Easy Cheese Danish with Puff Pastry: A Southern Favorite for Busy Mornings
If you’re looking for a simple breakfast idea that feels a little special without taking all morning to pull together, this easy cheese Danish with puff pastry is a good one to keep in your back pocket.
It uses just a few ingredients, comes together quickly, and bakes in about 15 minutes.
Whether you’re hosting weekend guests, need a last-minute brunch idea, or just want something different to go with your coffee, this recipe delivers without the fuss.
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What Makes This Cheese Danish So Easy
This isn’t your typical scratch-made Danish that takes hours of kneading, rising, and folding.
Using store-bought puff pastry and no bake cheesecake filling saves a lot of time but still gives you that flaky, creamy result.
This shortcut version is easy to assemble and doesn’t require any fancy tools—just a knife or pizza cutter and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
When to Make This Simple Cheese Danish Recipe
This is one of those go-to breakfast or brunch recipes that works year-round. It’s perfect when you need something quick and homemade for:
- Holiday mornings like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas
- Weekend breakfast with the family
- Mother’s Day or Father’s Day brunch
- A sweet treat for a church gathering or potluck
- A quick make-ahead pastry to grab on busy weekdays
The prep time is less than 10 minutes, so it works even when you don’t have much time to spare.
Where to Serve These Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danishes
These little squares of goodness work just as well on a breakfast tray at home as they do at a baby shower or brunch buffet.
They travel well once cooled, and you can stack them up on a plate for serving at a gathering or pack them into a box for a neighbor or friend.
If you’re heading to a morning meeting or dropping off something sweet at school, this is a no-mess option that’s still homemade.
Why This Cheese Danish Recipe Works for So Many Occasions
With only three main ingredients—puff pastry, no bake cheesecake filling, and optional fruit preserves—you can make these anytime with what you already have in the fridge.
They’re a great way to use up leftover preserves or fruit spreads. You can even change up the flavors depending on the season: blueberry or strawberry in the spring, apple butter or fig jam in the fall.
The flavor is classic, the texture is crisp and creamy, and the portion size makes it easy to serve a crowd. You can even double the batch if you’re expecting guests.
How to Customize This Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish
There’s plenty of room to make this recipe your own. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Add a spoonful of your favorite jam or preserves on top before baking for a fruit-filled Danish
- Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze after baking for a more traditional bakery-style finish
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a little extra warmth
- Try different fillings like lemon curd, Nutella, or sweetened ricotta
- Add fresh berries or sliced peaches after baking for a summer twist
You can also make these danishes smaller or larger depending on the occasion, and they still bake up beautifully.
Make-Ahead Tips for Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danishes
If you want to prep these the night before, you can cut and score the puff pastry, store it flat between parchment sheets, and add the filling right before baking.
They’re best served warm the day of, but they’ll still taste great cooled and can be stored in the fridge for a day or two.
Great for Beginners and Busy Cooks Alike
If you’re new to baking or just short on time, this cheese Danish recipe with puff pastry is a solid one to start with.
There’s no yeast to worry about, no complicated steps, and cleanup is minimal. It’s a good way to impress without overthinking it.
Whether you’re making breakfast for your family, bringing something to a brunch, or just want a quick pastry to enjoy with your morning coffee, this southern-style cheese Danish keeps things easy and tasty.
Quick & Easy Cheese Danish
Equipment:
- 2 Parchment lined sheet pans
- Knife or Pizza Cutter
- Prep: 5-7 min
- Bake: 15 mins
- Total: 20 min
- Yield: 9 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 package puff pastry dough
- 2 cup no bake cheesecake
- 1 cup fruit preserves, optional
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Carefully roll out the puff pastry dough.
Cut horizontally in thirds.
Cut vertically in thirds.
Score a square in the dough about ¼ in from the outside. Do not cut all the way through.
Use a fork and poke holes in the dough inside the scored area.
Add a heaping spoonful or two of the no bake cheesecake.
Spread inside of the scored square.
Add preserves (optional).
Brush with egg wash (optional) if you prefer a more golden crust.
Bake for 15 mins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish
Can I make cheese Danish with puff pastry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the puff pastry and filling the night before. Keep the puff pastry cut and scored, then store flat between parchment sheets in the fridge. Add the filling just before baking for the best texture.
What kind of cheese is used in an easy cheese Danish recipe?
This recipe uses a no bake cheesecake filling, which is typically made with cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. It’s smooth, sweet, and creamy—perfect for danishes.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry for cheese Danish?
Yes, you can substitute crescent roll dough if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will be slightly different—less flaky than puff pastry—but it will still taste great and bake up nicely.
How do I keep my puff pastry cheese Danish from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy bottoms, be sure to poke holes in the center of the puff pastry square with a fork before adding the filling. This helps steam escape during baking. Baking directly on parchment paper also helps with crispness.
What fruit preserves go best with cheese Danish made from puff pastry?
Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and apricot preserves all work well. Choose your favorite or use what you have on hand. You can also skip the fruit for a classic cheese danish flavor.
How long does puff pastry cheese Danish last?
These danishes are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I freeze cheese Danish made with puff pastry?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Do I need to use egg wash on puff pastry cheese Danish?
Egg wash is optional, but it gives the edges of the pastry a golden, glossy finish. If you skip it, your Danish will still bake just fine—just with a lighter color.
What’s the best way to serve a homemade puff pastry cheese Danish?
Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or as part of a brunch spread. They also make a great sweet option for baby showers, holiday breakfasts, or a treat for guests.
Can I use flavored cream cheese in this cheese Danish recipe?
Yes, flavored cream cheese like strawberry or honey walnut can be used to add variety to the Danish. Just make sure it’s spreadable and not too thick.
Cheese Danish
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry dough
- 2 cup no bake cheesecake
- 1 cup fruit preserves, optional
Instructions
Carefully roll out the puff pastry dough.
Cut horizontally in thirds.
Cut vertically in thirds.
Score a square in the dough about ¼ in from the outside.
Do not cut all the way through.
Use a fork and poke holes in the dough inside the scored area.
Add a heaping spoonful or two of the no bake cheesecake.
Spread inside of the scored square.
Add preserves (optional).
Brush with egg wash (optional) if you prefer a more golden crust.
Bake for 15 mins.