How to Make Cheese Danish: A Simple and Delicious Homemade Recipe

How to Make Cheese Danish: A Simple and Delicious Homemade Recipe

Cheese Danish is a delightful, flaky pastry filled with a creamy, sweet cheese filling, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. While you can easily find it in bakeries, nothing compares to the taste of a freshly baked homemade Cheese Danish. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Cheese Danish, this article will guide you through a simple yet authentic recipe that will bring a taste of Denmark into your kitchen.

For a detailed step-by-step guide and additional variations, check out How to Make Cheese Danish and start baking like a pro!

What is a Cheese Danish?

A Cheese Danish is a type of Wienerbrød (Danish pastry) that consists of buttery, laminated dough filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture. Traditionally, Danish pastries are made with yeast-leavened dough, layered with butter to create a flaky texture. The filling is typically a combination of cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest, creating a balanced sweetness with a hint of tanginess.

Ingredients for Cheese Danish

To make the perfect Cheese Danish, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheese Filling:

  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 egg yolk

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheese Danish

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Cut into 4-inch squares.
  3. Place a small spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each square.
  4. To shape the pastries, fold the corners toward the center or create a pinwheel shape by cutting small slits in the corners and folding alternating sides inward.
  5. Transfer the assembled pastries to the baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush it lightly over the pastries to give them a golden finish.
  2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

  1. If using glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm pastries.
  2. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Your homemade Cheese Danish is now ready to enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cheese Danish

  • Use Cold Butter: This helps create the flaky layers in the dough.
  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough ensures the butter stays firm and creates light, airy layers.
  • Don’t Overfill: Too much cheese filling can cause the pastries to burst open while baking.
  • Try Different Shapes: You can fold them into braids, twists, or traditional pinwheels for a beautiful presentation.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Add fruit preserves, chocolate, or cinnamon for a unique twist.

For more variations and inspiration, check out How to Make Cheese Danish and elevate your Danish pastry skills!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make Cheese Danish, it’s time to bring this classic Danish pastry to your home. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat, a homemade Cheese Danish is always a delight.

So why not try it today and experience a little bit of Denmark’s famous pastry culture in your own kitchen? Happy baking!