Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are just the ticket! I love whipping these up on busy weeknights or for family gatherings when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. With the flaky goodness of puff pastry and a creamy chocolate filling, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. The best part? They come together effortlessly, so you can enjoy more time with loved ones while indulging in this sweet delight.

These danishes are perfect for breakfast or dessert, making them incredibly versatile. Trust me; once you try this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish recipe, it will become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have mouthwatering danishes ready in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike adore the rich chocolate and smooth cream cheese filling!
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the filling and ganache ahead of time for even quicker assembly on busy days.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and chocolate ganache is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delicious Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a delightful dessert!

For the Pastry

• 2 Frozen puff pastry sheets

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash

• 1 Large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tsp Water (for egg wash)

For the Chocolate Ganache

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

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add fruit: Toss in some fresh berries or sliced bananas with the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist!
• Change up the chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• Try different extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract in the cream cheese filling for unique flavors.
• Make it more indulgent: Drizzle with caramel sauce alongside the chocolate ganache for an extra treat!

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Thaw the Puff Pastry

Start by placing your frozen puff pastry on the counter for about 30 minutes to thaw. This step is crucial because it ensures that your pastry will puff up beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

While waiting for your pastry, let’s make that luscious chocolate ganache! Pour your semi-sweet chocolate chips into a bowl. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm up your heavy cream until it’s steaming—this helps melt those chocolate chips perfectly. Once heated, pour the hot cream over the chips and let sit for about 90 seconds before stirring until smooth. If there are any stubborn chunks left, a quick zap in the microwave will do wonders.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, grab your hand mixer and beat that room-temperature cream cheese until it’s fluffy—about one minute should do! Add in sugar and vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is well combined. This creamy filling is what makes our danishes so special!

Step 4: Shape Your Pastry

Now it’s time to work with that beautiful thawed pastry! On a lightly floured surface, push together any seams if necessary. Cut each sheet into thirds along its seams to create long rectangles. Then slice each rectangle in half to yield six pieces per sheet.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Mix together your egg and water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, spread this mixture around the edges of each rectangle—it gives them that lovely golden color when baked!

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to catch any drips from our delicious danishes.

Step 7: Cut Shapes Into Pastry

Place six rectangles on each cookie sheet. With a sharp knife, carefully cut another rectangle shape inside each one without cutting through completely—this allows our pastries to rise beautifully around their tasty fillings.

Step 8: Fill With Cream Cheese Mixture

Spoon about one tablespoon of your smooth cream cheese mixture into each prepared rectangle box. Spread it gently within those edges we’ve created.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Pop one sheet into the fridge and place another into the freezer for about five minutes before baking. This keeps those buttery layers cold so they puff up just right!

Step 10: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake one sheet at a time for about 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before moving onto our final touch.

Step 11: Drizzle With Ganache

Once cooled, spoon that velvety chocolate ganache over each danish. Be sure some of that luscious cream cheese peeks out around the edges—it not only looks gorgeous but tastes divine too!

And there you have it! Your very own batch of homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes that are sure to steal hearts (and taste buds). Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you achieve perfectly flaky and delicious danishes every time!

• Thaw the pastry properly: Allowing the frozen puff pastry to thaw for 30 minutes ensures it remains cold while you work with it, which is crucial for achieving that light, flaky texture during baking.
• Chill before baking: After assembling, placing the pastries in the freezer for just 5 minutes keeps the butter cold, promoting better puffing in the oven and resulting in a crispier pastry.
• Avoid overfilling: Using just 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling per rectangle prevents overflow during baking. This helps maintain the shape of your danishes and ensures even cooking.
• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your pastries around the 17-minute mark. You’re looking for a golden-brown color that signals they’re ready to enjoy.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing your danishes to cool before drizzling with chocolate ganache prevents melting and creates a beautiful finish, showcasing those scrumptious layers beneath.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Presenting your chocolate cream cheese danishes can turn this sweet treat into a standout dessert or brunch item. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving style!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the rich chocolate flavor.
• Fresh berries: Adding a few fresh raspberries or strawberries alongside your danish not only looks beautiful but also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cream cheese and chocolate.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing palate cleanser that balances out the decadent flavors of the danish.
• Coffee or tea: Serving your danishes with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for brunch or afternoon treats.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a great side dish that adds texture and nutrition, complementing the sweetness of your pastries beautifully.

Enjoy making these delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! With their flaky pastry and luscious fillings, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, or even freeze them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your delicious pastries fresh and ready to indulge in.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover danishes in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, consume within this timeframe.

Freezing

• Freeze baked danishes for up to 2 months.
• Allow them to cool completely before wrapping individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped danishes in a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the danish from the freezer and unwrap it.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes!

Can I use a different filling for my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like fruit preserves, nut butters, or other flavored cream cheeses. Just ensure that the consistency is similar so that it fits well inside the puff pastry.

How long will my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish stay fresh?

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes will remain fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them as mentioned above.

Is it possible to make these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes vegan?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and replace the egg wash with a mixture of non-dairy milk and maple syrup for a beautiful glaze.

What should I do if my chocolate ganache is too thick?

If your chocolate ganache turns out thicker than desired, simply microwave it in short intervals (about 10-15 seconds) while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up these delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! They’re not only easy to make but also a sure way to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends over coffee or savoring one on a quiet afternoon, these pastries bring joy and sweetness into every moment. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones!