If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your morning with a bakery-style treat without the fuss of complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is here to make that dream come true. Flaky, buttery puff pastry meets a creamy, subtly sweet cheese filling that’s kissed with a hint of vanilla and lemon zest, then finished with a glossy, sweet glaze on top. It’s one of those magical recipes that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weekend brunches or impressing guests with zero stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe so accessible is how simply delicious the ingredients are. Each one plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect balance of flaky, creamy, and sweet textures you’ll love biting into.
- Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery base that gives the danish its signature airy layers and golden color.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The star filling, rich and smooth, offering that luscious creaminess that sets this dish apart.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese without overpowering it, creating just the right touch of indulgence.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, elevating the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
- Lemon zest (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a fresh, bright note that balances the richness beautifully.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Helps the pastry edges turn that perfect golden brown with a shiny finish.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): For the smooth, sweet glaze that drizzles over the warm danish with flair.
- Milk (1–2 teaspoons): Mixed with powdered sugar to create a silky glaze consistency.
- Flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking while rolling out the pastry and helps with shaping.
How to Make Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your workspace and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Lightly dust your work surface with flour to handle the puff pastry without it clinging to your hands or the countertop.
Step 2: Shape the puff pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet gently and cut it into 4 equal squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. This creates individual danishes that are perfectly sized for one or two bites each, making portioning a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the creamy filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy — this filling is what brings that irresistible, velvety texture and mellow sweetness to each bite.
Step 4: Add filling to the pastry squares
Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. You can either fold the corners slightly toward the center for a neat, traditional look or leave them open for a rustic, casual vibe. Both ways taste amazing!
Step 5: Egg wash and bake
Brush the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg. This step is essential because it gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish that makes these easy danishes look professionally baked. Transfer the pastries onto your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
Step 6: Make the glaze
While the danishes cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk. Adjust the milk quantity to get a drizzle-friendly glaze consistency. Drizzle this sweet touch over the warm pastries just before serving for that extra bit of charm and sweetness.
How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your danish visually and flavor-wise, consider sprinkling a little powdered sugar or finely chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios on top. Fresh berries or a few edible flower petals add a pop of color and freshness that make your presentation irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a heartier spread, add some fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance out the richness of the pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cheese danishes on a rustic wooden board alongside jars of your favorite jams and honey for a charming brunch display. Wrapping each one in a colorful cloth napkin or using a pretty serving plate can make your breakfast feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the pastry from drying out while maintaining that delightful cream cheese softness inside.
Freezing
You can freeze these danishes before baking by arranging them on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked taste, reheat your danishes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This crisps up the puff pastry and warms the filling beautifully, unlike microwaving which can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry directly without thawing?
It’s best to thaw the puff pastry first according to package instructions. Thawed pastry is easier to handle and folds without cracking, which keeps your danish looking crisp and neat.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is ideal for its creamy texture and balanced tanginess, but mascarpone or ricotta can work too for a slightly different, richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust sugar levels accordingly if using ricotta.
What if I don’t have lemon zest?
Lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness, but if you don’t have it on hand, the danish will still taste amazing without it. You might consider a tiny splash of fresh lemon juice in the filling as an alternative.
How do I make the danish less sweet?
Simply reduce the granulated sugar in the filling or skip the glaze, depending on your preference. The natural richness of the cream cheese balances sweetness nicely even with less added sugar.
Can I add fruit to this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a spoonful of your favorite jam or some fresh berries on top of the cream cheese before baking introduces a lovely fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and flaky pastry.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe is a fantastic go-to for anyone craving a warm, comforting pastry that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to make at home. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary mornings into cozy celebrations, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself. Give it a try and watch how quickly this becomes a breakfast favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 danishes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful and simple pastry made with flaky puff pastry and a smooth, sweetened cream cheese filling. Perfect for a quick morning treat, these danishes bake to a golden brown and are finished with a light sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- flour for dusting
Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your working surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it evenly into 4 squares to create the Danish bases.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using. Mix until the filling is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Danishes: Place about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners slightly toward the center for a neat look or leave them open for a rustic appearance.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg. This helps the danishes develop a golden, glossy finish while baking.
- Bake: Transfer the prepared pastries onto the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Prepare Glaze: While the danishes cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make a light glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add a spoonful of jam or fresh berries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
- Best enjoyed warm, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
