Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish Recipe

Name: Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 Tablespoon granulated white sugar; 2 teaspoons milk; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 6 Tablespoons fruit preserves, divided use; Fresh fruit for optional garnish

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Fruit Puff Pastry with Cream Cheese Filling

This easy and delicious puff pastry is topped with a creamy cheese filling and fruit preserves for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon lemon zest
6 tablespoons fruit preserves
Fresh fruit (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles.
Score each rectangle about 1/2 inch from the edges on all four sides, being careful not to cut all the way through the pastry.
Prick the center of each rectangle all over with a fork, staying within the scored edges.
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, milk, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture among the puff pastry rectangles. Use a small offset spatula or a knife to spread the mixture up to the scored edges.
Top each pastry with 1 tablespoon of fruit preserves. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit.
Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool on a rack for about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 173
Total Fat: 8g (11% DV)
Saturated Fat: 4g (21% DV)
Cholesterol: 19mg (6% DV)
Sodium: 79mg (3% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 23g (8% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
Total Sugars: 15g
Protein: 2g (4% DV)
Vitamin C: 14mg (16% DV)
Calcium: 30mg (2% DV)
Iron: 0mg (2% DV)
Potassium: 107mg (2% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines the crispy, flaky layers of puff pastry with a smooth, creamy cheese filling. Its a beloved treat thats simple to make, thanks to the use of store-bought puff pastry, making it a quick and easy option for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The recipe involves just a few ingredients, but the result is a delicious pastry that is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Typically topped with fruit preserves and fresh fruit, it offers a sweet and tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese filling.

History and Origins

The origins of the Danish pastry are often linked to Denmark, although its history is more complex. While Denmark is known for its delicious pastries, the recipe for what we now recognize as "Danish" actually originated from Austria. In the early 19th century, Austrian bakers introduced laminated dough (the basis for puff pastry) to Denmark. The Danes perfected the recipe, adding their unique twist by incorporating butter and other local ingredients. Over time, the Danish pastry became a favorite throughout Europe and the rest of the world. The Danish cheese version, often filled with cream cheese, was popularized in the United States as a breakfast pastry. Today, its commonly found in bakeries worldwide, especially in Scandinavia and America.

Regional Variations

Although the Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish is most closely associated with Denmark, many regional variations exist. In Denmark, the traditional Danish pastries are often filled with sweetened cream cheese, fruit preserves, or almond paste. In other Scandinavian countries, like Sweden and Norway, variations might include cardamom in the dough or marzipan as a filling. The American version of the cheese Danish, which often uses puff pastry, is quick to prepare and is lighter compared to the classic Danish dough. The puff pastry's flakiness provides a lighter texture, making it a popular choice for those who want a more convenient version of the classic Danish.

Differences from Similar Pastries

At first glance, the Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish might seem similar to other popular pastries such as the croissant or a typical cheese-filled pastry. However, the key difference lies in the type of dough used. While a croissant is made from laminated dough that involves multiple layers of butter and dough, the puff pastry used in this Danish is a simpler version, resulting in a lighter, flakier texture. The puff pastry's lightness makes it more delicate and airy compared to the denser, more buttery croissant dough. Additionally, the Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish is often filled with sweetened cream cheese and fruit preserves, setting it apart from savory pastries or croissants.

Where to Serve

The Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish is a versatile pastry, ideal for serving in various settings. Its commonly served as a breakfast item or as a mid-morning snack, especially when paired with a hot beverage like coffee or tea. It is also a popular choice for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts, where it can be made in batches to serve a crowd. Additionally, it can be a delightful dessert after a light lunch or dinner. In Scandinavian countries, you might find similar pastries in bakeries or served during festive occasions such as Christmas or Easter. In the United States, it's commonly found in cafes, bakeries, and even at upscale hotel breakfast spreads.

Interesting Facts

The puff pastry used in this Danish is a shortcut method, where butter is folded into dough to create layers. Traditional puff pastry can take hours to prepare, but the frozen puff pastry used in this recipe speeds up the process significantly.
One of the most common variations of the cheese Danish in America involves using fruit preserves. Common fruit flavors include raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, with fresh fruit often used as a garnish.
In Denmark, the word "Danish" in relation to pastries is actually a term used outside Denmark. In Denmark, these pastries are just called "wienerbrd," which means "Viennese bread," referencing their Austrian origins.
While many pastries are enjoyed in a variety of settings, the Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish is especially popular in coffee shops, where it pairs perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee.
The use of cream cheese in Danish pastries became more widespread in the United States in the 20th century, giving rise to the American version of the pastry we enjoy today.

FAQ about Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish Recipe

Leftover puff pastry cheese Danishes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore some of the crispness.

Yes, you can freeze these cheese Danishes before baking. Assemble the pastries and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.

If you don't have fruit preserves, you can use lemon curd, jam, or fresh fruit. For a more savory version, you could try a cream cheese and herb filling.

Yes, the cream cheese filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the puff pastry.

While puff pastry gives the Danishes their characteristic flaky texture, you can use other pastries like crescent roll dough as a substitute if you prefer a softer result.

You can garnish your cheese Danishes with fresh berries, mint leaves, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. Feel free to get creative with different fruits based on what’s in season.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese filling by adding more or less sugar, depending on your taste preference.

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and replace the milk with a non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or oat milk.

This recipe takes approximately 35 minutes in total, with 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time.

Fruit preserves with a smooth consistency, like apricot, raspberry, or strawberry, work best for this recipe. You can also use citrus marmalade for a more tangy flavor.

Comments

Brenda Turner

08/07/2023 06:58:08 PM

Super simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish Recipe