Easy Cheese Danish Recipe: How to Make Delicious Pastries in No Time

If you’re a fan of sweet pastries, then you’re probably familiar with the deliciousness that is a cheese danish. This pastry is made with a flaky, buttery dough and a rich, creamy cheese filling that is sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, a cheese danish is a perfect treat that is easy to make at home.

Making an easy cheese danish recipe is simpler than you might think. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious pastry that will impress your friends and family. There are many variations of cheese danish recipes, but most involve a combination of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs for the filling, and puff pastry for the dough. You can also add a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or a glaze, to make your cheese danish even more delicious.

Ingredients Needed

When it comes to making Easy Cheese Danish, there are three main components: the pastry, the filling, and the glaze. Here’s what you’ll need to make each part of this delicious breakfast treat.

Pastry Ingredients

To make the pastry for your Cheese Danish, you’ll need:

Frozen puff pastry sheets
Butter
Flour
Water
Salt
Granulated sugar
Milk

Filling Ingredients

The filling is what gives your Cheese Danish its creamy, cheesy flavor. To make it, you’ll need:

Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Lemon zest

Glaze Ingredients

The glaze is what gives your Cheese Danish its sweet, sticky finish. To make it, you’ll need:

Powdered sugar
Milk

Optional Toppings

While the filling and glaze are the main components of your Cheese Danish, you can also add some optional toppings to make it even more delicious. Some popular options include:

Jam (apricot, raspberry, or blueberry)
Sliced almonds

Now that you know what ingredients you’ll need, it’s time to start making your Easy Cheese Danish.

Preparation Steps

Preparing an Easy Cheese Danish requires a few simple steps. In this section, we will guide you through the process of preparing the dough, making the filling, assembling the Danish, and baking and cooling it.

Preparing the Dough

To make the dough for the Easy Cheese Danish, you will need puff pastry, flour, butter, salt, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Here are the steps to follow:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry with a rolling pin into a 12-inch square.
Cut the pastry into nine squares.
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of water to make an egg wash.
Brush the egg wash over each pastry square.
Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill the pastry.
Meanwhile, prepare the cheese filling.

Making the Filling

To make the cheese filling for the Easy Cheese Danish, you will need cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Here are the steps to follow:

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
Take the pastry squares out of the refrigerator.
Spoon a tablespoon of the cheese filling onto the center of each pastry square.

Assembling the Danish

To assemble the Easy Cheese Danish, you will need the pastry squares with the cheese filling. Here are the steps to follow:

Fold the corners of each pastry square to the center, covering the cheese filling.
Use your fingers to press the corners together, sealing the pastry.
Brush the top of each pastry with egg wash.
Sprinkle sugar over the egg wash.

Baking and Cooling

To bake the Easy Cheese Danish, you will need a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are the steps to follow:

Put the baking sheet in the oven.
Bake the Easy Cheese Danish for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Take the baking sheet out of the oven and cool the Easy Cheese Danish on a rack for 10 minutes before serving.

This recipe makes nine servings of Easy Cheese Danish. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving cheese danish, there are a few options to consider. Cheese danish can be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or as a dessert. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, there are some things to keep in mind.

Breakfast

Cheese danish is a popular breakfast pastry that is enjoyed by many. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea and is perfect for those who are on the go. If you are serving cheese danish for breakfast, consider serving it with fresh fruit or yogurt to balance out the sweetness. You can also serve it with a side of bacon or sausage for a more filling breakfast.

Dessert

Cheese danish can also be served as a dessert. If you are serving it for dessert, consider warming it up in the oven for a few minutes before serving. This will make the cheese filling gooey and delicious. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.

Serving Size

When serving cheese danish, it is important to consider the serving size. A typical serving size is one danish, which is usually enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. However, if you are serving it as a dessert, you may want to consider cutting it into smaller pieces to serve as a bite-sized treat.

Overall, cheese danish is a versatile pastry that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you are serving it for breakfast or dessert, there are many ways to make it your own.

Nutritional Information

If you are wondering about the nutritional information of Easy Cheese Danish, this section will provide you with all the necessary details. The following sub-sections will cover the calorie count, fat content, and protein and sodium content of this pastry.

Calorie Count

Easy Cheese Danish is a delicious pastry that can be enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is high in calories. According to FatSecret, one Cheese Danish Pastry contains 266 calories. If you are watching your calorie intake, it is recommended to consume this pastry in moderation.

Fat Content

Easy Cheese Danish is high in fat, with 52% of its calories coming from fat. According to MyFitnessPal, one serving of this pastry (0.083 of a 9×12 pan) contains 16g of fat. It is important to note that not all fats are created equal, and some types of fat are healthier than others. Easy Cheese Danish contains saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation.

Protein and Sodium Content

Easy Cheese Danish contains a small amount of protein and sodium. According to Starbucks, one Cheese Danish contains 7g of protein and 400mg of sodium. It is important to keep in mind that consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, so it is recommended to limit your intake.

In conclusion, Easy Cheese Danish is a tasty pastry that should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content. It is important to keep track of your calorie and fat intake, and to consume this pastry as part of a balanced diet.

Storage and Leftovers

Once you have made your delicious Easy Cheese Danish, you may have some leftovers that you want to store properly. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your Easy Cheese Danish:

Storing

It is important to store your Easy Cheese Danish properly to prevent it from going stale or getting soggy. To store your danish, place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help to keep it fresh for longer.

You can store your Easy Cheese Danish at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This will help to extend its shelf life.

Reheating

If you have stored your Easy Cheese Danish in the refrigerator, you can reheat it to enjoy it again. To reheat your danish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your danish on a baking sheet and heat it up in the oven for 5-10 minutes. This will help to make it warm and crispy again.

Alternatively, you can reheat your danish in the microwave. Place your danish on a microwave-safe plate and heat it up for 20-30 seconds. This will help to make it warm and soft again.

Tips

To prevent your Easy Cheese Danish from getting soggy, do not store it in the refrigerator for too long.
If you want to store your danish for longer than 4 days, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When reheating your danish, be careful not to overheat it. This can cause it to become dry and tough.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your danish, try sprinkling some cinnamon or powdered sugar on top before reheating it. This will give it a delicious twist.

Alternative Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up and try something new, there are plenty of alternative variations you can make to your Easy Cheese Danish recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Using Different Fillings

While cream cheese is a classic filling for Cheese Danish, there are plenty of other options to try. Here are a few ideas:

Ricotta: For a lighter, fluffier filling, try using ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese. Mix it with some sugar and vanilla extract for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Jam: Spoon your favorite jam or preserves onto the pastry dough before adding the cheese filling. Raspberry or blueberry jam would be particularly delicious.
Fresh Berries: If you have fresh berries on hand, mix them into the cream cheese filling for a burst of fruity flavor. Blueberries and raspberries work particularly well.

Using Different Dough

While puff pastry is the traditional choice for Cheese Danish, there are other types of pastry dough you can experiment with. Here are a few:

Crescent Roll Dough: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry. Simply unroll the dough, pinch the seams together, and cut it into squares before adding the filling.
Sour Cream Pastry Dough: For a tangy twist on the classic, try using a sour cream pastry dough. This will give your Cheese Danish a slightly sour flavor that pairs well with the sweet filling.
Pate Brisee: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own pastry dough from scratch using pate brisee. This will give your Cheese Danish a rich, buttery flavor that’s hard to beat.

With these alternative variations, you can customize your Cheese Danish to your liking and create a unique and delicious pastry that’s all your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best cheese danish recipe?

You can find the best cheese danish recipe online by searching for it on popular recipe websites like Food Network, Lena’s Kitchen, or A Spicy Perspective. You can also check out food blogs and YouTube channels for more recipe ideas.

What kind of cheese is used in a cheese danish?

Cream cheese is the most commonly used cheese in a cheese danish. It gives the filling its creamy and tangy flavor that we all love. Some recipes also call for ricotta cheese or cottage cheese, but cream cheese is the classic choice.

How do I make cheese danish with puff pastry?

To make cheese danish with puff pastry, you will need to thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions. Once thawed, cut the pastry into squares and place a dollop of the cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and brush with an egg wash. Bake in the oven until golden brown and puffy.

Is there a difference between a cheese danish and a cream cheese danish?

Cheese danish and cream cheese danish are essentially the same thing. Both pastries are made with a cream cheese filling and puff pastry dough. Some recipes may use different types of cheese or pastry dough, but the end result is usually very similar.

What is the recipe for Entenmann’s cheese danish?

Entenmann’s cheese danish recipe is a closely guarded secret, but you can try to recreate the flavor at home by using a cream cheese filling and puff pastry dough. You can find many copycat recipes online that claim to taste just like the real thing.

What is the secret to making a perfect cheese danish filling?

The secret to making a perfect cheese danish filling is to use high-quality cream cheese and to make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. You should also add a little bit of sugar and lemon juice to balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese. Finally, make sure to mix the filling until it’s smooth and creamy, with no lumps or bumps.