I still remember the first time I tried a puff pastry cream cheese danish at a little corner bakery—it was love at first bite. The flaky layers, the creamy center—it had me hooked. That’s what inspired me to recreate that magic at home.

There’s just something special about pulling warm pastries from your own oven, isn’t there? These Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Danishes are my way of bringing that bakery-fresh experience to your kitchen. They’re delightfully easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family or guests. Plus, who doesn’t love a recipe that combines convenience with decadence?

Why You’ll Love These Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Danishes

Simple ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your fridge or pantry.
Quick prep: Ready for the oven in just 15 minutes!
Customizable: Add your favorite fruits or flavors to make them uniquely yours.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.

How to Make It

These danishes come together effortlessly, thanks to store-bought puff pastry. Here’s how to make them step by step:

Prep the pastry: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions. Roll it out slightly on a floured surface to ensure it’s even and easy to work with. Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred danish size.
Make the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of lemon zest. This adds a tangy-sweet balance that complements the pastry perfectly.
Assemble the danishes: Place a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square. If you’re adding fruit, like fresh berries or preserves, spoon a little on top of the cream cheese.
Shape the edges: Fold the corners inward for a traditional danish look, or leave them open for a rustic vibe. Brush the edges with an egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake to perfection: Pop them in the oven and bake until golden brown and puffed up, about 15–20 minutes. Let them cool slightly before drizzling with glaze.

Make Ahead Method

Prep the components: You can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Thaw the puff pastry overnight in the fridge if frozen.
Assemble but don’t bake: Shape the pastries and add the filling, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Freeze unbaked pastries: Lay assembled but unbaked pastries on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Pro Tips

Keep it cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry to keep it from getting too soft. Chill it in the fridge if needed while shaping.
Don’t overfill: Use just enough cream cheese filling to avoid spills during baking. A tablespoon or so per Danish works perfectly.
Egg wash for shine: Brush the edges of the pastries with a beaten egg before baking to give them a beautiful golden finish.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding lemon zest to the filling or sprinkling the pastries with cinnamon sugar before baking.
Glaze like a pro: Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or cream to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over cooled danishes for that bakery look.

Storage Options

Room temperature: Store freshly baked danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven for crispness.
Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresher if stored unglazed.
Freezer: Freeze fully baked and cooled danishes for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results.

Tools For This Recipe

Rolling pin: Helps flatten any uneven areas in the puff pastry.
Mixing bowl: For combining the cream cheese filling.
Sharp knife or pizza cutter: For cutting the puff pastry into shapes.
Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pastry brush: Perfect for applying egg wash.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Definitely! If you have the time, homemade puff pastry takes these danishes to the next level. But store-bought works beautifully and saves time.

What fruits work best as toppings?
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches are all delicious options. Fruit preserves like apricot or cherry are also fantastic.

How do I keep the pastries from sticking to the pan?
Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Can I make these danishes savory?
Yes! Swap the sweet filling for a savory one like herbed cream cheese or ricotta, and top with veggies like roasted tomatoes or spinach.

What if my puff pastry doesn’t puff up?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated, and don’t let the pastry get too warm before baking. Cold pastry hits the hot oven and puffs perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions

Fruit toppings: Swap fresh fruit for jams or preserves to save time. Experiment with flavors like raspberry, peach, or even fig.
Savory option: Replace the cream cheese filling with a blend of feta and spinach or sun-dried tomato and ricotta.
Flavored glaze: Add a splash of almond extract, vanilla, or citrus juice to your glaze for extra flavor.
Low-sugar option: Use a sugar substitute in the filling or omit the glaze altogether.
Mini danishes: Cut the puff pastry into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.

Wrapping Up!

These Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Danishes are proof that a homemade treat can be both stunning and simple. With their golden, flaky crust and creamy filling, they’re bound to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend breakfast or an elegant dessert, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Did you make these danishes? Share your tips and toppings in the comments below—I can’t wait to see how you personalized them!

Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Danishes

Flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweet cheese filling and topped with your favorite fruit or glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

1 package puff pastry 2 sheets, thawed
8 oz cream cheese softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Fruit preserves or fresh fruit optional
Powdered sugar and milk for glaze, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 8 rectangles or squares.
Fold the edges of each piece to create a border. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry.
Brush the edges with beaten egg and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Add fruit or drizzle with glaze before serving.