Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place! These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are a favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The flaky puff pastry paired with the creamy filling and rich chocolate ganache creates a heavenly bite that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at brunch or enjoying one with your coffee, they’re sure to impress!

What makes this recipe so special is how accessible it is. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these delicious danishes and create moments of sweet joy in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With frozen puff pastry as the base, these danishes come together in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! These treats are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh danishes whenever you want.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers of pastry and glossy ganache make these danishes look like they came from a bakery!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Danish

• 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)

For the Ganache

• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup Heavy cream

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s explore how to bring these delicious danishes to life!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or toppings based on your preferences. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Add some fruit: Swap out some cream cheese for berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
• Try different chocolates: Use dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for an entirely new flavor.
• Incorporate nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts on top of the ganache for added crunch.
• Make it seasonal: Add spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice during fall for a seasonal touch.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Thaw the Pastry

Start by placing the frozen puff pastry on the counter for about 30 minutes. Thawing it properly ensures that it becomes light and flaky when baked.

Step 2: Make the Ganache

While waiting for the pastry to thaw, let’s whip up that luscious chocolate ganache! Pour your chocolate chips into a bowl. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the heavy cream until steaming—not boiling—then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for about 90 seconds before stirring gently until smooth. This step is crucial because it allows the chocolate to melt perfectly without seizing.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, beat your room-temperature cream cheese with a hand mixer on high speed for one minute until fluffy. Add in sugar and vanilla, mixing again until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture will be delicious inside our pastries!

Step 4: Shape the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, take your thawed pastry sheets and push any seams together with your fingers. Cut each sheet into thirds lengthwise, then cut each rectangle in half to create six rectangles per sheet. This will give you enough space to fill them generously.

Step 5: Egg Wash Time

Mix together your egg and water in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to spread this mixture around the edges of each rectangle—this helps them become golden brown during baking.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place three rectangles on each sheet and use a sharp knife to cut another rectangle shape inside each piece without cutting all the way through—this allows them to rise beautifully around the filling.

Step 7: Fill ‘Em Up!

Spoon about one tablespoon of your cream cheese filling into each “box” shape you’ve created. Spread it evenly within each rectangle; trust me, this filling will melt in your mouth!

Step 8: Chill Before Baking

To ensure that those layers remain light and flaky, place one sheet in the fridge while putting another in the freezer for just five minutes before baking.

Step 9: Bake Away!

Bake one sheet at a time for 17-20 minutes until golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on wire racks before moving on to our final step!

Step 10: Top It Off!

Once cooled, spoon that rich chocolate ganache over each filled danish so some of that lovely cream cheese peeks through around the edges.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! They truly are a labor of love worth sharing with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Making these delicious Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes is a breeze when you follow a few simple tips to ensure perfect results!

• Thaw the pastry properly: Make sure to allow the puff pastry to thaw completely on the counter for about 30 minutes. This ensures that it puffs up beautifully in the oven.

• Use room temperature cream cheese: Allowing your cream cheese to come to room temperature helps it blend smoothly with the sugar and vanilla, resulting in a silky filling that spreads easily.

• Chill before baking: Placing the assembled danishes in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before baking helps maintain their shape and allows for a better rise while baking.

• Monitor baking time closely: Keep an eye on your pastries as they bake. Ovens can vary, so look for that lovely golden brown color, which indicates they are perfectly done.

• Let cool completely before frosting: It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the danishes cool completely ensures that your chocolate ganache doesn’t melt into the filling and maintains its glossy finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

These decadent danishes make for a delightful treat at breakfast or dessert! Here are some ideas on how you can serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making each bite even more delightful.
• Fresh berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a vibrant splash of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich chocolate.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, add a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top to enhance the creamy texture without any animal products.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the danishes while adding vibrant flavors.
• Coffee or tea: Pair your danish with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth complements the chocolate beautifully and enhances the overall experience.
• Yogurt parfait: A yogurt parfait made with layers of plant-based yogurt, granola, and fruit is great alongside these pastries. It offers a nice balance between creamy and crunchy textures.
• Granola bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars can add an extra crunch and wholesome element to your meal, making it feel more complete.

Enjoy serving these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes at your next gathering or as an indulgent treat just for yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious pastries whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for a longer shelf life (up to 5 days).
• To maintain their texture, consider placing parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

• Allow the baked danishes to cool completely.
• Wrap each danish individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your bags!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• You can also use a microwave; just heat for about 30 seconds, but this may make the pastry less crisp.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes.

Can I make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish without puff pastry?

Yes! While puff pastry provides that delightful flaky texture, you can use phyllo dough or even a biscuit dough as an alternative.

How do I store my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

Store your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

Absolutely! Freeze the baked and cooled danishes wrapped in plastic. They can be enjoyed later by reheating them straight from the freezer!

What is the best way to reheat Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy. Alternatively, microwave for about 30 seconds if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and deliciousness into your kitchen! These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying with their rich flavors. Enjoy making them for yourself and sharing with loved ones. Happy baking, and may every bite bring you sweetness!