish
Mix a few tablespoons of strawberry jam into the cream cheese filling. Top with sliced strawberries after baking.
2. Lemon Poppy Seed Cheese Danish
Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp poppy seeds to the cream cheese mixture. Finish with a lemon glaze instead of vanilla.
3. Chocolate Cheese Danish
Swirl melted chocolate or Nutella into the cream cheese mixture before baking. Dust with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings after cooling.
4. Cinnamon Apple Cheese Danish
Spread apple butter inside the pastry instead of plain cream cheese. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.
5. Orange-Cream Cheese Danish
Add orange zest and a splash of orange extract to the filling. Glaze with an orange-flavored icing for extra zing.
How to Store and Reheat Cheese Danishes
Proper storage keeps your danishes tasting fresh longer. Here’s how to store them:
| Room Temperature | 1–2 Days | Keep in an airtight container away from heat and moisture |
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 Days | Wrap individually or store in sealed container |
| Freezer | Up to 2 Months | Freeze unglazed danishes on a tray first, then store in a freezer bag |
Reheating Options
- Oven : 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes
- Microwave : 10–15 seconds only (avoids sogginess)
- Air Fryer : 325°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes
Avoid reheating glazed danishes unless necessary, as the glaze may melt or become sticky.
Serving Suggestions for Family and Friends
Cheese danishes are perfect for sharing! Here are some ideas to present them like a pro:
1. Brunch Table Centerpiece
Arrange warm danishes on a platter alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, scrambled eggs, and bacon for a complete brunch spread.
2. Holiday Breakfast Treats
Serve at Christmas morning breakfast or Easter brunch with hot coffee and orange juice.
3. Office or School Party Snack
Wrap individual danishes in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for a cute grab-and-go option.
4. Afternoon Tea Pairing
Pair with black tea, herbal infusions, or chai for a refined midday break.
5. Gift Idea
Pack freshly baked danishes in a decorative box with a bow for birthdays, teacher appreciation gifts, or hostess gifts.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Simple Classic
This Cheese Danish recipe is the ultimate comfort pastry—flaky, buttery, and packed with creamy goodness. Whether you’re treating yourself to a morning indulgence or impressing guests with homemade pastries, this easy recipe delivers every time.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy bakery-style cheese danishes anytime. From holidays to lazy Sundays, these pastries are sure to become a household favorite.
So, grab a roll of puff pastry, whip up the cream cheese filling, and get ready to enjoy one of the most beloved breakfast treats around—the homemade cheese danish !
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Let us know how you like your cheese danishes—glazed, fruity, or plain—and if you’ve tried any creative variations!