Nothing beats waking up to the warm, flaky goodness of an Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe. This delightful treat pairs the creamy richness of a smooth cream cheese filling with the irresistible crispiness of puff pastry, all topped with your favorite fruit filling or fresh slices. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, crisp and creamy, making it a fantastic way to start any morning or impress guests at brunch without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving that signature flaky, creamy, and fruity danish experience. Each one plays a special role in creating layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more.
- Cream cheese (8 oz.): Use a quality brand like Philadelphia for a luxuriously smooth and tangy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Eggs (2 large, divided): Eggs help bind your filling and provide an egg wash to give the pastry a gorgeous golden shine.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Just enough sweetness to complement the cream cheese and fruit without overpowering.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth, enhancing all flavor layers in the filling.
- Frozen puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed): The star of the show, delivering buttery, flaky layers with minimal prep.
- Fruit pie filling (1½ – 2 cups): Choose cherry, apple, blueberry, or blackberry for a fruity burst that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
- Fresh pear slices (optional): Thin slices add a fresh, juicy contrast and look stunning on top.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): A sprinkle adds a cozy spice that lifts the apple or pear slices to the next level.
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by beating the cream cheese with one egg until completely smooth using an electric mixer. This ensures the filling is silky without lumps. Next, blend in the sugar and vanilla extract for that signature sweet and aromatic flavor that makes the danish unforgettable.
Step 2: Set Up Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Proper oven temperature is crucial to get that puff pastry golden and crisp without burning.
Step 3: Cut Puff Pastry Into Squares
Place one sheet of puff pastry on a clean piece of parchment paper and gently roll it out into a 10½-inch square. Then cut it into nine equal squares measuring about 3½ inches each. This size means every bite is packed with just the right ratio of filling to crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Pastry Bases
Using a fork, prick the center of each puff pastry square several times—this stops the middle from puffing up too much while keeping edges nicely raised to cradle the filling.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk the second egg with one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush it lightly over the entire square surfaces to ensure a beautiful golden sheen once baked.
Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese Filling
Spoon about one tablespoon of the prepared cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Spread it slightly but keep it within the edges so it doesn’t leak out during baking.
Step 7: Top With Fruit and Finish
Add your choice of fruit pie filling or arrange thin pear slices on top of the cream cheese layer. If using fresh fruit slices, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over them for a cozy warmth. Now they’re ready to bake!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake each tray for 15 to 18 minutes or until the danishes are beautifully golden and puffed. Then transfer to wire racks to cool for just a few minutes before enjoying. Repeat all steps with the second puff pastry sheet.
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey elevates the danishes beautifully without hiding their natural charm. Fresh mint leaves or tiny edible flowers add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve these danishes alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea and fresh fruit salad to round out your breakfast with extra brightness. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a rustic danish board for brunch by arranging these pastries with small bowls of assorted fruit jams, nuts, and cheese. Or serve them warm with a small scoop of ice cream for a decadent breakfast twist that doubles as dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the puff pastry crisp and the filling fresh for snacking later.
Freezing
Ready to save some for another day? Freeze unbaked danishes on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a sealed bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect results anytime.
Reheating
To revive your leftover danishes, warm them gently in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore that flaky crust and melty filling delight. Avoid the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry in this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give an even flakier and more buttery result, making your danishes extra special. Just make sure it’s thawed properly before you cut and fill.
What are some good fruit filling alternatives to use?
You can use any fruit pie filling you love, such as cherry, apple, blueberry, or blackberry. Fresh fruit slices like pears or apples also work beautifully especially when sprinkled with cinnamon.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I prepare these danishes the night before and bake them in the morning?
Yes! Prepare the danishes up to the baking step, cover them lightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a quick and impressive breakfast.
How can I make sure the edges of the pastry stay crisp while the middle is soft?
Pricking the center of each pastry square with a fork helps reduce puffing in the middle, so edges puff up nicely keeping their crispness and effectively containing the cream cheese filling.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is like giving yourself a warm morning hug. It’s approachable, fun, and delivers bakery-quality results right at home. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming your new favorite morning treat to share with family and friends. Your breakfast moments just got a whole lot better!
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry squares filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped with your choice of fruit pie filling or fresh fruit slices. Perfect for a delightful morning treat, these Danish pastries are simple to prepare and bake to golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 8-oz. package cream cheese (Use a good brand like Philadelphia)
- 2 large eggs (divided)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed in the refrigerator)
Topping
- 1½ – 2 cups fruit pie filling (suggested: cherry, apple, blueberry, blackberry)
- 4–6 slices fresh pear (cut into thin slices) (optional)
- ground cinnamon (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and one egg together using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth. Then, add granulated sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until fully combined.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cut pastry into squares: On a piece of parchment paper, roll one sheet of thawed puff pastry into a 10½-inch square. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into nine squares, each approximately 3½ inches.
- Prick pastry centers: Transfer the parchment with pastry squares onto the lined baking sheet. Using a fork, gently prick several holes in the center area of each pastry square, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges untouched to allow for puffing during baking.
- Add egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush this mixture over the entire surface of each pastry square to ensure a golden finish.
- Spread cream cheese filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square and spread it evenly within the pricked area.
- Add fruit topping: Top each filled square with 1 tablespoon of your chosen fruit pie filling. For options with fresh fruit, place thinly sliced fresh pear or apple on top and sprinkle with ground cinnamon to taste.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the Danishes for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and repeat: Remove from oven and transfer the baked Danish pastries to wire racks to cool slightly. Then, repeat all steps 3 through 8 with the remaining sheet of puff pastry and cream cheese filling.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry sheets in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Do not thaw at room temperature as it could become too soft to handle.
- You can customize the fruit topping with your favorite pie filling or fresh fruit slices such as apple, peach, or berries.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top after baking.
- The egg wash helps create a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for a vegan adaptation if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
