Cheesecake Danish Recipe

Indulge in the best Cheesecake Danish recipe made with flaky puff pastry and a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. This easy-to-make dessert features a tangy cream cheese filling with vanilla and lemon, wrapped in golden, buttery puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these danishes are quick to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert recipe or a delightful way to start your morning, this Cheesecake Danish is a must-try.

This irresistible cheesecake pastry is made with puff pastry, making it extra light and flaky. It’s a great way to use store-bought puff pastry to create a homemade treat in under 30 minutes. Serve these danishes with powdered sugar for extra sweetness, or top with fresh berries or a drizzle of glaze for a personal twist. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or weekend breakfasts!

Indulge in a delightful treat with this Cheesecake Danish recipe, featuring a rich cream cheese filling wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. These easy-to-make pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With a smooth cheesecake mixture made from cream cheese, sugar, and egg yolks, this recipe offers a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery puff pastry.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 box (2 sheets) Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tbsp water
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar on low speed until smooth.
3. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
4. Lightly flour a clean, dry surface and roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a 10×10-inch square. Cut it into 4 equal squares.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash.
6. Place about a tablespoon of the cheesecake mixture diagonally on each square.
7. Fold the pastry over the filling, overlapping two edges, and pinch tightly to seal each Danish.
8. Transfer the filled pastries to a lined baking sheet and brush the top of each pastry with the remaining egg wash.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan after 10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the pastries are puffed.
10. Once baked, allow the pastries to cool slightly and sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Substitute the cream cheese: For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese instead of regular cream cheese.
• Add fruit: Consider topping the cheesecake filling with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced peaches, before sealing the pastry.
• Glaze: Drizzle a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled pastries for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Frozen Puff Pastry: If you can’t find fresh puff pastry, frozen puff pastry works perfectly, just make sure to thaw it properly before use.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the danishes ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Can I use a different pastry dough? While puff pastry is ideal for a light, flaky texture, you could substitute with phyllo dough for an even crispier texture, though the results will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cheesecake Danishes as a decadent breakfast treat, a perfect brunch offering, or a sweet addition to a dessert spread. Pair with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk to enhance the experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesecake Danishes are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake filling and crispy, buttery pastry. Easy to make yet indulgent, they’re perfect for both special occasions and everyday treats. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a dessert, these danishes will quickly become a favorite in your household. The simple ingredients and quick preparation make them a go-to for busy mornings or when you need a delicious, homemade pastry in a pinch.