Puff Pastry Danish

Few things feel as rewarding as pulling a batch of homemade Danishes from the oven, golden and puffed. Crisp, flaky layers give way to a creamy, tangy filling and a dollop of sweet jam that melts into every bite. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or an afternoon treat, these pastries will add a touch of indulgence to your day, with minimal effort, thanks to frozen puff pastry. Give yourself the satisfaction of a bakery-quality pastry right in your own kitchen with this puff pastry Danish recipe.

Puff Pastry Danish Ingredients

• Cream cheese: The cream cheese provides a rich, creamy filling with a subtle tang that complements the sweet jam. Let the cream cheese warm to room temperature before getting started.
• Sugar: A modest amount of sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the cream cheese mixture, ensuring it stays firm and doesn’t ooze out during baking.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor of the filling, adding a layer of warmth and aromatic sweetness.
• Egg yolks: The egg yolks add richness to the filling and also act as a binder for sealing the pastry. You’ll want to let the yolks warm up to room temperature before adding them in.
• Water: A little water thins the egg yolk mixture, making it easier to brush on for an even, glossy finish.
• Puff pastry: Frozen puff pastry provides a crisp, flaky base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. (Looking for a weekend project? Make puff pastry from scratch.)
• Raspberry jam: The jam introduces a bright, fruity note and adds a pop of sweetness to each pastry.
• Confectioners’ sugar (optional): An optional dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a decorative touch and a hint of sweetness to the finished pastries.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese filling

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Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add one egg yolk to the mixture, then beat until it’s fully incorporated. Set the filling aside.

Step 2: Prepare the puff pastry

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On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Using a rolling pin, gently roll each sheet into a 12-inch square. Cut each sheet into nine equal squares, approximately 4 inches each. Transfer the squares to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 3: Fill and shape the pastries

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Mix the water and the remaining egg yolk, then set this aside. Place 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, then top it with a rounded teaspoon of jam. Bring two opposite corners of each pastry square over the filling, and pinch them together to seal. Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg yolk mixture.

Step 4: Bake the pastries

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Bake the pastries until they’re golden brown and puffed, 14 to 16 minutes. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle them with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

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Puff Pastry Danish Variations

• Swap out the raspberry jam: Use other types of jam, like apricot, cherry or strawberry, to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Add a citrus zing: Stir a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese mixture to give the filling a bright, tangy flavor.
• Try a chocolate filling: Replace the cream cheese mixture with Nutella or homemade chocolate-hazelnut butter for a decadent, dessert-like version.
• Make them savory: Skip the sugar and vanilla in the cream cheese mixture and add a pinch of salt and herbs like dill or chives, then top it with smoked salmon or ham for a savory Danish.

How to Store Puff Pastry Danish

To store these puff pastry Danishes, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days.

Can you freeze puff pastry Danish?

Yes, you can freeze your puff pastry cream cheese Danish. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat them directly from frozen without thawing.

How long does puff pastry Danish last?

Puff pastry Danishes will last for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If frozen, they can be kept for up to three months.

Can I make Danish with puff pastry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare puff pastry Danishes in advance by assembling them and then refrigerating the unbaked pastries for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the recipe’s baking instructions without needing to adjust the time.

Puff Pastry Danish Tips

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Why is my puff pastry not puffing when baked?

If your puff pastry isn’t rising, it could be due to overhandling the dough or baking it at too low a temperature. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature, and avoid letting the pastry get too warm before baking, as this can affect the rise.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but it may result in a slightly less rich and creamy filling. For the best results, we suggest full-fat cream cheese, but the lower-fat version will still work if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Why do I need to use room-temperature ingredients?

Using room-temperature ingredients, like cream cheese and egg yolks, helps them blend smoothly, ensuring a creamy, cohesive filling. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy mixture or prevent proper incorporation of air into the dough or filling.