Thanks to pre-made puff pastry, these cheese Danish only take a few minutes to make. Simply mix together the filling. Spoon on the puff pastry. Brush the edges with a little whisked egg and bake. That’s it!
If you’ve ever ordered the cheese Danish from Starbucks, you know how tasty they are. The combination of flaky pastry and sweet cream cheese filling hits the spot every time. Happily, you can make a similar version at home in just minutes.
Frozen puff pastry is the star of this recipe, and I always keep a box in the freezer for those times when I want to whip up these easy Danishes—they’re that good!
Ingredients explained.
You only need 4 ingredients to make these cheese Danish. Puff pastry, cream cheese, sugar, and an egg. The lemon juice and vanilla are tasty but optional.
- Frozen Puff Pastry. Remember to thaw your puff pastry a few hours before you plan to make these Danish.
- Cream Cheese. Block cream cheese works the best for the filling.
- Egg Yolk. One egg yolk holds the filling together and adds a nice richness.
- Sugar. A little granulated sugar adds the rich touch of sweetness.
- Lemon Juice and vanilla extract. Optional. Makes for an even more flavorful filling.
Putting it all together. How to make cheese Danish.
- Place the room temperature cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl.
- Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Stir together until it’s thick.
- Cut the thawed puff pastry into six rectangles. I like to do this with a pizza cutter. Spoon the filling into the middle of each rectangle. Spread the filling into an oval shape with the back of a spoon. If you want, brush the edges of the pastry with a little whisked egg. Doing this makes the pastry a little shiny when it’s baked.
- Bake until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set, about 18 minutes.
Storing Leftovers
Got a few leftover Danish? Lucky you!
Keep any leftovers stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm gently in either a toaster oven or air fryer.
Cheese Danish with Puff Pastry
You only need 4 ingredients to make these cheese Danish! Puff pastry, cream cheese, sugar, and an egg. The lemon juice and vanilla are tasty but optional.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (soft)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1 sheet (about 8 ounces) puff pastry, thawed but cool
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, whisked
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400℉.
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Mix soft cream cheese and sugar until smooth in a medium bowl. Stop the mixer. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
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Unfold thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut into 6 equal pieces. Place rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Spoon cream cheese filling onto the center of the puff pastry. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the whisked egg. (This helps the edges to brown.)
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Bake until the filling is set and the pastry is brown, about 18 minutes.
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Store leftovers wrapped in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm in a toaster oven or air fryer.
Cathy Cannon says
This pastry is so good. I will make it again and again.
Gloria Franke says
Thank you for the recipes
Elizabeth says
You’re welcome!
Mrs Zamora says
I was worried when baking because the center was puffed up. as soon as I took them out of the oven the center deflated and they look just like the picture.
They’re delicious!
Elizabeth says
Yay! Glad you liked them!
Madalene Greco says
I am Baki g them in a few minutes. My husband love cheese danish. Can we use a little canned strawberry or cherry filling using this puff pastry ? Thanks!
Elizabeth says
I haven’t tried these with canned fruit filling but a little should work great!
Nikki says
I’ve used fruits and it’s awesome I used peaches apples strawberries etc 🙂
TY says
Replaced the sugar with monk fruit.
Judy Lins says
Can they be frozen?
Elizabeth says
Yes. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to let them cool before you freeze them.
Lacey Robinson says
Is the vanilla and lemon needed to taste like copy cat Starbucks?
Elizabeth says
Nope! The vanilla and lemon are optional for added flavor but I don’t believe Starbucks flavors theirs.
Haley says
Could I use a whole egg in the mixture instead of only yolk, I just don’t want to waste the whites
Elizabeth says
A full egg makes the filling too soft. You could use the egg white to brush on the pastry, instead of the whole egg!
Robin says
Make meringue! Add shredded coconut folded in and dollop spoonfuls onto baking pan and when the tart comes out of the oven turn off the heat and bake the macaroons on descending heat. Leave over night.
Called Forgotten Cookies