Easy Cream Cheese Danish

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Ricotta is lower in fat and can provide a similar texture.

puff pastry

🥗Healthier: phyllo dough

💰Cheaper: homemade pastry dough

Phyllo is lighter and can be made at home easily.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds sweetness with fewer calories.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

In a large bowl, add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg yolk, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and lemon zest from 1 lemon.

Beat the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry to about 11x9 inches.

Cut off the top corners of the puff pastry and bake them along with the Danish.

Cut about nine to ten slits on each side of the pastry, making sure not to cut too deep into the middle.

Cut off the bottom corners of the puff pastry and trim any excess length from the middle third if necessary.

Place the cream cheese filling in the center of the pastry and smooth it out.

Fold the top over the filling, then braid the strips from each side over the filling, pinching them down as you go.

Transfer the Danish onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Make an egg wash by combining 1 large egg with 2 teaspoons of water and whisking thoroughly.

Brush the egg wash over the top of the Danish.

Bake in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and whisk until smooth.

Let the Danish cool to room temperature before drizzling the glaze on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens