Introduction: The Joy of Simple Baking
The cream cheese Danish is a beloved pastry, offering the perfect blend of flaky crust and creamy filling. This easy 30-minute version simplifies the traditional recipe without compromising on taste, making it possible to enjoy a freshly baked Danish any morning of the week. Ideal for busy mornings, impromptu gatherings, or a quiet coffee break, this recipe promises delicious results with minimal effort.
Ingredients Overview
Puff Pastry
Why Puff Pastry Works for This Recipe
Puff pastry provides a flaky, buttery base with minimal prep time, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy Danish. Its layers rise into a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich cream cheese filling.
Health Benefits of Puff Pastry
While primarily enjoyed for its texture and flavor, puff pastry does contain small amounts of iron and B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism.
Cream Cheese
Why Cream Cheese Works for This Recipe
Cream cheese is the star of this Danish, offering a smooth and tangy filling that complements the sweet icing. Its creamy texture melds perfectly with the crisp layers of the pastry.
Health Benefits of Cream Cheese
Cream cheese provides a good source of vitamin A and contributes to maintaining good vision and healthy skin.
Sugar
Why Sugar Works for This Recipe
Sugar sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese, enhancing the overall flavor of the Danish.
Health Benefits of Sugar
Consumed in moderation, sugar can provide a quick source of energy, which is beneficial when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Vanilla Extract
Why Vanilla Extract Works for This Recipe
Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cream cheese filling, elevating the pastry’s flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Vanilla Extract
Vanilla contains antioxidants that help protect your body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Egg
Why Egg Works for This Recipe
An egg wash gives the Danish a golden, glossy finish that is visually appealing and adds a slight richness to the crust.
Health Benefits of Egg
Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health and well-being.
Substitutions
- Neufchatel Cheese: A lighter alternative to cream cheese, Neufchatel offers a similar flavor and texture with fewer calories and fat.
- Agave Syrup: For a refined sugar-free filling, agave syrup can replace granulated sugar.
- Gluten-Free Puff Pastry: Easily accommodate gluten sensitivities by using a gluten-free puff pastry available at most health food stores.
Recipe
Yield:
This recipe produces 8 servings of cream cheese Danish.
Ingredients List
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet (thawed)
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces
- Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Egg: 1 (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble the Danish: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares. Spoon the filling into the center of each square.
- Apply egg wash: Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over the pastry edges.
- Bake: Place the Danishes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve warm: Enjoy fresh from the oven, optionally drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk.
Nutrition
Each serving approximately contains:
- Calories: 250
- Carbs: 25 grams
- Fats: 15 grams
- Proteins: 4 grams
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cream cheese Danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore the pastry’s crispness before serving.
Conclusion
This easy 30-minute cream cheese Danish recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a homemade pastry without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, delicious, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Share your own tips and variations in the comments below to inspire fellow bakers!
FAQ
Can I make this Danish with a fruit filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a spoonful of your favorite jam or fresh fruit on top of the cream cheese mixture before baking for a fruity twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of crescent rolls
- 1 8oz package of cream cheese at room temp.
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¾ tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp sour cream
- Optional: assorted jams and preserves or pie filling (raspberry, cherry, strawberry, apricot, blueberry, lemon, etc)
- Icing:
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp softened butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate into rectangles of dough using two triangle.
- Pinch closed the diagonal cut to form one solid sheet of dough. Sprinkle light with sugar.
- Slice crescent roll dough into 1 inch x 8 inch slices.
- Gently lift dough slice and twist opposite ends in opposing directions into a loose rope.
- Spiral the rope around itself to form a loose circle/spiral.
- Place onto a cookie sheet lined with a baking paper, spacing danishes about 2 inch apart.
- Press the centers with a finger to make a well for the filling and stretch the sides a bit if it is necessary.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Add a tablespoon of filling to each roll.
- Lightly brush dough with melted butter.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. or until lightly golden brown.
- In a small bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar, milk and butter.
- You can use a spoon to drizzle it over the tops of the danish,
- or you can put it into a small zip-top bag and snip of the corner for an easy "piping bag."
- Take the danish out of the oven and allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes before icing.
- Voila! Cream cheese danish without leaving the house or breaking a sweat.
