Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are just what you need! Imagine biting into a flaky pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese and topped with rich chocolate ganache. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight craving or a family gathering where you want to impress. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite!

These danishes are not only delicious but also simple to whip up using frozen puff pastry. You can easily prepare them ahead of time too! Picture yourself serving these warm from the oven, making everyone feel special with this homemade delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe uses frozen puff pastry, making preparation a breeze. You’ll be enjoying your danishes in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! These danishes are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling and ganache in advance, saving time on busy days.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and chocolate is simply irresistible, creating a perfect balance of sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! You’ll love how easy it is to find everything you 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

Variations

This recipe is so flexible! Feel free to get creative with your danish filling or toppings. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Fruit: Mix in some fresh berries or sliced bananas with the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist!
• Try Different Chocolates: Use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate for the ganache for different flavors.
• Make It Nutty: Stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the cream cheese filling for added texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice note that complements the chocolate beautifully.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Thaw the Puff Pastry

Place your frozen puff pastry on the counter for about 30 minutes to thaw. This step is crucial because it allows the pastry to rise properly when baked, giving you those beautiful flaky layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

While waiting for your pastry, let’s make the rich chocolate ganache. Pour your chocolate chips into a bowl. Heat heavy cream over medium-low heat until steaming, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for about 90 seconds before stirring gently until smooth. If there are still chunks of chocolate, pop it in the microwave in 15-second intervals until it’s silky smooth. Allow it to cool for about 2 hours at room temperature until it’s pudding-like in texture.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, beat your room-temperature cream cheese with a hand mixer on high for about one minute. Add in sugar and mix again until smooth. Finally, mix in pure vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.

Step 4: Shape Your Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, place both sheets of thawed puff pastry and push the seams together gently. Cut each sheet into thirds along their seams to create long rectangles. Then cut each rectangle in half so that you have six rectangles per sheet.

Step 5: Egg Wash Time!

Whisk together one large egg with one teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, spread this mixture around the edges of each rectangle—this will give them that beautiful 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 your danishes don’t stick while baking.

Step 7: Create Your Pastry Shapes

Arrange six rectangles on each baking sheet. With a sharp knife, carefully cut another rectangle shape within each rectangle—make sure not to cut all the way through! This will help your pastries rise nicely while holding in all that delicious filling.

Step 8: Fill Them Up!

Spoon about one tablespoon of your cream cheese filling into each square you’ve created within the pastries. Spread it gently within each “box” shape.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Pop one sheet of pastries into the fridge and put the other in the freezer for five minutes before baking. This helps keep the butter cool, ensuring they puff up beautifully!

Step 10: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake one sheet at a time for about 17-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and flaky. Once baked, let them cool completely before moving onto baking your second sheet.

Step 11: Top Them Off

Once cooled, spoon that luscious chocolate ganache over each danish so some of that lovely cream cheese shows around the edges. It’s visually stunning and absolutely delicious!

And there you have it—your very own homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! Enjoy every flaky bite as they melt in your mouth; I know you’ll love them just as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Making these delightful danishes is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to help you shine in the kitchen!

• Keep Your Pastry Cold: Ensure your puff pastry remains cold before baking. This helps achieve that flaky texture we all love. If it gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a bit.

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softening your cream cheese allows for easy mixing and eliminates lumps in your filling. A smooth filling makes for a better-tasting danish!

• Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the edges of your pastry with egg wash gives it that beautiful golden-brown finish. It also adds a lovely sheen that makes your danishes look professionally baked.

• Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your danishes as they bake. You want them golden brown, but not burnt! Checking them midway can help you adjust accordingly.

• Experiment with Fillings: While this recipe features chocolate ganache and cream cheese, don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding fruit preserves or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them beautifully can make your dessert shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and enhances the visual appeal.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries placed beside or on top of the danish provide a burst of color and freshness.
• Mint Leaves: A sprig of mint not only adds color but also brings a refreshing aroma that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with these danishes, enhancing their sweet flavors while providing a comforting warmth.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits balances the richness of the danish and adds vibrant colors to your table.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve with vanilla ice cream. The creaminess melds perfectly with the chocolate and cream cheese flavors.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, offers a calming contrast to the sweetness of the danishes and creates a delightful after-dinner experience.

Now you’re all set to impress friends and family with these scrumptious Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! Enjoy baking and sharing these treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, store them, or even freeze them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember that the pastry may lose some of its flakiness in the fridge.

Freezing

• To freeze the danishes, allow them to cool completely after baking.
• Wrap each danish individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen danishes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual pieces for about 30 seconds, but this may result in a softer pastry.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You could try fruit preserves, nut butter, or even a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re looking to mix things up.

How do I ensure my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish turns out flaky?

To achieve that perfect flaky texture, ensure your puff pastry is cold before baking. Chilling it briefly in the freezer just before baking helps keep those buttery layers distinct and flaky.

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

If your ganache ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash of warm heavy cream and stir until you reach your desired consistency. This will make it easier to drizzle over your danishes.

Can I make these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes vegan?

Yes! To make a vegan version, swap out the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy chocolate chips. For the egg wash, you can brush with almond milk or omit it altogether.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes a try! They are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly delicious, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying them solo, I’m sure they’ll bring a little joy into your day. Happy baking!