When it comes to breakfast or brunch, few things are as delightful as a flaky, buttery pastry filled with creamy cheese and sweet or tangy flavors. Cheese Danish recipes offer endless possibilities for creative combinations that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple or bold and adventurous, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 mouthwatering cheese Danish recipes.
From traditional cream cheese and vanilla glaze to fruity and savory twists, these delicious treats are sure to become a staple at your next brunch gathering. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and indulge in the rich flavors of cheese danish heaven!
Classic Cream Cheese Danish with Vanilla Glaze
Classic Cream Cheese Danish with Vanilla Glaze: A sweet and indulgent pastry filled with a tangy cream cheese filling and topped with a rich vanilla glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Vanilla glaze (see below)
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., rectangles or triangles).
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Place the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry shape, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape.
6. Brush tops with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Allow danishes to cool completely before drizzling with vanilla glaze.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry
A sweet and tangy pastry filled with a raspberry cream cheese filling, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 6 equal squares.
3. In a bowl, mix together raspberry jam and cream cheese until smooth.
4. Spoon a small amount of the filling onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle. Press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Cheese Danish
Sweet and tangy, these Blueberry Lemon Cheese Danishes are the perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of refrigerated croissant dough (thawed)
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out croissant dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. In a small bowl, mix together blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Spoon mixture onto dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
4. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add egg and melted butter; mix until combined.
5. Place dollops of cheese mixture on top of blueberry mixture.
6. Roll up dough tightly and place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Apple Cinnamon Cheese Danish Swirls
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these sweet and savory pastry swirls, filled with tender apples, cinnamon, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced thinly
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Spread the sugar mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Arrange sliced apples on top of the sugar mixture, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the apples.
6. Roll the pastry into a tight log shape and cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Place swirls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cheese Danish
Transform your breakfast or snack time with these indulgent treats, combining the richness of chocolate, hazelnuts, and cream cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the center of the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Arrange hazelnuts on top of the cheese mixture.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Drizzle melted chocolate over the hazelnuts.
8. Roll up pastry and place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Strawberry Cheesecake Danish Braid
This sweet and tangy pastry combines the flavors of strawberry cheesecake with a flaky, buttery crust, wrapped up in a beautiful braided design. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup strawberry jam
– 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and strawberry jam. Spread evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
4. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the jam mixture.
5. In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese and honey. Spread over the strawberries.
6. Roll out remaining puff pastry to match the first piece. Place on top of filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Puff Pastry Cheese Danish with Almonds
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these flaky, cheesy danish pastries topped with crunchy almonds. This recipe is a classic combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread a tablespoon or two onto the center of each square, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the cheese mixture.
5. Roll edges of pastry up to form a cylinder, pressing gently to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Cheese Danish with Streusel Topping
A sweet and savory twist on the classic danish pastry, featuring a cherry filling and topped with a crunchy streusel topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Streusel topping (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a bowl, mix together cherry preserves and granulated sugar. Spread evenly over center of pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Top with cream cheese mixture (beaten egg and milk).
5. Roll out streusel topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over filling.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Cheese Danish Rolls
These buttery, flaky danish rolls are infused with the warm spices of pumpkin pie and filled with a creamy cheese mixture. Perfect for a cozy fall morning or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Add lukewarm milk, melted butter, beaten egg, pumpkin puree, and cream cheese. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 5-7 minutes.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Lemon Curd and Cream Cheese Danish
Brighten up your morning with a tangy and sweet Lemon Curd and Cream Cheese Danish. This recipe combines the simplicity of a flaky pastry crust with the richness of cream cheese and the brightness of lemon curd.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Curd:
– 1/2 cup (110g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large egg yolks
For the Cream Cheese Danish:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Lemon curd for filling and topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the lemon curd by whisking together sugar, lemon juice, butter, and egg yolks in a saucepan.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Spoon lemon curd over the cream cheese layer.
6. Fold the pastry edges up and around the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apricot Cream Cheese Danish Twists
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic danish pastry, these apricot cream cheese danish twists are perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of croissant dough (thawed)
– 1/2 cup apricot preserves
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the croissant dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the apricot preserves, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Spread the mixture evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
5. Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one end. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
6. Place the danish twists onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each twist.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel Pecan Cheese Danish
These flaky pastry danishes are filled with a rich caramel pecan cheese mixture, perfect for a sweet and satisfying breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 large egg, beaten
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into rectangles, about 4 inches x 6 inches.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, brown sugar, and pecans.
4. Spread caramel sauce over the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on both sides.
5. Top with cream cheese mixture (beat softened cream cheese with an egg until smooth).
6. Sprinkle sugar-pecan mixture evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Spinach and Feta Cheese Danish
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these flaky, cheesy danishes filled with the perfect balance of savory spinach and tangy feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together spinach and feta cheese. Place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of each square.
4. Fold the pastry over the filling, forming a triangle or a rectangle, and press edges to seal. Brush tops with olive oil.
5. Place danishes on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each pastry.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Peach and Cream Cheese Danish Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the warmth of peaches with the tanginess of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and honey until smooth. Spread evenly over center of pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
3. Arrange peach slices on top of cream cheese mixture.
4. Fold edges of pastry up over filling to form a crust. Brush with beaten egg for golden brown finish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden and fruit is tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Chip Cheese Danish Bites
Sweet and savory come together in these Chocolate Chip Cheese Danish Bites. Flaky pastry, gooey cheese, and dark chocolate chips create a delightful treat that’s perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
4. In the center of each square, place a small spoonful of cheese and sprinkle with sugar and salt.
5. Fold pastry over filling, pressing edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Almond Cream Cheese Danish with Honey Drizzle
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these buttery, flaky danish pastries filled with a creamy almond cream cheese mixture and topped with a drizzle of warm honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Honey, for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in sliced almonds.
4. Place a spoonful of the almond cream cheese mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling to form triangles. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Drizzle warm honey over danish pastries while still slightly warm.
Mixed Berry Cheese Danish Galette
This mixed berry cheese danish galette is a delightful twist on the classic pastry, combining sweet and tart flavors with a crumbly crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
3. Mix confectioners’ sugar and granulated sugar in small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Arrange mixed berries on top of sugar mixture, leaving some space between clusters.
5. In small bowl, mix cream cheese and honey until smooth. Spread over berries.
6. Fold edges of pastry up over filling to form a crust, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush egg wash over crust.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cinnamon Roll Cheese Danish with Cream Cheese Frosting
A sweet and savory fusion of cinnamon roll goodness and cheese danish, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. This treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 package (16.3 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the cinnamon roll dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pecans (if using) over the cream cheese layer.
5. Roll up the dough tightly and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spread frosting over warm Danish while it’s still on the baking sheet.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your brunch game with these 18 scrumptious cheese danish recipes! From classic cream cheese and vanilla glaze to innovative combinations like strawberry cheesecake and caramel pecan, there’s something for everyone. Try making a Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastry or a Blueberry Lemon Cheese Danish to impress your guests. Or go savory with the Savory Spinach and Feta Cheese Danish. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes will guide you in creating delicious cheese danish treats that are sure to please.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
