Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cwarm milk
- 2 tspactive dried yeast
Platinum Superior Baking Yeast recommended
- 4egg yolks
- 2 tbspsour cream
- ⅓ cgranulated sugar
- 3 call-purpose flour
- ¼ tspkosher salt
- 3 ozunsalted butter
room temperature
- 1 ⅓ ccream cheese
- ½ csugar
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- ½ cjam of choice
- ⅓ cflour
- ⅓ csugar
- 3 tbspbutter
- 2egg yolks
- 1 tbspwater
Directions
- 1
Combine 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and the yeast. Stir to dissolve and allow to proof for 10-15 minutes until frothy and risen. If inactive, discard and use fresh yeast.
- 2
In a stand mixer bowl, mix the remaining warm milk, kosher salt, egg yolks, sour cream, remaining sugar, yeast mixture (or dry yeast if proofed separately), and flour on medium speed (3rd speed) for about 10 minutes to form a dough.
- 3
Add softened butter in quarters to the dough and knead for about 8 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides, feels tacky, and can stretch into a thin film without tearing.
- 4
Transfer dough to a well-oiled bowl, coat the surface with oil to prevent drying, cover with a tea towel, and place in a warm, draft-free place (80°F-90°F) such as inside a turned-off oven with the light on, or on top of the refrigerator, until doubled in size.
- 5
Whip together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Cover and set aside.
- 6
Combine flour, sugar, and melted butter with a fork or hands until crumbly. Refrigerate until needed.
- 7
Whisk egg yolks and water together and cover until ready to use.
- 8
Punch down the risen dough, then divide into 15-16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking ends underneath. Place evenly on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow rest for 10 minutes, then press an indentation in the center of each with a floured glass bottom.
- 9
Spoon or ice cream scoop cream cheese filling into each indentation. Optionally, add a teaspoon of jam atop the filling.
- 10
Place baking sheet in the warm oven (heat off, light on) or warm place to allow dough to double in size over 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- 11
Brush danishes with egg wash. Sprinkle streusel topping generously, pressing lightly to adhere.
- 12
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and cool on a wire rack before serving.
Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
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About this Recipe
Indulge in the Best Homemade Cheese Danish Recipe
There's nothing quite like the warmth and aroma of a freshly baked pastry, and this Easy Cheese Danish Recipe delivers just that! Forget store-bought – you can create a bakery-worthy treat right in your own kitchen. This recipe brings together a soft, fluffy pastry dough with a rich, smooth, and sweet cream cheese filling, all crowned with an irresistible buttery streusel crumb topping.
Crafted for a tender crumb and a deliciously creamy center, these homemade Danishes are absolutely perfect for a weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or an elegant sweet snack any time. The simple dough comes together beautifully, providing a delightful contrast to the luscious filling. We particularly love the optional addition of jam (strawberry, peach, or apricot are highly recommended) to the cream cheese, which introduces a wonderful fruity brightness that elevates this classic breakfast pastry to new heights.
What makes this cream cheese pastry so special is the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. From the light, airy dough to the decadent filling and the crunchy, sweet streusel topping, every bite is a little piece of heaven. Serve these golden-baked beauties with a cup of coffee or tea for an ultimate moment of bliss. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create such an impressive and delicious treat!