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
