Easy Cheese Danish

Name: Easy Cheese Danish with Puff Pastry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg, for egg wash

An easy cheese danish made with thawed puff pastry sheets and a simple cream cheese filling that bakes into a flaky, golden pastry. Perfect for a quick breakfast or dessert with minimal ingredients and effort.

🍴Copycat

🌍American 🏷️Cheese danish 🏷️Puff pastry 🏷️Cream cheese 🏷️Breakfast Dessert

🏷️

🏷️Pastry

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fooddrinksbricksonTikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$13–$21

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by fooddrinksbricks

-0:00

fooddrinksbricksonTikTok

Ingredients

1 box (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, for egg wash

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3
Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Using the creases as a guide, cut each sheet into three long strips, then cut each strip in half to create 6 rectangles per sheet.
4
Place the pastry rectangles on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
5
Transfer the cream cheese filling to a piping bag (or use a spoon) and pipe the filling into the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
6
In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash onto the exposed borders of each pastry.
7
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
8
Let cool slightly before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Thaw puff pastry completely before assembling to avoid cracking and ensure even puffing during baking.
Apply egg wash evenly to all exposed pastry edges to achieve a golden, shiny crust and help layers separate.
Keep the cream cheese filling away from the pastry edges when spreading; filling that touches the edges can prevent proper puffing.
Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal once cooled slightly.

Substitutions

Cream cheese → mascarpone cheese (richer, tangier flavor; use same amount)
Powdered sugar → granulated sugar (less smooth texture; use same amount)
Vanilla extract → almond extract (adds subtle almond flavor; use same amount)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes or eat at room temperature.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen puff pastry without thawing?

No, thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package directions before using. Thawed pastry is easier to work with and bakes more evenly.

How do I know when the danish is done baking?

Bake until the edges are golden brown and puffed, typically 15–20 minutes at 400°F. The top should be light golden, not dark brown.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the danish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 2–3 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.