Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful treat combining flaky puff pastry with a rich, creamy filling and a touch of chocolate. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, it’s simple to make yet impressively delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with sugar and one beaten egg until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square, then sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Step 3: Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center or leave them open, depending on your preferred shape. Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 4: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the filling is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use dark or milk chocolate depending on your taste preference for a richer or sweeter filling.
- For extra shine, brush the pastry edges with a beaten egg before baking.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for an added layer of flavor.
Storage
Store leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven to restore flakiness before serving. Avoid refrigerating as puff pastry can become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works well. Just thaw it according to package instructions before assembling your Danish.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can assemble the Danish and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking, but for best results, bake them fresh just before serving.
PrintDecadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
A delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, sweet cream cheese mixture and rich chocolate, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make pastry offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and chocolatey indulgence, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
Topping
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and egg yolk. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring all sugar is dissolved and no lumps remain.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Cut into desired shapes, typically squares or rectangles, about 4×4 inches each.
- Fill Pastry: Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry piece. Add a small handful of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Shape Pastry: Fold or fold edges of the pastry to create a border around the filling, pressing gently to seal and create a frame.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush the edges of each Danish with the egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust after baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared Danish pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for better puff and flakiness.
- If you prefer, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after baking.
- Substitute chocolate chips with your favorite type of chocolate for variety.
- Can be made ahead and baked fresh when ready to serve.
- Enjoy with coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or dessert experience.
Keywords: Chocolate Danish, Cream Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Baked Pastry, Breakfast Pastry
