Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress, you’ve come to the right place! These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are not only easy to make but also wonderfully rich and satisfying. Imagine flaky layers of puff pastry filled with creamy chocolate goodness—what’s not to love? This recipe has become a favorite in my household, perfect for busy weeknights or sweetening up family gatherings.

Whether you’re indulging in a cozy breakfast or serving up dessert for friends, these danishes will surely bring smiles all around. Plus, they look so fancy that everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, it’s quite simple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious danishes without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of cream cheese and chocolate—it’s a winning flavor duo!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble them right before baking.
• Impressive Presentation: These danishes look stunning on any plate, making them perfect for special occasions or brunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These chocolate cream cheese danishes come together with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 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 Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Fruit: Toss in some fresh berries or banana slices for a fruity twist that adds a burst of flavor.
• Go Nutty: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the cream cheese filling for added crunch.
• Flavored Cream Cheese: Mix in lemon zest or orange zest to give your filling a refreshing citrus kick.
• Different Chocolates: Experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for different sweetness levels.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Thaw the Pastry

Start by placing your frozen puff pastry on the counter for about 30 minutes. Thawing is crucial because it allows the layers to separate nicely when baked, resulting in that desired flaky texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

While waiting for the pastry to thaw, let’s make our luscious chocolate ganache. Pour your semi-sweet chocolate chips into a mixing bowl. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the heavy cream until it starts steaming. Then pour this hot cream over your chocolate chips—this helps melt them perfectly! After letting it sit for about 90 seconds, stir gently until smooth. If needed, pop it in the microwave for short intervals until every last chunk melts away. Set aside at room temperature until it reaches a pudding-like texture—this will take about two hours.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat your room-temperature cream cheese using a hand mixer on high speed for about one minute. Add in your sugar and beat again until fluffy—about another minute should do it! Finally, mix in pure vanilla extract to enhance that lovely flavor.

Step 4: Assemble Your Danishes

Lightly flour your work surface and place your thawed pastry sheets on it. Gently push together any seams using your fingers. With a sharp knife, cut each sheet into thirds along the seams to create three long rectangles. Then cut each rectangle in half to yield six pieces from each sheet—12 total!

Mix together one large egg and water in a small bowl for an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to spread this mixture around the edges of each rectangle; this helps create that beautiful golden finish once baked.

Step 5: Cut and Fill

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place six rectangles on each sheet; then use a sharp knife to cut another rectangle shape within each piece but leave about half an inch around the edge uncut—this allows them to puff beautifully as they bake! Now spoon about one tablespoon of your cream cheese filling into each box shape.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

For optimal results, place one sheet of assembled danishes in the fridge while putting the other in the freezer for five minutes before baking. This step cools down the butter within the pastry again, ensuring maximum flakiness!

Step 7: Bake & Finish

Bake one sheet at a time for about 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before topping with your delicious chocolate ganache from earlier. Drizzle generously over each danish while allowing some of that creamy filling to peek through!

And there you have it—the perfect batch of homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Making these delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Thaw Properly: Allow the puff pastry to thaw slowly at room temperature. This helps maintain its flaky texture and ensures it rises beautifully in the oven.
• Chill Before Baking: After assembling your danishes, place them in the freezer for about 5 minutes. Chilling the pastry again helps the butter stay solid, resulting in a lighter, flakier final product.
• Egg Wash for Shine: Don’t skip the egg wash! Brushing the edges of the pastry with an egg wash gives your danishes a golden, glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
• Control Temperature: Bake one sheet at a time to ensure even cooking. This way, your pastries will be uniformly golden brown and deliciously flaky.
• Customize Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Whether it’s fruit preserves or nut spreads, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to various flavor preferences.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some fun ideas on how to present and serve them!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: Pair your danishes with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth complements the creamy filling and enhances the overall experience.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings a fresh element that balances out the richness of the danish. Consider using seasonal fruits for added flavor.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a wholesome side dish. The creaminess of yogurt pairs beautifully with the chocolatey treat.
• Ice Cream: For an indulgent twist, serve these danishes warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a delightful contrast with each bite.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create something truly special! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, store them, and enjoy delicious treats throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the danishes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the danishes cool completely.
• Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen danish, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delightful danishes, we’ve got you covered!

How do I make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish from scratch?

You can create your own pastry from scratch using flour, butter, and water. However, using frozen puff pastry saves time and effort while still delivering delicious results!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like fruit preserves, nuts, or even flavored cream cheese for a unique twist.

How long does it take to prepare Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes of prep time and about 18 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy dessert option!

Can I make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these danishes ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment. They’re perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes as much as I do! They’re not only simple but also incredibly satisfying with their rich chocolate flavor and creamy filling. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these danishes are sure to bring joy. Dive into this delightful recipe today—you won’t regret it!