Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat. The contrast between the crispy, golden puff pastry and the smooth, creamy filling creates a delightful textural experience. The chocolate ganache adds a layer of indulgence without overwhelming the delicate cream cheese flavor. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly simple to execute, with no special pastry skills required, making it perfect for impressing family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Danish:
- 2 frozen puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp water (for egg wash)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Foundation
Begin by thawing your frozen puff pastry sheets according to the package directions, typically 30-40 minutes at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Once thawed, unfold the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and roll them out slightly to smooth out any creases.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or wooden spoon, beat the mixture until completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve the perfect consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
Cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 equal squares, giving you 12 pieces total. Place a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. To create the classic Danish shape, fold two opposite corners of each square toward the center, overlapping them slightly over the filling. Press gently to seal, but don’t worry if they don’t stay perfectly closed – they will hold their shape during baking.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create your egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the exposed pastry surfaces with the egg wash. This will give your Danish that beautiful golden-brown color and glossy finish that looks professionally made.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the assembled Danish on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each piece. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up beautifully. The cream cheese filling should be set but still slightly soft.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
While the Danish are baking, prepare your chocolate ganache. Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (don’t let it boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Once the Danish have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the warm chocolate ganache over each pastry using a spoon or squeeze bottle. Allow the ganache to set properly without completely melting off the pastry.
Helpful Tips
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth and creamy filling. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that are difficult to smooth out. If you’re in a rush, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften quickly.
- Handle Puff Pastry Carefully: The key to flaky pastry is handling it as little as possible. If the pastry becomes too soft while you’re working with it, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the Danish a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.
- Chocolate Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm cream. If it’s too thin, let it cool for a few minutes to thicken up naturally.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 Danish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Storage
- Storage: Store the Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: These Danish can be frozen before baking for up to 1 month. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. You can also freeze them after baking and reheat them in the oven to retain their flaky texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips in place of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I make this Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Danish, assemble them, and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, thaw and then bake according to the instructions.
3. Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! You can add fruit fillings such as raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry to the center of the Danish for a fruity twist.
4. Can I skip the chocolate ganache?
If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can skip the ganache and top your Danish with powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water.
5. What can I do if my puff pastry is too soft?
If your puff pastry gets too soft while working with it, refrigerate it for about 10-15 minutes to firm it up again.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is the perfect blend of rich, creamy filling, crispy puff pastry, and indulgent chocolate ganache. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert that will impress your guests, whether it’s for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or any time you’re craving a sweet, decadent treat. Enjoy this delightful pastry and bring a little bit of bakery magic into your kitchen!
Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 Danish
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish combines flaky puff pastry with a rich cream cheese filling and decadent chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make treat offers the perfect balance of indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
2 frozen puff pastry sheets
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup white granulated sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tsp water (for egg wash)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danish: Cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 squares. Place a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Fold two opposite corners of each square toward the center, overlapping slightly. Press gently to seal.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the exposed pastry surfaces.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
- Drizzle with Ganache: Once the Danish have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the ganache over the pastries.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is room temperature for a smooth filling.
If the puff pastry gets too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
Feel free to use milk or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
