Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines flaky pastry, creamy filling, and rich chocolate goodness, then you’ve found it with this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish! This delightful dessert is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, who wouldn’t be excited to enjoy these warm danishes fresh out of the oven?

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are not only delicious but also versatile enough to impress your guests or satisfy a late-night craving. They bring a special touch to breakfast, brunch, or even as a midday snack. Let me share this beloved recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With frozen puff pastry as the star ingredient, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for any skill level.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of cream cheese and chocolate creates a rich flavor that feels like a treat from a bakery.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a cozy weekend at home, these danishes fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the danishes when you’re ready to bake.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the gooey chocolate and sweet cream cheese filling!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple and wholesome ingredients will set you on the path to creating these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 Frozen puff pastry sheets
• 8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 Large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp Water (for egg wash)
• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup Heavy cream

Variations

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to get creative with flavors and fillings. Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Add Fresh Fruit: Incorporate sliced strawberries or raspberries into the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
• Change the Chocolate: Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or even white chocolate for something sweeter.
• Sprinkle with Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts over the chocolate ganache.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream cheese filling can add an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Thaw the Pastry

Place your frozen puff pastry sheets on the counter for about 30 minutes to thaw. This is essential because working with cold pastry helps achieve that flaky texture we all love in danishes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

While waiting for your pastry, make the chocolate ganache. Pour the semi-sweet chocolate chips into a bowl. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the heavy cream until it’s steaming. Pour this hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for about a minute and a half before stirring gently until smooth. If there are any stubborn chunks left, give them some gentle microwave heat in short bursts until everything is silky smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In another small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat your room-temperature cream cheese on high speed for one minute. Add in your granulated sugar and beat again until well combined—around another minute should do! Finally, mix in pure vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.

Step 4: Shape Your Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, take your thawed pastry sheets and press the seams together gently. Cut each sheet into thirds along its seams, creating three long rectangles per sheet. Then cut each rectangle in half so you have six rectangles total from each sheet.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Mix together one large egg with water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to apply this mixture around the edges of each rectangle—this will help them get beautifully golden during baking! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Assemble Your Danishes

Lay out six rectangles on each lined cookie sheet. For each rectangle, carefully cut another smaller rectangle shape inside it without cutting all the way through; leave about a half-inch edge around so they can rise beautifully while baking. Spoon one tablespoon of your luscious cream cheese filling inside each box shape.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Place one tray of assembled danishes in the fridge and another in the freezer for about five minutes before baking—this keeps those buttery layers nice and cold!

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake one tray at a time for about 17-20 minutes until they are gloriously golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 9: Finish with Chocolate Ganache

Once cooled, drizzle that delectable chocolate ganache over each danish, ensuring some cream cheese peeks out around the edges—it’s all about presentation!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! Share them with friends or savor them yourself; either way, they’re bound to bring joy!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Creating these delightful pastries is a breeze with a few handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures that your cream cheese filling is smooth and easy to spread, making for a better texture in the finished danish.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Placing the pastry in the freezer for 5 minutes before baking helps the butter in the puff pastry stay cold. This results in a flakier, more tender pastry as it bakes.

• Keep an eye on the baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking on your danishes at around 15 minutes. You want them to be golden brown for that perfect crunch!

• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe features a delicious chocolate ganache, feel free to switch it up! Try adding fruit preserves or nut butter for a unique twist.

• Let them cool before frosting: Allowing your danishes to cool completely before adding the chocolate ganache prevents melting and creates a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Serving these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes can be just as fun as making them! Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance without overpowering the rich chocolate flavor.
• Fresh berries: Add some fresh raspberries or strawberries on top of each danish for a pop of color and freshness that complements the creaminess beautifully.
• Mint leaves: A sprig of mint not only looks beautiful but also adds a refreshing hint that balances out the richness of the pastries.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the danish.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit creates a deliciously creamy side that adds texture and health benefits.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the experience, bringing out the flavors in both the danishes and your drink.
• Cheese platter: A small assortment of cheeses can elevate your serving table, offering savory bites alongside your sweet treats for an enjoyable balance.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes will not only taste delicious but also look absolutely irresistible! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your danishes fresh and tasty:

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the danishes in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the baked danishes to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each danish individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the danishes on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• If reheating from the refrigerator, bake for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg wash with a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. This will help achieve a lovely golden color on your pastry without using eggs.

How do I store Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Can I use different fillings in my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fillings like fruit preserves, nut butters, or flavored cream cheeses. Get creative!

How do I know when my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is done baking?

Your danishes should be golden brown on top and puffed up nicely. A good indicator is when they look light and flakey—check around the 17-minute mark!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes as much as I do! They are not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy treat at home, these pastries are bound to bring joy. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with those you love!