If you’re looking for a bright, flaky, and irresistibly creamy treat that feels like a little sunny celebration in every bite, this Lemon Cream Cheese Danish Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the delicate crispiness of puff pastry with a tangy lemon cream cheese filling, topped off with luscious lemon curd and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for weekend brunches, a special breakfast surprise, or just because you deserve something sweet with a refreshing zing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each item plays an essential role—from the smooth cream cheese base to the zesty lemon notes, and the buttery flakiness of puff pastry that makes this dish a showstopper.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base with a hint of tang that balances the lemon perfectly.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds fresh citrus brightness to the cream cheese filling.
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons plus a pinch for garnish): Gives an aromatic punch of citrus oils for that fresh lemon character.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth to the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the tartness.
- Puff pastry (17.3 ounces): The flaky, buttery foundation that makes this Danish truly irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Helps prevent sticking while rolling and cutting the pastry.
- Lemon curd (½ cup): Adds an extra layer of vibrant lemon flavor and a glossy finish.
- Egg (1): Mixed with water to create an egg wash that gives a golden, shiny crust.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Mixed with egg for brushing on pastry edges.
- Powdered sugar (¼ cup): For that perfect final dusting that feels light and festive.
How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your danishes bake evenly and the bottom crisps up nicely without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy. This velvety mixture will be the luscious heart of your danish, bursting with tang and sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your clean work surface and unfold the puff pastry carefully. Press down gently on the creases with your fingertips to flatten them; if needed, use a rolling pin to smooth out the surface. This avoids uneven puffing during baking.
Step 4: Cut and Shape
Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut out four circles from the puff pastry sheet. Repeat this step with the second sheet of puff pastry as well, so you end up with eight circles total to match the recipe yield.
Step 5: Score and Dock
Place the pastry circles on your prepared baking sheet. Gently score a border about half an inch to 1 inch from the edge of each circle, creating a “frame” for your filling to stay contained. Then poke several holes inside the circles with a fork to prevent the center from puffing up too much.
Step 6: Fill the Danish
Spread the lemon cream cheese mixture evenly inside the scored border of each pastry circle. Keeping the filling within the edges ensures a neat, professional look and that perfect bite of cream cheese surrounded by crisp pastry.
Step 7: Brush the Edges
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until frothy. Use a pastry brush to gently coat the edges of each danish with this egg wash; it will create that beautiful golden-brown finish everyone loves.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your danishes for 18 to 21 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes so the filling sets just right.
Step 9: Add Lemon Curd Topping
Warm the lemon curd in the microwave for about 25 seconds to soften it up. Spoon a generous dollop onto the center of each danish, blending that extra tangy punch with the creamy filling and buttery pastry.
Step 10: Final Touches
Finish by sprinkling a pinch of fresh lemon zest over the top, followed by a light dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a delicate sweetness and eye-catching sparkle that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon zest is the star garnish here, lending a vibrant pop of citrus aroma and color. For an extra touch, you can add a few edible flowers or thin slices of candied lemon peel to make your presentation look café-worthy and festive.
Side Dishes
These danishes pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea. For a brunch spread, throw in some fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light green salad with citrus dressing to balance the richness of the pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these danishes on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh mint and lemon wedges scattered around. You can also stack them on a tiered cake stand for brunch guests or arrange them neatly in individual dessert plates with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will remain tasty if stored properly, maintaining their flaky texture and creamy filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these danishes before baking by wrapping the cut pastry circles with the filling spread on them and freezing on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time for convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, place the danishes in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the puff pastry soggy instead of flaky and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cream cheese for this recipe?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese rather than frozen because it blends more smoothly and creates a creamier filling. Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing for the best results.
Is homemade puff pastry better than store-bought for this recipe?
While homemade puff pastry adds an extra special touch, store-bought puff pastry is perfectly fine and much more convenient. It still yields that flaky, buttery crust essential for a great danish.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The lemon cream cheese filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before assembling to make spreading easier.
What can I substitute for lemon curd?
If you don’t have lemon curd on hand, you can use apricot jam, marmalade, or even a drizzle of honey for sweetness, although lemon curd enhances the citrus experience beautifully.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Scoring the borders and docking the center helps control the puff and prevents sogginess. Also, baking on parchment paper and using an egg wash on the edges promotes a crisp, golden crust.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Cream Cheese Danish Recipe enough for anyone craving a bright and buttery pastry that feels just a little indulgent. It’s surprisingly simple to make but tastes like a bakery masterpiece. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite you look forward to sharing again and again!
