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

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Serving Suggestions

Tips and Notes

Variations