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–+ servings
Ultimate Cheese Danish Recipe

Ultimate Cheese Danish Recipe: Bake Your Bakery Favorite at Home

Recreate the delightful experience of bakery-quality cheese Danish with my Ultimate Cheese Danish Recipe, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 8 Danishes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Provides a creamy filling; use full-fat for best results.
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness to balance the cream cheese.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor; optional boost with vanilla bean paste.
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice Adds brightness; substitute with additional vanilla if desired.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Binds filling ingredients together and contributes to richness.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances sweetness; necessary for flavor.
For the Puff Pastry Version
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry Quick base for the Danish; ready-made saves time.
  • 1 large Egg Creates a golden finish; can substitute with milk or olive oil for savory Danishes.
  • 1 tbsp Water Helps create the egg wash consistency.
For the Homemade Dough Version
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; possibly substitute half with pastry flour for lightness.
  • 0.33 cup Sugar Sweetens the dough slightly.
  • 1 tsp Salt Seasoning for flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Active Dry Yeast Leavens the dough for a fluffy texture.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Activates the yeast; must be warm for effective proofing.
  • 1 large Egg Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Creates flaky layers; use cold for effective lamination.
For the Glaze (Optional)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Adds sweetness for topping; adjust with milk/lemon juice as needed.
  • 1 tbsp Milk or Lemon Juice Used to adjust glaze consistency.
  • 0.5 tsp Vanilla Extract Optional flavor enhancement for the glaze.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking Sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, optional lemon juice, egg yolk, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Unfold the sheet of puff pastry and cut it into 8 equal squares. Arrange the squares on your prepared baking sheet and fold the edges inward to create a border.
  4. Spoon about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.
  5. Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash and brush it onto the edges of the filled pastries.
  6. Bake for about 15-18 minutes until golden and puffed. Keep an eye on the baking process.
  7. Allow the pastries to cool on a wire rack before glazing.
  8. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until smooth, and drizzle over cooled pastries.

Nutrition

Serving: 1DanishCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Keep ingredients cold for a flakier pastry. Sticking to one tablespoon of filling per Danish prevents overfilling and messy leaks.

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