Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

by Faty

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

  1. Neufchatel Cheese: A lighter alternative to cream cheese, Neufchatel offers a similar flavor and texture with fewer calories and fat.
  2. Agave Syrup: For a refined sugar-free filling, agave syrup can replace granulated sugar.
  3. 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

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Assemble the Danish: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares. Spoon the filling into the center of each square.
  4. Apply egg wash: Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush over the pastry edges.
  5. Bake: Place the Danishes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed.
  6. 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.

Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Danish Ingredients

  • 2 cans Crescent Rolls Unrolled and separated into rectangles
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese At room temperature
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar Divided
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice
  • ¾ tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Sour Cream

Icing Ingredients

  • 1 cup Confectioner's Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Milk
  • 1 Tbsp Softened Butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Unroll the crescent rolls and separate into rectangles of dough using two triangles.
  • Pinch closed the diagonal cut to form one solid sheet of dough. Sprinkle lightly 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 baking paper, spacing danishes about 2 inches apart.
  • Press the centers with a finger to make a well for the filling and stretch the sides a bit if necessary.
  • In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, 1 Tbsp 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.
  • Drizzle icing over the tops of the danish or use a small zip-top bag for piping.
  • Allow the danish to cool for 10-15 minutes before icing.
  • Enjoy your cream cheese danish!

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 15g
Keyword Easy
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