Cheese Danish: A Deliciously Flaky Pastry
A Cheese Danish is a rich and indulgent pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and wrapped in flaky, buttery dough. This beloved breakfast treat has become a staple in bakeries around the world, often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination of a tender, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful filling makes the Cheese Danish irresistible to many. Whether served as a dessert, a breakfast item, or a sweet snack, it’s the perfect treat to indulge in. While the process of making a Cheese Danish from scratch might seem a bit complex, it’s incredibly rewarding. The layers of pastry melt in your mouth, and the cream cheese filling provides a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dough. This recipe captures the essence of a bakery-style Cheese Danish, allowing you to enjoy it freshly baked at home with all the deliciousness of the original.
The History of Cheese Danish
The origins of the Cheese Danish can be traced back to Denmark, where Danish pastry, or “wienerbrød,” has a long history. The pastry itself has roots in Vienna, Austria, but it was brought to Denmark in the 19th century by Austrian bakers. Danish pastry is known for its laminated dough, which creates the flaky texture that has made it so popular. The Cheese Danish, specifically, likely emerged in the 20th century, combining the buttery pastry with a sweet and creamy cheese filling. Over time, the Cheese Danish became popular outside of Denmark and spread to other parts of Europe and the United States, where it became a staple in bakeries, cafes, and coffee shops. Today, the Cheese Danish remains one of the most beloved varieties of Danish pastries worldwide, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make a Cheese Danish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the signature flaky dough and creamy filling. For the dough, you’ll use all-purpose flour, which provides structure, and a mix of butter and shortening, which gives the dough its tender, flaky texture. A small amount of sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the dough. You’ll also need active dry yeast, which helps the dough rise and become light and airy. For the filling, the main ingredient is cream cheese, which offers a rich and tangy flavor. To sweeten the filling, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt are used. Some recipes also include egg yolks for extra richness. For the finishing touch, an egg wash is applied to the pastry before baking, giving it a golden-brown, glossy appearance.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Start by preparing the dough. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and a little more water, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well-combined. Set the filling aside.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on the desired size of your Danish pastries. Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges together to seal. You can create different shapes, such as triangles or pinwheels, by folding the dough differently.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with an egg wash made from a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water, and bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Once the Cheese Danishes are baked, allow them to cool slightly. Optionally, drizzle them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra sweet touch. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Cheese Danish
For the flakiest pastry, be sure to handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it. The key to achieving the signature flakiness is the use of cold butter and the process of folding the dough over itself multiple times to create layers. When rolling out the dough, be careful not to roll it too thin, as you want it to rise and puff up during baking. It’s also important to let the dough rise fully before baking, as this allows the yeast to do its work and results in a light and airy texture.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry or croissant dough as a shortcut. This will give you a similar texture and taste with less effort. However, nothing beats the homemade dough for its flakiness and flavor.
Variations and Customizations
While the traditional Cheese Danish features a simple cream cheese filling, you can easily customize it with different flavors and fillings. Add fruit to the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist—berries, apples, or peaches work particularly well. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mascarpone or ricotta, for a slightly different flavor profile. For an extra indulgence, drizzle your Cheese Danish with a chocolate glaze or top with chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, before baking.
If you prefer a savory version, you can replace the sweet cream cheese filling with a savory cheese, like goat cheese or cheddar, and add herbs or spinach for a more sophisticated flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Cheese Danishes, like most pastries, are indulgent treats that should be enjoyed in moderation. They are typically high in calories, fat, and sugar due to the buttery dough and sweet cream cheese filling. While the cream cheese does provide some calcium and protein, the overall nutritional value is limited. If you’re looking to make a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or incorporating whole wheat flour into the dough. You can also reduce the sugar content or swap it for a natural sweetener, though this may affect the texture and flavor of the pastry. While not a health food, a Cheese Danish can be a delightful occasional treat when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought dough for Cheese Danish?
Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry or croissant dough as a shortcut. However, homemade dough will give you the flakiest and freshest results. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Once it has risen, you can refrigerate it overnight and continue the recipe the next day. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. - How can I store leftover Cheese Danishes?
Store leftover Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to restore some of the crispness. - Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the danishes.
Cheese Danish
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 box 17.3 oz or 320g puff pastry, thawed
- ▢ 1 egg + 2 teaspoons water for egg wash
For the Filling
- ▢ 8 ounces 225g cream cheese, softened
- ▢ 1 egg yolk at room temperature
- ▢ ¼ cup 30g powdered sugar
- ▢ 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze
- ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
- ▢ 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C for a fan oven, and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper (I used a half-size sheet pan).
- To prepare the cheesecake filling, combine the cream cheese, egg yolk, powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Use a whisk or rubber spatula to mix everything together until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface using a rolling pin, forming a 12×12-inch square.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into 9 squares, each measuring 4 inches. Then, fold each corner of each square about 1 inch toward the center and gently press to seal the folds.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, using a small (1 tablespoon) cookie scoop.
- Make the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash around the edges of each pastry (all around the filling).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Once done, remove from the oven and let the pastries cool completely before adding the icing.
- For the icing, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add the milk slowly to avoid making the icing too thin. Drizzle the icing over each cooled pastry.
Notes
Depending on your location or the brand of puff pastry you use, the size of your frozen puff pastry sheet may vary slightly. Just be sure to lightly roll out the sheet to smooth the creases and cut it into evenly sized squares.
Want to add some extra flavor? Try topping the pastries with chocolate chips or fresh berries before baking.
To Store: Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.