If you have ever dreamed of baking bakery-style treats right at home without the fuss, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is your new best friend. Flaky, buttery puff pastry wraps around a luscious, creamy cheese filling that is both sweet and tangy, making every bite a delightfully indulgent morning moment. Perfect for weekday breakfasts or a weekend treat, this recipe promises a magical start to your day with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential, combining to create the perfect balance of flaky texture, creamy richness, and sweet freshness in your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed: The golden, flaky base that puffs up beautifully in the oven, giving you that signature Danish texture.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Provides the rich, smooth, and tangy filling that defines the cream cheese Danish experience.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the cream cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma that lifts the flavor to another level.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a subtle zing that keeps the filling bright and balanced.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a gorgeous shiny, golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Used for the finishing glaze, adding sweetness and a lovely glossy finish.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze): Blended with powdered sugar for a smooth drizzle that ties it all together.
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to give your Danishes that perfect puff. While the oven warms, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until the filling becomes luscious and smooth. This creamy mixture is the heart of your Danish, bringing softness and sweetness in every bite.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, then cut it into 4 equal squares. These squares will become your individual Danishes. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square, making sure not to overfill so the corners seal easily.
Step 3: Shape and Seal
Next, gently fold each corner of the pastry square towards the center, pressing lightly to seal the cheese filling inside without squeezing out any of the delicious creaminess. This is where the magic happens, creating that classic Danish shape that catches everyone’s eye.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the edges of each Danish with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden sheen once baked. Place your masterpiece on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then slide it into the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and stunningly golden brown.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
After removing your Danishes from the oven, allow them to cool slightly so that the glaze sets perfectly. Whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk into a silky glaze, then drizzle generously over the warm pastries for that irresistible sweet finish.
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe, consider sprinkling fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries on top of the cheese filling before baking for a burst of fruity brightness. Alternatively, a dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add an inviting aroma and delightful texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these Danishes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for the ultimate breakfast experience. A side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad can also balance the richness with refreshing crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Danishes on a rustic wooden board alongside a small jar of homemade jam or honey for dipping. For brunch gatherings, arranging them on tiered cake stands adds an elegant touch that will impress your guests and make the table feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any left over, store your Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep in mind they are best enjoyed fresh for that flaky texture but still maintain delicious flavor the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Danishes by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe anytime you want a quick homemade treat.
Reheating
Reheat your Danishes in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cream cheese instead of softened?
Fresh cream cheese is best softened to room temperature for this recipe so it mixes smoothly with the sugar and flavorings. If you use it straight from the fridge, the filling might be lumpy and harder to spread.
What if I don’t have puff pastry sheet?
While puff pastry gives you the signature flaky layers, you could substitute with phyllo dough or crescent roll dough, although the texture and flavor will differ slightly. Puff pastry is recommended for the best result.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding fruit preserves or fresh small berries on top of the cream cheese before folding gives your danish a delicious fruity twist and beautiful color contrast.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients like cream cheese, puff pastry, and eggs, making it a great option for a satisfying vegetarian breakfast.
How long can I store the unbaked filled pastry?
You can prepare the pastries ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This comes in handy for busy mornings or preparing for guests.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is such a joyful way to start any day. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet impressive enough for weekend brunch company. The flaky pastry combined with creamy, sweet-tangy filling is guaranteed to bring smiles and warm hearts. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your breakfast repertoire!
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 danishes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture. Lightly glazed with a simple powdered sugar drizzle, it’s a perfect quick and delicious breakfast or brunch treat with a tender, golden crust and rich, tangy filling.
Ingredients
For the Danish
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring the filling is well blended for a consistent flavor.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Squares: Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 4 equal squares carefully to maintain shape and size.
- Fill and Fold: Place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square. Fold the corners of each square toward the center, gently pressing the edges to seal and hold the filling inside during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges and folds of each Danish with the beaten egg. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden brown finish after baking.
- Bake the Danishes: Arrange the prepared danishes on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Make the Glaze: While the danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm danishes before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can add fruit preserves or fresh berries on top of the cream cheese before baking for a fruity twist.
- For best results, serve the danishes fresh and slightly warm.
