Are you tired of the same morning breakfast routine? You don't have to be anymore. Whether you need something quick and easy to feed yourself or your family, this simple cream cheese puff pastry Danish is a breeze to make and a thousand times better than boring, crumbly toaster pastries.
All you need is a package of store-bought puff pastry, cream cheese, and fresh berries, and you are just minutes away from a delicious breakfast, dessert, or snack. Give this recipe a try, and we promise that you will never want to buy your Danish in a box ever again!
What is the difference between puff pastry and Danish pastry
The terms "puff pastry" and "Danish pastry" are sometimes used interchangeably due to their similar shape and appearance. However, while a Danish is a variant of the puff pastry, the two are prepared differently and have different characteristics.
Danish pastries are much more complicated than the traditional French puff pastry, which is made with flour, butter, vinegar, and water. They are leavened with yeast and include egg, milk, or cream, and sugar to sweeten the dough. Danish pastries also have a much higher fat level and are less airy and crisp than puff pastries.
This recipe is made with puff pastry - to keep it simple - but they are often referred to as "Danish" due to their shape and crispiness.
Why this is the best Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish recipe
- It is easy to make - This is an easy cheese Danish recipe that requires minimal effort and just 15 minutes to put together. The rest of the time is spent waiting for it to bake!
- It only requires a handful of ingredients - My easy cream cheese puff pastry recipe only requires store-bought puff pastry, fresh fruit, and a few of your everyday household ingredients. No specialty store visits are required!
- It is versatile - One of the best things about these easy cream cheese puff pastry tarts is that you can make them with various fillings, toppings, and flavors.
- It is perfect for fancy occasions - These cream cheese puff pastry danishes are simple yet eye-catching, just what you need to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Visit the original Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish recipe at Spatula Desserts for more detailed information about the ingredients.
2 packs Puff pastry store-bought or 2 portions of my homemade rough puff pastry
1 cup Cream cheese full fat, eg. Philadephia
⅓ cups Granulated sugar
1 Egg yolk
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 Egg for the egg wash
Splash of milk for the egg wash
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
Also, check out: Learn why Egg Wash is important in baking.
How to make step-by-step
- If using frozen puff pastry sheets, thaw them until soft enough to pull apart but still very cold.
- Meanwhile, wash the berries. If using strawberries or raspberries, cut them lengthwise into two pieces.
- Next, whisk the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk in a small bowl for a few minutes until thoroughly combined.
- Unfold one of the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut it into six rectangles.
- Use a sharp knife to lightly score each rectangle about half an inch in on all four sides, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Then, take one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and spread it on the pastry, leaving out the scored side. Arrange the fruits on top.
- Next, make the egg wash by whisking the egg with a splash of milk. Lightly apply the wash around the pastry, not over the cream cheese or fruit.
- Repeat the same process with the second pastry sheet. You will have 12 cream cheese puff pastry tarts at the end, six for each baking sheet.
- Keeping the puff pastry as cold as possible is critical to the recipe's success. It will be too sticky to work with if it becomes too warm. Never try to force a warm puff pastry. Instead, you can always pop it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes to chill until firm again.
- Move the puff pastry danishes to the fridge to chill. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 200C / 392F without a fan.
- Once preheated, bake the puff pastry tarts for 40-45 minutes. After about 15 minutes, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent the top of the pastry from browning and burning before the bottom bakes.
- Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for approximately three minutes. Then, move them onto a cooling rack.
Top Tip: Working in a cold kitchen helps make working with the puff pastry dough easy. Additionally, try to handle the dough as quickly as possible. If making the dough from scratch, use a rolling pin to avoid overhandling it.
Visit the original Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish recipe at Spatula Desserts.
How to store and freeze
These cream cheese puff pastry Danishes have the best flavor and texture when you serve them fresh on the same day. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
To freeze, wait until the puff pastry Danish has cooled completely, then move it to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each pastry. It will last in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator or reheat in the oven until warm.
More Puff Pastry Desserts
Cinnamon twists make an easy dessert appetizer to share around and enjoy with coffee. Puff pastry is brushed with rich butter and then sprinkled with fragrant cinnamon sugar before being twisted up and baked in the oven. Don't miss their crunchy, spiced warmth!
Recipe: Cinnamon twists
Mille Feuille
This is one of my favorite puff pastry recipes. While we normally aim for a beautiful rise with puff pastry, it is weighed down during baking to prevent this from happening in Mille Feuille. The compacted pastry becomes deliciously crisp and is then stacked into a tower held in place with vanilla pastry cream (crème Pâtissière) and decorated with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or chocolate.
Recipe: Mille Feuille
Napoleon cake
Make a statement with Napolean cake made with sweet puff pastry and layers of silky pastry cream. Guests will love being served such an impressive-looking dessert and then subsequently be amazed at how good it tastes!
Recipe: Napoleon Cake
Apple turnovers
Flaky puff pastry with warm apple pie filling inside? Sign me up. Turnovers are a fruity puff pastry recipe that anyone can make. Create your own personal apple pie with puff pastry that you can serve on its own or with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
Recipe: Apple Turnovers
Nutella twists
Nutella is a pantry staple you can use in so many delicious desserts. Puff pastry desserts with Nutella are unbelievably easy to make, too; consequently, I eat them a lot! Puff pastry twists are kid-friendly yet simultaneously adult-taste-approved. You'll love them.
Recipe: Nutella Twists
Apple Roses with Puff Pastry
If you have been looking for an elegant treat to add to your dessert table, these easy apple roses with puff pastry are just what you have been looking for! Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, sugar, and flaky puff pastry, this dessert isn’t just eye-catching but mouthwateringly delicious. Serve them for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any occasion you want to impress your guests!
Go to the recipe: Apple Roses with Puff Pastry
Chocolate Puff Pastry
If you love chocolate, you will certainly want to try this easy chocolate puff pastry recipe! With just two main ingredients, this simple recipe takes store-bought puff pastry to the next level by rolling in decadent chocolate chips. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pastry with a flaky outer shell and a creamy chocolate interior. It is perfect for both breakfast and an after-dinner dessert!
Go to the recipe: Chocolate Puff Pastry
More from Spatula Desserts
Here you will find the best berry desserts to make when you want a hit of fruity flavor. Fresh berries have the most amazing flavor, so it's no surprise that they are used in baking and desserts again and again. This list of berry desserts has all the tried and tested recipes you need.
Go to the recipes: Berry Desserts
Best Cheesecake Toppings
All the best cheesecake toppings to try, in one place! If you love baking cheesecake but want more ideas for cheesecake toppings, you've certainly come to the right place.
Go to the recipes: Best Cheesecake Toppings
Best Layer Cake Recipes
The best layer cake recipes to make when it´s time to celebrate! When a single sponge cake won't do, opt for layers filled with decadent frostings and fillings and wait for the compliments to pour in.
Go to the recipes: Best Layer Cake Recipes
This article was originally published as Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish at Spatula Desserts.
Leave a Reply