If you’re looking for a delightful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or to impress your guests at brunch, look no further than Easy Cream Cheese Danishes! These delicious pastries are made with flaky puff pastry dough and a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. Topped with a simple icing, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these irresistible danishes, including variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, frequently asked questions, and a keto-friendly version for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients:
- 1 (17.3 oz) box puff pastry dough, thawed
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
ICING:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each sheet into 4 squares.
- Add the Filling: Place a dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the Pastry: Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, overlapping slightly and pressing down gently to seal.
- Bake: Transfer the assembled danishes to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: While the danishes are baking, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and drizzle-able. Add more milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Drizzle with Icing: Once the danishes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing over the warm danishes.
- Serve: Serve the danishes warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fruit Topping: Top each danish with fresh fruit such as berries, sliced peaches, or pineapple before baking for a burst of flavor and color.
- Almond Glaze: Replace the milk in the icing with almond extract for an almond-flavored glaze.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled danishes for a decadent twist.
- Savory Variation: For a savory twist, skip the sugar in the cream cheese filling and add shredded cheese and cooked bacon or ham instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use homemade puff pastry dough?
Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry dough if you prefer. Just make sure it is thawed before using in this recipe.
2. How should I store leftover danishes?
Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
3. Can I freeze the danishes?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked danishes on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the filling slightly.
5. Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the danishes up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just make sure to add the icing after baking.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly and low-carb version of these danishes, you can make the following substitutions:
- Use almond flour-based pastry dough instead of puff pastry.
- Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in both the filling and icing.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and unsweetened almond milk in the filling and icing.
In conclusion, Easy Cream Cheese Danishes are a delicious and versatile pastry that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, their flaky crust and creamy filling are sure to delight your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in no time. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a taste of pastry perfection!
