Description
This Cream Cheese Danish is a buttery, flaky pastry filled with a sweet, creamy cheese center. Wrapped in golden puff pastry and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee companion. The texture contrast of crispy pastry and velvety filling makes every bite heavenly, and it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but cold
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and flour until smooth.
3. Unfold and roll puff pastry on a floured surface to even thickness.
4. Lightly score the pastry into thirds vertically and cut diagonal slits on the outer thirds.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center section.
6. Fold pastry strips over the filling in a crisscross braid pattern, tucking the ends.
7. Beat egg with water and brush over the top of the pastry.
8. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes.
10. Dust with powdered sugar and top with berries if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven to keep the pastry crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cream cheese danish, brunch pastry, easy breakfast