Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are just the treat! They’re incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to family gatherings. With layers of flaky pastry, rich cream cheese filling, and luscious chocolate ganache, each bite is a little piece of heaven.

What makes this recipe extra special is how simple it is. Using frozen puff pastry means you can create something that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, whether you’re serving them for brunch or as an after-dinner indulgence, these danishes will become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only a few steps and simple ingredients, you can have these delicious danishes ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! These treats are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the danishes when you’re ready to bake.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—breakfast, dessert, or even a sweet snack during the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store!

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 Ganache Topping

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

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s super flexible, so you can easily customize it to suit your taste.

• Add some fruit: Consider adding fresh berries or sliced bananas on top of the cream cheese filling before adding the ganache.
• Change up the chocolate: Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor twist!
• Mix in spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream cheese filling can add a warm spice note that’s perfect for fall.
• Go nutty: Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds sprinkled on top of the ganache can add a delightful crunch.

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 let it thaw. This step is important because working with cold pastry helps achieve that flaky texture we all love!

Step 2: Prepare the Ganache

While waiting for the pastry to thaw, let’s make our chocolate ganache. Pour your semi-sweet chocolate chips into a bowl. Then, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it’s steaming. This hot cream will melt your chocolate chips beautifully. Pour it over them and let sit for about 90 seconds before stirring gently until smooth.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat your room temperature cream cheese for about one minute until it’s smooth. Then add in your sugar and vanilla extract, mixing again until well combined. This filling is creamy and delicious!

Step 4: Shape Your Pastry

Once thawed, place your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use your fingers to push any seams together. Cut each sheet into thirds along the seams to create long rectangles; then slice each into two smaller rectangles so you have six per sheet.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Mix together your egg and water in a small bowl—this will be your egg wash. Brush it around the edges of each rectangle; this helps them get that gorgeous golden color when baked.

Step 6: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper so that nothing sticks during baking.

Step 7: Assemble Danishes

Place three rectangles on each prepared cookie sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut another rectangle shape within each rectangle—don’t cut all the way through! This will allow them to rise beautifully around your filling.

Step 8: Fill with Cream Cheese Mixture

Spoon about one tablespoon of your cream cheese filling into each box you’ve created in the pastries; spread it evenly inside.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Put one tray of pastries in the fridge while placing the other tray in the freezer for just five minutes. Cooling them helps maintain that buttery flakiness while baking.

Step 10: Bake

Bake one tray at a time for about 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before moving onto baking your second batch.

Step 11: Finish with Ganache

Once cooled, spoon some of that delicious ganache over each danish! Don’t be shy—let some of that cream cheese peek out around edges; it adds charm and character!

And there you have it—a simple yet impressive dessert! Enjoy sharing these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes with family and friends; they’ll surely be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Making these delicious Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes can be a breeze with a few handy tips up your sleeve. Here are some expert suggestions to ensure your danishes turn out perfectly every time!

• Thaw Properly: Allow the puff pastry to thaw completely for at least 30 minutes. This prevents cracking and ensures a flaky texture when baked.
• Chill the Pastry Again: After assembling, placing the pastry in the freezer for a few minutes helps the butter in the dough remain cold, leading to a better rise and crispiness during baking.
• Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Applying an egg wash not only gives your pastries a beautiful golden color but also adds a lovely sheen that makes them more appealing.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate and cream cheese. The flavor of your final product will greatly depend on the ingredients you choose, so don’t skimp here!
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the danishes to cool before adding ganache keeps it from melting too much and ensures it holds its shape beautifully on top of your filling.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Presenting your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes can be as delightful as making them! Whether you’re serving them for brunch or dessert, these tips will help you create an inviting spread.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a touch of sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Fresh Berries: Placing fresh raspberries or strawberries beside each danish not only adds color but also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of chocolate.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like melons, berries, and citrus can provide a refreshing balance to the rich danish, making it a perfect brunch addition.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering Greek yogurt with granola and fruits creates a wholesome side that complements the indulgent nature of the danish while providing protein.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these pastries, enhancing their flavors and making for a cozy treat any time of day.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for meal prep! Not only can you make them ahead of time, but they also store well for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the danishes for up to a week.
• To prevent sogginess, keep the chocolate ganache separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

• Allow the baked danishes to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Transfer the frozen danishes to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be kept for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen danishes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the danishes on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If desired, drizzle with fresh chocolate ganache after reheating.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes that might help you in your baking adventure!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fruit preserves, nut butter, or even different flavored cream cheeses. Just ensure they complement the chocolate ganache.

How do I achieve flaky layers in my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

The secret lies in keeping your puff pastry cold during preparation. Make sure not to overwork the dough and chill it before baking for those delightful flaky layers.

Can I make these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the danishes in advance. Store them unbaked in the refrigerator overnight or freeze them as instructed above.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes as much as I do! They’re not only easy to whip up but also incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these treats are sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!