Lemon Cream Cheese Danish

Introduction

This Lemon Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry featuring a creamy, sweet, and tangy filling wrapped in buttery, flaky dough. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe simple and quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home without any hassle.

Ingredients

• Filling:
  • 12 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Juice of 1/2 large lemon
• Dough:
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and rolled to an even thickness
• Egg Wash:
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
• Sweet Lemon Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tablespoon heavy cream or milk

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat with a handheld mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   • On the prepared baking sheet or a large cutting board, unroll the thawed puff pastry. Use a sharp knife to make slits, about 1.5-2 inches long and 1 inch apart, along both long edges of the dough.
4. Assemble the Danish:
   • Spoon the cream cheese mixture down the center of the puff pastry, leaving a small border between the filling and the slits.
   • Fold the dough strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look, overlapping slightly in the center.
5. Brush with Egg Wash:
   • Whisk together the egg and water, then brush this mixture over the top of the pastry for a golden finish.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. The pastry will puff up but will settle slightly as it cools.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
   • While the Danish is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cream (or milk) until smooth.
8. Serve:
   • Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled Danish. Serve warm, or refrigerate and reheat slightly before serving.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Danish is a quick and elegant pastry that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. The tangy lemon pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and flaky pastry, creating a treat that’s sure to be a hit. Perfect for impressing guests at brunch or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, this Danish brings a bit of homemade comfort to your day.