Cheese Danish

Name: Cheese Danish Recipe with Puff Pastry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 pinch salt; 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; all-purpose flour, for dusting; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp water; Jam, for serving; Icing, for serving

This cheese danish combines thawed puff pastry with a tangy cream cheese filling sweetened with sugar and vanilla, baked until golden brown for an approachable homemade pastry that rivals bakery versions.

🍴Copycat

🌍American 🏷️Cheese danish 🏷️Pastry 🏷️Breakfast 🏷️Brunch Dessert

🏷️

🏷️Cream cheese

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allrecipesonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by allrecipes

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allrecipesonTikTok

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon juice
1 pinch salt
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
all-purpose flour, for dusting
1 large egg
1 tbsp water
Jam, for servingoptional
Icing, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Using a hand mixer, beat until smooth and creamy.
2
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles.
3
Place the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly score a smaller rectangle inside each, about a half-inch from the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4
Using a fork, dock the center of each pastry to prevent it from puffing up too much.
5
Scoop the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry and spread it out evenly within the scored rectangle.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the exposed pastry borders.
7
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
8
Let the danishes cool slightly. Serve as is, or top with your favorite jam and a simple icing.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Thaw puff pastry completely at room temperature (30–40 minutes) before unfolding to prevent cracking along the folds.
Use the egg wash (1 large egg + 1 tbsp water) only on pastry edges to achieve a golden crust without over-browning the cream cheese filling.
Chill assembled danishes for at least 20 minutes before baking—cold pastry puffs higher and stays flakier than room-temperature dough.
Serve jam and icing on the side for guests to customize, as topping warm danishes can wilt the pastry.

Substitutions

Cream cheese → Ricotta cheese (slightly less tangy; reduce sugar by 1 tbsp)
Lemon juice → Lime juice or 1 tsp grated lemon zest (same tanginess, different flavor note)
Granulated sugar → Honey (use 3 tbsp; reduce to 2 tbsp for less sweetness)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze up to 3 months; reheat at 325°F for 8–10 minutes.

Common Questions

Can I make cheese danish ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble danishes on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking. Add 2–3 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.

How do I know when the danish is done baking?

The pastry should be golden brown on all edges and the filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Typically 15–20 minutes at 400°F.

Can I use a different cheese instead of cream cheese?

Cream cheese is ideal for its tanginess and smooth texture. Ricotta can work but will be less tangy; mascarpone works but is richer and less tart.

Why is my puff pastry not flaking?

Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before use. If it warms too much while assembling, refrigerate for 15 minutes before baking to allow butter layers to set.