Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

If you are searching for a dessert that effortlessly combines flaky, buttery layers with a luscious and creamy center, look no further than this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish. This heavenly pastry features a delicate puff pastry base wrapped around a smooth sweetened cream cheese filling and topped with a rich chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that is both indulgent and comforting, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want to spoil yourself with a café-style delight at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish plays a vital role in creating that impeccable balance between flaky and creamy, light and rich. These simple yet essential components come together to craft a pastry that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

• Frozen puff pastry sheets: The star for that flaky, buttery texture that puffs up beautifully when baked.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): Provides the dreamy, smooth filling base when whipped to perfection.
• White granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese just enough without overpowering the flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that deepen the filling’s taste.
• Large egg (for egg wash): Creates that glossy, golden finish on the pastry edges.
• Water (for egg wash): Lightens the egg wash for an even, smooth application.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The key to a luscious chocolate ganache that complements the cream cheese filling perfectly.
• Heavy cream: Essential for making the smooth, pudding-like chocolate ganache topping.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Thaw Your Puff Pastry

Start by removing the frozen puff pastry sheets from the freezer and letting them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will soften the dough just enough to be easily handled, while still keeping it cool so it bakes into those signature flaky layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

While waiting for your pastry to thaw, prepare the chocolate topping. Pour the semi-sweet chocolate chips into a bowl. Heat the heavy cream gently on the stove over medium-low heat until it is steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, then let it sit for a minute and a half before stirring. Keep stirring until smooth and glossy. If any chunks remain, briefly microwave in 15-second bursts with mixing in between. Let this rest at room temperature for about two hours until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency—this step is crucial for the perfect ganache texture.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese on high speed for one minute until smooth and airy. Add in the sugar and beat again for another minute to ensure the filling is perfectly sweetened and fluffy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle, irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Prepare and Cut the Pastry

Place the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface. Press the seams together gently with your fingers to create an even sheet. Using a sharp knife, cut each puff pastry sheet into three long rectangles along the seams. Then cut each rectangle in half to make six smaller rectangles per sheet. This will give you a total of twelve rectangles to fill.

Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash and Preheat the Oven

Mix the egg and water to create a smooth egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of each rectangle with the egg wash. This step ensures your danishes will have a beautifully shiny and golden crust when baked. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 6: Score the Pastry and Add Filling

Place your rectangles on the prepared baking sheets, six per sheet. For each piece, carefully cut a smaller rectangle inside the edges about a half-inch from the border—be sure not to cut all the way through. These shallow cuts allow the edges to puff up around the filling, creating that classic “box” effect. Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each rectangle, spreading it evenly inside the “box.”

Step 7: Chill and Bake

Chill one baking sheet in the fridge and the other in the freezer for five minutes to rest the dough and re-chill the butter layers. Start baking the frozen sheet first for 17-20 minutes or until the pastry turns a gorgeous golden brown color. Let the first batch cool completely before repeating the baking process with the second sheet. This method ensures your pastry maintains maximum flakiness.

Step 8: Finish with Chocolate Ganache

Once the danishes have cooled completely, spoon the thickened chocolate ganache generously over the cream cheese filling on each pastry, leaving a little edge of cream cheese visible around the sides. This finishing touch turns a simple cream cheese danish into a decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish that will wow anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the danishes to add a touch of elegance and your guests will appreciate the visual appeal. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries offer a bright, juicy contrast to the richness of the filling and chocolate. For an extra decadent flair, drizzle some melted white chocolate or a handful of chopped nuts such as toasted almonds.

Side Dishes

The Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, latte, or even a robust black tea. If you want to create a brunch spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait. Light, fresh sides balance the richness of the danish and create a well-rounded experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your danishes in halves or quarters and layer them on a rustic wooden platter for a charming gathering centerpiece. For a festive occasion, arrange the danishes on a tiered dessert stand, garnished with edible flowers or mint leaves. Another fun twist is to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry flaky and the filling fresh. For longer storage, refrigeration is possible, but the puff pastry may soften slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled, unbaked danishes by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for thawing.

Reheating

To revive a previously baked danish, warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This helps recrisp the puff pastry layers without melting the chocolate topping, preserving that freshly baked sensation.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cream instead of heavy cream for the ganache?

Heavy cream is preferred because of its fat content, which allows the ganache to set properly. Fresh cream usually has less fat and may result in a thinner topping that doesn’t hold the same texture.

Is it necessary to let the ganache sit for two hours?

Allowing the ganache to sit at room temperature until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency is key for spreading it over the filling without dripping. If you’re short on time, chilling it in the fridge can speed up the process, but watch closely to avoid it getting too firm.

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cream cheese filling can be mixed and stored covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before assembling the danishes.

What if I don’t have puff pastry sheets?

Puff pastry is essential for the flaky texture of this danish. While you could use phyllo dough or crescent roll dough as substitutes, the texture and rise will differ significantly. Puff pastry offers the perfect buttery crispness for this recipe.

How do I prevent the edges from burning during baking?

If your edges brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking. This allows the center to finish cooking without overbaking the thinner edges.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of a pastry that marries buttery flakiness with creamy, sweet, and chocolatey goodness, this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish will become your new obsession. It’s a wonderfully satisfying treat that feels fancy but comes together with surprisingly simple steps. I encourage you to try making this delightful dessert yourself—you’ll love sharing it with friends and family, and maybe even sneaking a few for yourself!

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