Easy Cheese Danish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bakery-style pastries, you’ll love how simple and rewarding it is to make this cheese Danish at home. The tender dough, rich filling, and buttery crumb topping create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. It’s also versatile – you can add fruit preserves or fresh berries for variety.

Ingredients

Pastry Dough

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 tsp active dry yeast

• 4 egg yolks

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 1/2 – 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Cheese Filling

• 1 lb cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Streusel Topping

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup flour

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Egg Wash

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tbsp milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and a bit of sugar. Let it sit until frothy.

2. Mix Dough: Add egg yolks, vanilla, salt, and remaining sugar. Mix in flour and knead until dough is smooth. Incorporate softened butter and knead until elastic. Let rise until doubled.

3. Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Shape Pastries: Divide dough into 16 pieces, shape into balls, and make an indentation in the center.

5. Fill and Proof: Fill each with cheese mixture. Let rise again until puffed.

6. Make Streusel: Mix flour, sugar, and butter to a crumb consistency.

7. Assemble: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with streusel, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 danishes

• Prep Time: 35 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Fruit Add-ins: Add a teaspoon of jam or fresh berries atop the cheese filling before baking.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle slivered almonds or chopped pecans over the streusel for added texture.

• Zesty Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the filling for a citrusy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes for best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, puff pastry or crescent dough can be used in a pinch, but homemade dough offers the best texture.

2. How do I make the dough rise faster?

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area like an oven with the light on or preheated to 100°F then turned off.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze after the first rise. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then shape and bake as directed.

4. What cheese works best for the filling?

Cream cheese is traditional, but ricotta or farmer’s cheese can also be used.

5. Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, shape and fill the pastries, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

6. What if my streusel topping melts?

Ensure your butter is soft, not melted, and chill the streusel briefly before using.

7. Can I add toppings after baking?

Yes, drizzle with icing or add a dusting of powdered sugar once cooled.

8. Can I make them smaller?

Yes, divide the dough into more portions and reduce baking time slightly.

9. Do I need to chill the dough?

No, but you can chill it for easier handling if preferred.

10. Can I use other extracts in the filling?

Yes, almond or lemon extract can offer a different flavor twist.

Conclusion

Easy Cheese Danish pastries are a rewarding and delightful treat that combines rich, creamy filling with soft, buttery dough and a sweet crumble topping. Whether served warm out of the oven or enjoyed later with a cup of coffee, these pastries bring the taste of a bakery right into your kitchen. Perfect for weekends, brunches, or anytime indulgence!

Easy Cheese Danish

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 2 hours (including rising)
• Yield: 16 danishes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European (Danish-inspired)
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Cheese Danish is a soft, bakery-style pastry filled with a rich cream cheese center and topped with a buttery streusel crumble. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these danishes offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful flavor that tastes just like your favorite bakery treat—only homemade and even better!

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Ingredients

Pastry Dough:

1 cup warm milk

2 tsp active dry yeast

4 egg yolks

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

2 1/2 – 3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Cheese Filling:

1 lb cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Streusel Topping:

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Egg Wash:

1 egg yolk

1 tbsp milk

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Instructions

• Activate Yeast: Mix warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until frothy.

• Make the Dough: Add egg yolks, vanilla, salt, and remaining sugar. Mix in flour gradually and knead until smooth. Add butter and knead until elastic. Let rise until doubled.

• Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.

• Shape the Danishes: Divide dough into 16 equal portions, shape into balls, and flatten slightly. Make an indentation in the center of each.

• Fill and Proof: Add cheese filling to the center of each Danish. Let rise again until puffed.

• Make Streusel: Combine flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly.

• Assemble: Brush pastries with egg wash, sprinkle with streusel, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden.

• Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.

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Notes

Add jam or berries on top of the cheese filling for a fruity twist.

For a nutty crunch, top with chopped nuts.

Add lemon or orange zest to the filling for brightness.