Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish combines the delicious, flaky texture of puff pastry with a smooth and creamy cream cheese filling. The sweet glaze on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making this breakfast treat irresistible. It’s quick to prepare, requiring only 30 minutes, and doesn’t require any special baking skills—making it a great option for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a special brunch or simply treating yourself, this danish is guaranteed to please.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet pre-made puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about an eighth-inch thick. Cut the pastry into squares, each about 4 inches in size.
- Assemble the Pastries: Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each square. You can either fold opposite corners of the pastry towards the center to form a pocket or leave the danishes open-faced for a more traditional look.
- Bake: Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the danishes are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Serves 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Filling: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, along with the cream cheese mixture for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) on top of the danish before baking for added crunch and flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on the pastry before baking to add a warm, spicy note to the danish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cheese danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use homemade puff pastry. Pre-made puff pastry, however, simplifies the process and still delivers great results.
Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked danishes. Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have egg yolk?
If you don’t have an egg yolk, you can substitute it with an extra tablespoon of cream cheese or a little bit of heavy cream to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I make these danishes more colorful?
Top the danishes with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for an added pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion
These Easy Breakfast Cheese Danishes are the perfect treat for any morning or special occasion. With their flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and sweet glaze, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, they are quick and easy to make, meaning you can enjoy a warm, fresh pastry without the hassle. Serve them for brunch, enjoy them as an afternoon snack, or indulge in them for dessert—these danishes are guaranteed to impress!
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish: A Quick and Delicious Treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy cream cheese filling, topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for brunch or a morning treat, it’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
1 sheet pre-made puff pastry (thawed)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about an eighth-inch thick. Cut the pastry into squares, each about 4 inches in size.
- Assemble the Pastries: Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each square. Fold opposite corners of the pastry towards the center or leave them open-faced for a traditional look.
- Bake: Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the danishes are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Fruit Filling: Add fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot with the cream cheese mixture for a fruity twist.
Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts) on top for added crunch.
Cinnamon Sugar: Add cinnamon sugar to the pastry for a spicy note.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
