Cream Cheese Puff Pastry

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe – Easy Danish Pastries

ByBella Skye
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is a classic pastry that elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious breakfast or brunch treat. Combining the delicate, flaky layers of puff pastry with a smooth, creamy, slightly tangy cheese filling, it delivers a texture and flavor contrast that is both comforting and indulgent. Each bite melts in your mouth, showcasing the buttery layers of the pastry and the rich, velvety filling inside.

More Hearty Desserts

What makes Cream Cheese Puff Pastry special is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or an elegant addition to brunch spreads. People love it because it’s a balance of textures crispy outside, soft inside and flavors that are subtly sweet yet satisfyingly rich. This pastry is ideal for both casual home cooking and for creating a café-style experience at home, reminiscent of Starbucks Danish or homemade Danish pastries. It’s a dish that invites creativity, allowing you to experiment with glazes, fillings, or shapes while always delivering on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cream Cheese Puff Pastry recipe stands out for several reasons.

  • First, it’s approachable for home cooks. Despite the sophisticated look and taste, the steps are straightforward, and you don’t need professional pastry skills to achieve impressive results.
  • Second, it’s versatile. Whether you want a classic cheese Danish with puff pastry, a cream Danish, or a cream cheese Danish puff pastry, this recipe provides a foundation to customize flavors, fillings, and toppings. You can make it a quick easy cheese Danish recipe for weekdays or an indulgent homemade cheese Danish for special occasions.
  • Third, it’s visually stunning. The golden, flaky layers paired with a glossy glaze or fresh fruit make it an appealing addition to any brunch table. It’s perfect for creating brunch pastry ideas that wow guests without requiring complicated techniques.
  • Finally, it’s delicious. The combination of buttery puff pastry and creamy cheese filling offers a sophisticated flavor that is satisfying yet not overly sweet. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it an ideal addition to breakfast spreads, snack trays, or as a treat alongside coffee or tea.
Cream Cheese Puff Pastry

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8 pastries

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon milk or cream (for glaze)
  • Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced almonds, cinnamon sugar

Substitution notes:

  • Cream cheese can be swapped for mascarpone for a richer, slightly sweeter filling.
  • Puff pastry can be store-bought for convenience or homemade for an authentic touch.
  • Lemon zest is optional but enhances brightness; you can omit or replace with orange zest.
  • Granulated sugar can be replaced with maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness.
  • Milk in the glaze can be substituted with any plant-based milk.
Cream Cheese Puff Pastry

Step-by-Step Instructions

puff pastry recipe vector

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for a silky filling. This filling is the heart of your cream cheese puff pastry and determines the texture and flavor of the final pastry.

puff pastry recipe vector

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, unfold or roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out creases. Cut the pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on the size and shape of pastries you desire. Each piece should be roughly the same size for even baking.

puff pastry recipe vector

Step 3: Assemble the Pastries

Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over the filling or create a traditional Danish shape by folding the corners inward to form a diamond or envelope shape. Be careful not to overfill to avoid leakage during baking.

puff pastry recipe vector

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash

Brush the edges and tops of each pastry with beaten egg. This ensures a glossy, golden-brown finish once baked. The egg wash also enhances the visual appeal, making the pastries look professional and inviting.

puff pastry recipe vector

Step 5: Bake the Pastries

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed, golden, and crisp. Avoid opening the oven during the first 10 minutes to maintain the puff pastry’s structure.

puff pastry recipe vector

Step 6: Add Glaze and Toppings

While the pastries cool slightly, prepare a simple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over the pastries and, if desired, top with fresh berries, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is best served fresh from the oven, when the pastry is at its crispiest. Arrange on a platter for a brunch spread or serve individually alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a visually appealing presentation, stack pastries or fan them around a bowl of fresh fruit. Add a drizzle of glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few almond slivers for elegance.

This pastry is also excellent for breakfast gatherings, casual brunches, or even as a sweet snack throughout the day. Pair it with other brunch pastry ideas such as muffins, croissants, or scones for a complete homemade Danish pastries experience.

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry

Additional Tips

  • Always use cold puff pastry and work quickly to prevent it from becoming too soft.
  • Avoid overfilling the pastries to prevent leaking during baking.
  • Brush edges with egg wash for a golden, professional finish.
  • For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or orange zest to the cream cheese filling.
  • Rotate baking trays halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Serve slightly warm for best texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

  • Berry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry: Add fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries to the cream cheese filling before folding.
  • Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent twist.
  • Savory Cream Cheese Danish: Skip sugar and vanilla; mix cream cheese with herbs, cooked spinach, or smoked salmon for a brunch-worthy savory version.
  • Almond Cream Danish: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the filling and top pastries with sliced almonds for a nutty, aromatic variation.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free puff pastry sheets and follow the same steps for a celiac-friendly version.
Cream Cheese Puff Pastry

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled pastries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked texture. Avoid microwaving to preserve flakiness.
  • Tips: Freeze unglazed pastries; add glaze after reheating for best presentation and taste.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg

Final Words

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is a versatile, indulgent, yet surprisingly simple pastry that elevates any breakfast or brunch table. By combining buttery puff pastry with a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling, it delivers a texture and flavor experience that’s hard to resist. Preparing it at home allows you to customize the fillings, shapes, and toppings, making it perfect for casual mornings, weekend brunches, or special occasions. Whether you prefer a classic cheese Danish with glaze, a berry-studded pastry, or a savory version, this recipe provides a reliable, professional foundation to create pastries that look and taste spectacular.

Baking Cream Cheese Puff Pastry at home is also rewarding because it combines creativity, skill, and satisfaction. You can experiment with flavors, glazes, and presentation while knowing exactly what goes into each pastry. Each flaky, golden pastry is proof that simple ingredients puff pastry, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla can be transformed into a café-quality treat without complicated techniques.

Finally, this recipe encourages home cooks to explore the world of Danish pastries and puff pastry creations. From homemade Danish pastries to easy cream cheese pastries, you can make pastries that are visually stunning, delicious, and versatile for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Bookmark this recipe, try different variations, and make Cream Cheese Puff Pastry a staple in your kitchen it’s a dish that blends professional-quality results with approachable, enjoyable cooking at home.

FAQ’s

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a sweet, creamy cheese mixture, often served for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.

Yes, you can prepare the pastries in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze unbaked pastries for up to 2 months.

Absolutely. Homemade puff pastry works beautifully and gives a slightly richer, more authentic flavor.

Yes. Skip sugar and vanilla, and add herbs, cooked spinach, or smoked salmon to the cream cheese filling.

Do not overfill and seal edges carefully. Brush with egg wash to create a barrier that helps hold the filling.

Glaze, powdered sugar, fresh berries, sliced almonds, or a drizzle of chocolate are popular options.

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe - Easy Danish Pastries
Print

Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Recipe – Easy Danish Pastries

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Desserts
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

290

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for glaze)

  • 1 teaspoon milk or cream (for glaze)

  • Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced almonds, cinnamon sugar

Directions

  • In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for a silky filling. This filling is the heart of your cream cheese puff pastry and determines the texture and flavor of the final pastry.
  • On a lightly floured surface, unfold or roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out creases. Cut the pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on the size and shape of pastries you desire. Each piece should be roughly the same size for even baking.
  • Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over the filling or create a traditional Danish shape by folding the corners inward to form a diamond or envelope shape. Be careful not to overfill to avoid leakage during baking.
  • Brush the edges and tops of each pastry with beaten egg. This ensures a glossy, golden-brown finish once baked. The egg wash also enhances the visual appeal, making the pastries look professional and inviting.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed, golden, and crisp. Avoid opening the oven during the first 10 minutes to maintain the puff pastry’s structure.
  • While the pastries cool slightly, prepare a simple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over the pastries and, if desired, top with fresh berries, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Always use cold puff pastry and work quickly to prevent it from becoming too soft.
  • Avoid overfilling the pastries to prevent leaking during baking.
  • Brush edges with egg wash for a golden, professional finish.
  • For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or orange zest to the cream cheese filling.
  • Rotate baking trays halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Serve slightly warm for best texture and flavor.

Similar Posts