Homemade Cream Cheese Danish

There’s something truly special about homemade pastries, and a cream cheese Danish is no exception. The buttery, flaky layers filled with a sweet cream cheese filling make for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you’re craving a delicious pastry. While it might seem intimidating to make these from scratch, with a little patience and the right guidance, you can create mouthwatering cream cheese Danish pastries in your own kitchen. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the process step by step, so you can savor the joy of baking and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Ingredients:

Danish Pastry Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon (optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, sour cream, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Make the cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Set it aside.
5. Shape the Danish: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 6 equal rectangles.
6. Add the filling: Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a triangular shape. Press the edges to seal.
7. Second rise: Transfer the filled pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Danish pastries for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
9. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Finish and enjoy: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes, and then dig in!

Tips and Variations:

1. Customize the filling: While cream cheese is a classic choice, feel free to get creative with your filling. You can add fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or even a layer of almond paste for extra flavor.
2. Shape variations: Danish pastries come in various shapes, from braids to pinwheels. Experiment with different shapes to add a touch of elegance to your pastries.
3. Glaze options: The simple powdered sugar glaze is just one option. You can also use a chocolate drizzle, lemon glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a different finishing touch.
4. Make-ahead: Danish pastries can be partially prepared the night before. After shaping the pastries, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 20-30 minutes before baking.
5. Freezing: If you have leftover pastries, they can be frozen. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. To enjoy them later, simply reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through.
6. Fresh fruit: Consider adding fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries to the cream cheese filling for a burst of freshness and flavor.
7. Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top of the cream cheese filling before folding the pastry over.

Sharing the Love:

One of the great joys of making cream cheese Danish pastries from scratch is the ability to share them with friends and family. These delectable treats make for wonderful gifts on special occasions or just as a way to brighten someone’s day. Consider packaging them in a pretty box or wrapping them with a ribbon for a thoughtful and homemade present.

Pairing Suggestions:

Cream cheese Danish pastries are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of beverages and sides. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Coffee: The classic choice! The rich, buttery layers of the pastry complement the bold flavors of coffee perfectly.
• Tea: Whether you prefer black tea, green tea, or herbal infusions, a warm cup of tea is a soothing companion to your Danish pastry.
• Fruit Salad: Balance the sweetness of the pastry with a refreshing fruit salad. The natural sweetness of fruits like berries, oranges, and kiwi pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese filling.
• Yogurt: For a healthier twist, serve your cream cheese Danish with a side of yogurt. The creaminess of the yogurt complements the flakiness of the pastry.
• Champagne or Prosecco: If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to elevate your brunch, a glass of sparkling wine pairs beautifully with the indulgent pastry.

The Joy of Baking:

One of the most satisfying aspects of baking from scratch is the sense of accomplishment and the joy it brings. Baking is a creative and meditative process that allows you to express yourself through food. It’s a wonderful way to unwind, destress, and create something beautiful and delicious.

Cream Cheese Danish Recipes

Recipe Name	Ingredients	Preparation Time (min)	Baking Time (min)	Difficulty Level
Classic Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, egg	20	25	Moderate
Raspberry Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, raspberry jam	15	20	Easy
Blueberry Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, blueberries	20	30	Moderate
Almond Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, almond paste	15	25	Easy
Lemon Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, lemon curd	20	30	Moderate
Chocolate Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, chocolate chips	15	20	Easy
Apple Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, apples, cinnamon	25	35	Moderate
Cherry Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, cherries	20	30	Easy
Nutella Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, Nutella	15	20	Easy
Pumpkin Danish	Pastry dough, cream cheese, pumpkin puree	25	40	Moderate

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Recipe Name	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)	Sugar (g)
Classic Danish	280	18	23	5	8
Raspberry Danish	240	15	20	3	10
Blueberry Danish	260	17	21	4	9
Almond Danish	290	20	22	5	7
Lemon Danish	270	17	24	4	11
Chocolate Danish	310	22	25	6	12
Apple Danish	320	19	28	4	14
Cherry Danish	280	16	26	3	12
Nutella Danish	330	23	26	5	15
Pumpkin Danish	290	18	30	4	10

Serving Suggestions

Recipe Name	Serve with	Garnish with	Beverage Pairing	Occasion
Classic Danish	Fresh berries	Powdered sugar	Coffee, tea	Breakfast
Raspberry Danish	Whipped cream	Fresh raspberries	Iced tea, champagne	Brunch
Blueberry Danish	Lemon glaze	Lemon zest	Milk, hot chocolate	Snack/Dessert
Almond Danish	Sliced almonds	Almond flakes	Almond milk, latte	Breakfast
Lemon Danish	Lemon icing	Lemon zest	Iced tea, mimosa	Brunch
Chocolate Danish	Chocolate drizzle	Chocolate shavings	Espresso, milk	Dessert
Apple Danish	Caramel sauce	Cinnamon	Apple cider, tea	Breakfast
Cherry Danish	Cherry glaze	Maraschino cherries	Cherry soda, coffee	Snack/Dessert
Nutella Danish	Hazelnut crumbs	Chocolate curls	Hazelnut coffee, milk	Dessert
Pumpkin Danish	Cream cheese glaze	Pumpkin seeds	Pumpkin spice latte, tea	Fall Treat

Tips and Notes

Recipe Name	Tip 1	Tip 2	Tip 3	Note
Classic Danish	Use cold cream cheese for a flakier pastry	Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar	Experiment with different fruit fillings.	Danish can be frozen and reheated in the oven.
Raspberry Danish	Seal edges tightly to prevent leaks	Make mini versions for a party	Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.	Great for picnics and as a sweet on-the-go snack.
Blueberry Danish	Toss blueberries in flour to prevent sinking	Brush with egg wash for shine	Drizzle lemon glaze for extra flavor.	Perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast.
Almond Danish	Toast almond flakes for added crunch	Shape into twists for variety	Drizzle with almond icing if desired.	A delightful treat with a cup of coffee.
Lemon Danish	Zest the lemon before juicing for both	Add lemon zest to the cream cheese	Customize sweetness to your liking.	A tangy and refreshing option for brunch.
Chocolate Danish	Use high-quality chocolate for best taste	Swap chocolate chips for chunks	Top with chopped nuts for texture.	A decadent dessert for chocolate lovers.
Apple Danish	Saute apples with butter and cinnamon	Drizzle caramel sauce generously	Sprinkle with powdered sugar for elegance.	A warm and comforting fall breakfast.
Cherry Danish	Use fresh or frozen cherries	Glaze should be thick, not runny	Try almond extract for a twist of flavor.	A delightful treat for cherry enthusiasts.
Nutella Danish	Warm Nutella for easy drizzling	Sprinkle hazelnuts while warm	Drizzle white chocolate for a contrasting flavor.	A crowd-pleaser for chocolate hazelnut lovers.
Pumpkin Danish	Spice up the pumpkin puree with cinnamon	Add a cream cheese swirl	Sprinkle pumpkin seeds for a rustic look.	Ideal for celebrating the autumn season.

Variations

Recipe Name	Savory Version	Mini Danish	Gluten-Free Option	Vegan Option	Quick Danish
Classic Danish	Ham and cheese	Mini cream cheese Danish	Gluten-free pastry dough	Vegan cream cheese filling	Puff pastry Danish
Raspberry Danish	Spinach and feta	Raspberry pastry bites	Almond flour pastry	Dairy-free cream cheese	30-minute cream cheese Danish
Blueberry Danish	Bacon and cheddar	Mini blueberry pastries	Almond flour pastry	Vegan cream cheese filling	Crescent roll Danish
Almond Danish	Sausage and Gruyere	Almond pastry bites	Gluten-free pastry dough	Almond or cashew cream cheese	Danish braid
Lemon Danish	Smoked salmon and cream cheese	Lemon pastry bites	Almond flour pastry	Vegan lemon cashew cream cheese	Semi-homemade Danish
Chocolate Danish	Cheddar and jalapeno	Mini chocolate pastries	Gluten-free pastry dough	Vegan chocolate spread	Quick crescent roll Danish
Apple Danish	Bacon and cheddar	Mini apple pastries	Almond flour pastry	Vegan cream cheese filling	Cinnamon roll Danish
Cherry Danish	Ham and Swiss	Cherry pastry bites	Gluten-free pastry dough	Dairy-free cream cheese	Danish pinwheels
Nutella Danish	Spinach and artichoke	Nutella pastry bites	Almond flour pastry	Vegan chocolate spread	Puff pastry pinwheels
Pumpkin Danish	Bacon and Gouda	Mini pumpkin pastries	Gluten-free pastry dough	Vegan pumpkin spread	Quick crescent roll Danish