Cream Cheese Danish Braid (2024)

Cream Cheese Danish

This sweet treat starts with a puff pastry base. I lay it out flat and cut strips into the outer third of each side. Then, I fill the center with a sweet and tangy homemade cream cheese filling and braid the strips over the top. Then, I brush the entire thing with egg wash and bake until the middle is hot and creamy and the outside is golden and flaky. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s as good as anything you’ll find in any bakery and so much fresher. I love to serve this for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or snacking!

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

• It’s a delicious cheese pastry braid made with store-bought puff pastry, which means you get all the delicious flakiness without the time commitment of making dough from scratch.
• The cream cheese filling is sweet and creamy, perfectly complements the buttery, flaky pastry, and the flavor combination is irresistible.
• The Danish braid is easy to customize with different mix-ins with the cream cheese filling, such as chopped nuts or fresh fruit.

Cream Cheese Danish Ingredients

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. Outside of the puff pastry, you might not have to shop for anything!

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla create the classic, sweet and tangy cream cheese filling.
• Puff Pastry: Puff pastry bakes up light and flaky.
• Milk and Vanilla: Milk, vanilla, and some powdered sugar create a simple, sweet glaze.

See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.

How to Make Cream Cheese Danish

Making this Danish is far simpler than its braided appearance makes it seem. It’s incredibly quick and easy, and it makes the perfect introduction to pastries.

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Then, add the sugar and vanilla and beat for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Gently open up the mostly thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out a few times on a lightly floured surface until it creates a square. Then, add half the cream cheese mixture down the center of the pastry in heaping spoonfuls, leaving 1 ½ inches of space at each end. Repeat with the other pastry sheet.

Step 4: Braid

Cut two 1-inch slits at each end of the pastry and fold them over the top of the filling, securing them to prevent leaking while baking. Then, cut the side pieces on an angle into strips, stopping just short of the filling. fold the slices over the top, creating a braided appearance.

Step 5: Bake

Whisk the egg and water in a small bowl and brush it over the pastry. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Then, set the pastries aside to cool.

Step 6: Make the Drizzle

When the pastries have cooled, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Drizzle over the pastries and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Your puff pastry should be as cold as possible while still pliable. DO NOT thaw it out completely.
• Cut the sides of the pastry sheets after you’ve added the filling so you don’t have to guess where to stop.
• Fully soften your cream cheese to ensure the smoothest, creamiest filling possible.

Variations

• Add your favorite fruit filling to the pastry for a fruity cream cheese pastry.
• Add a little lemon juice to the filling for a citrus blast of flavor.
• Try adding lemon juice instead of milk to make a lemon glaze.

What to Serve with Cheese Danish

Coffee or tea is the classic pairing for cheese Danish. Kids can enjoy it with a glass of milk. You can pair this with fresh fruit and a little chocolate for a truly decadent dessert or afternoon treat. A slice of this Danish is also great for a sweet addition to a larger breakfast with your favorite savory options.

Recipe FAQ

How to Store Leftover Cheese Danish

Place these Danishes in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, and set out an hour before serving.

Try This Delicious Easy Cheese Danish Today

With simple ingredients, and easy recipe, and a boatload of classic Danish pastry flavor, this is one recipe you have to try. This braided cream cheese Danish has all the flavor you love about Danishes from the bakery, but you won’t get them any fresher than straight from you oven. They’re the perfect breakfast, brunch, or snack, and everyone loves them. Give them a try, and I know you’ll fall in love with them, too.

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Nutrition

Calories: 191kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 189mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 31IUCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg