Cheese Danish Recipe (with Video)

Cheese Danish Recipe: Who can resist a soft, buttery pastry filled with creamy cheese? The cheese Danish is a classic pastry that’s enjoyed around the world, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Originating from Denmark, this flaky pastry became an international favorite due to its rich texture and sweet-tangy filling.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step to make cheese Danish from scratch. Get ready for a baking adventure!

Ingredients for Cheese Danish

Before diving into the process, let’s talk about what you’ll need. The recipe is divided into two main parts: the dough and the filling.

For the dough:

• 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold)

For the cream cheese filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Ingredient Tips:

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and flakiness.
• Whole milk adds richness to the dough. You can use plant-based milk if needed.
• Fresh cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling—avoid using pre-whipped versions.

Essential Tools and Equipment

To make the process smoother, gather these tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer (optional, but recommended)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Investing in good-quality tools will save you time and improve your pastry-making skills.

How to Make the Danish Dough (Step-by-Step)

Making Danish dough involves a process called lamination, which is similar to making croissants or puff pastry. Here’s how to get it just right:

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures that your yeast is alive and active.
2. Mix the dough: Add eggs, salt, and about half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour. You should end up with a soft but manageable dough.
3. Knead and rest: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Creating the Layers (Laminating)

Laminating is what gives Danish pastries their signature flaky texture.

1. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle.
2. Add the butter block: Flatten cold butter into a thin square and place it on one half of the dough. Fold the other half over the butter, sealing the edges.
3. Fold and roll: Roll the dough out again into a rectangle, then fold it into thirds (like a letter). Chill for 30 minutes, then repeat this rolling and folding process 2 more times.

This process creates multiple thin layers of butter and dough, resulting in a beautifully flaky pastry once baked.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling

While the dough is resting, it’s time to prepare the filling.

1. Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon zest (if using). Beat until fully combined and creamy.
2. Chill the filling: Refrigerate the filling while you continue working on the dough. This helps maintain a firm consistency when assembling the pastries.

Assembling the Cheese Danish

Once your dough is laminated and your filling is ready, it’s time to put everything together.

1. Shape the pastries: Roll the dough out one final time and cut it into squares or rectangles. You can also create circles if you prefer a different shape.
2. Add the filling: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling onto the center of each piece of dough. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may leak during baking.
3. Seal and shape: Fold the corners of the dough over the filling, pressing gently to secure them. Alternatively, leave the filling exposed for a more traditional look.

Baking the Danish Pastries

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Apply an egg wash: Lightly beat one egg and brush it over the pastries for a golden, shiny finish.
3. Bake: Bake the pastries for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.

Cooling and Serving the Cheese Danish

Let the pastries cool for at least 10 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. You can drizzle icing or fruit glaze on top for added flavor. Enjoy with coffee or tea for the perfect treat!

Optional Toppings and Variations

While a classic cheese Danish is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to elevate this pastry with creative toppings and variations.

Sweet Toppings:

• Fruit compote: Add a spoonful of berry compote (strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry) on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple icing glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once the pastries have cooled.
• Nut crumble: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the top before baking for extra crunch.

Savory Variations:

• Replace the cream cheese filling with a mixture of ricotta, herbs, and spinach for a savory twist.
• Add caramelized onions and goat cheese for a gourmet version of the Danish pastry.

These options let you customize the cheese Danish to suit any occasion or craving.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cheese Danish

Even with a straightforward recipe, a few expert tips can help you achieve bakery-quality results:

1. Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers. If the butter softens too much during lamination, refrigerate the dough before continuing.
2. Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking can develop too much gluten, leading to dense, chewy pastries. Handle the dough gently, especially during the final shaping.
3. Use an egg wash: This small step gives your pastries a beautiful golden sheen and a slightly crisp exterior.
4. Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is precise, so use measuring cups and scales to ensure consistent results.
5. Allow time for resting: The dough needs time to rise and rest during each step. Rushing through these steps can affect the final texture and flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once baked, cheese Danish pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later.

To store:

• Place the pastries in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the pastries for up to 5 days.

To reheat:

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Warm the pastries on a baking sheet for 5-8 minutes until heated through.

You can also freeze unbaked Danish pastries. Assemble them as usual, freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Health Considerations

While cheese Danish pastries are a tasty treat, they are rich in butter, sugar, and cream cheese, which means they’re high in calories and fat. Here are a few tips to make them slightly healthier:

1. Use reduced-fat cream cheese: This can cut down on calories without compromising flavor too much.
2. Reduce sugar: You can decrease the sugar in both the dough and the filling by about 10-20% for a less sweet version.
3. Whole wheat flour: Substituting part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour can add fiber and nutrients, though it may slightly affect the texture.

Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy these pastries as an occasional indulgence.

FAQs about Cheese Danish Recipe

What ingredients do I need for a cheese Danish?

To make a classic cheese Danish, you’ll need flour, yeast, milk, eggs, sugar, salt, butter, and cream cheese. For a richer flavor, you can add vanilla extract or lemon zest to the cheese filling.

How long does it take to make a cheese Danish?

Preparing a cheese Danish can take about 2 to 3 hours, including the time needed for the dough to rise. Baking time is typically around 15 to 20 minutes.

Can I make cheese Danish ahead of time?

Yes, cheese Danishes can be prepared ahead of time. You can refrigerate the assembled Danishes overnight or freeze them for longer storage. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What is the best way to store leftover cheese Danish?

Leftover cheese Danish should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 2 to 3 days. For best results, reheat them briefly in the oven to restore the pastry’s crispness.

Are there any variations to the traditional cheese Danish recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize your cheese Danish by adding fruit fillings like raspberry or blueberry, or experiment with different spices in the cheese mixture, such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Some recipes also use ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.

Conclusion

Making a cheese Danish from scratch might seem like a challenge, but with patience and practice, you’ll be rewarded with bakery-quality pastries right in your own kitchen. The combination of flaky layers and rich, creamy filling is truly irresistible. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some creative variations, this pastry is sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!