Description
A flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with smooth, sweetened cream cheese and baked to golden perfection—this Cheese Danish Delight is the ultimate homemade pastry treat.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry Sheets: 2 sheets (thawed) – Provide the flaky, buttery layers essential for the danish base.
- Cream Cheese: 225g (1 block, softened) – Forms the luscious, tangy filling.
- Granulated Sugar: 80g – Adds sweetness to balance the tang of the cheese.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp – Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp – Brightens and lifts the cream cheese filling.
- Egg Yolk: 1 – Adds richness and stability to the cheese mixture.
- Egg: 1 – Gives the pastry a shiny, golden finish.
- Powdered Sugar: Optional, for dusting – Adds a sweet finishing touch.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lay out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 rectangles. Transfer to the lined baking sheet.
- Assemble the Dish: Score a smaller rectangle inside each pastry (without cutting through) to create a border. Fill the center with 1–2 tablespoons of cheese mixture. Beat the remaining egg and brush edges of each pastry.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Best served slightly warm. Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Notes
- Chill before baking: Helps keep the pastry shape and maximizes flakiness.
- Don’t overfill: Prevents leaking during baking.
- Try fruit toppings: Add jam or fresh berries for extra flavor.
- Store airtight: Keeps pastries crisp and fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg