Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish are a delightful treat that combines flaky layers of puff pastry with a rich cream cheese filling and luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these danishes are simple to prepare and will impress your family and friends on any occasion. Their unique blend of flavors makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With frozen puff pastry, you can whip these up in no time!
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and chocolate creates a deliciously rich experience.
• Versatile Occasions: Ideal for brunches, parties, or simply as an afternoon treat.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful golden-brown pastry topped with glossy chocolate looks stunning.
• Customizable: Experiment with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create these scrumptious Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help you achieve the best results while making the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking the danishes evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Hand mixer: Ensures that the cream cheese mixture is fluffy and well-blended.
• Sharp knife: Allows for clean cuts in the pastry without tearing it apart.

Ingredients

These chocolate cream cheese danishes are made with frozen puff pastry. They are topped with cream cheese filling and chocolate ganache frosting. They are very easy to make!

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

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Thaw the Puff Pastry

Place frozen puff pastry on the counter for about 30 minutes to thaw.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

While waiting for the pastry to thaw:
1. Pour chocolate chips into a bowl.
2. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming.
3. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 90 seconds.
4. Stir gently until smooth; if chunks remain, microwave in 15-second intervals until fully melted.
5. Allow ganache to sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until pudding-like in texture.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese using a hand mixer on high speed for 1 minute.
2. Add sugar, mixing again for another minute.
3. Blend in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Prepare Pastry Rectangles

1. Place thawed pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface; push seams together with fingers.
2. Cut each sheet into thirds along seams to form long rectangles.
3. Cut each rectangle in half to create six rectangles per sheet.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Mix together egg and water. Use a pastry brush to spread egg wash around the edges of each rectangle.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape Pastries

1. Arrange rectangles on lined cookie sheets (six per sheet).
2. Using a sharp knife, cut another rectangle shape into each rectangle without cutting all the way through; leave about a ½ inch edge.

Step 8: Fill Pastries

Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into each box, spreading it evenly inside.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Place one sheet of pastries in the fridge and one in the freezer for about 5 minutes to keep them cold before baking.

Step 10: Bake

Bake one sheet at a time for about 17-20 minutes until golden brown; allow cooling completely before baking the next batch.

Step 11: Top with Ganache

Once cooled, spoon chocolate ganache on top of each cream cheese filling, ensuring some filling shows around the edges.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish!

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

These delightful chocolate cream cheese danishes are perfect for various occasions. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

For Breakfast

• A cup of fresh coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet and creamy filling.
• Enjoy with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for a refreshing start to your day.

As a Dessert

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Drizzle some raspberry sauce over the top for an added burst of flavor.

At Parties

• Arrange on a beautiful platter for an eye-catching dessert display at gatherings.
• Offer alongside fresh fruit skewers to balance the richness of the danish.

For Brunch

• Pair with assorted pastries and muffins for a delightful brunch spread.
• Add a selection of teas to complement the flavors and create a cozy atmosphere.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Perfecting your chocolate cream cheese danishes can elevate them from good to unforgettable. Here are some tips to make sure they turn out just right.

• Use cold pastry – Keeping your puff pastry cold helps achieve that airy, flaky texture when baked.
• Don’t skip the egg wash – This gives your danishes a beautiful golden-brown finish that’s visually appealing.
• Let ganache cool properly – Allowing your chocolate ganache to reach the right consistency ensures it spreads easily without overwhelming the filling.
• Preheat your oven thoroughly – An adequately preheated oven guarantees even baking and perfect puffing of the pastries.
• Experiment with fillings – While the cream cheese and chocolate combination is delightful, consider adding fruits or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Complement your chocolate cream cheese danishes with these delicious side dishes. Each pair enhances the overall experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the danish.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries brings creamy goodness that pairs well with pastries.
3. Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche offers a savory contrast, making it an excellent addition to brunch tables.
4. Herbed Cream Cheese Spread – Serve this spread with crackers or bread for guests who enjoy something savory alongside their sweet treats.
5. Spiced Chai Tea – This warming drink complements the chocolate’s richness while providing aromatic spice notes.
6. Honey Butter Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits brushed with honey butter provide another layer of sweetness and comfort alongside the danish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Incorrect pastry thawing: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before use. If it’s still cold, it won’t rise properly.
• Overheating the cream: When making ganache, avoid boiling the heavy cream. Heat it just until steaming for the best texture.
• Not chilling the pastry: Don’t skip chilling the pastry again after shaping. This step helps create a flakier texture when baked.
• Ignoring egg wash: Applying egg wash is crucial for achieving a golden brown color. Be sure to cover all edges for even browning.
• Skipping cooling time: Allow the danishes to cool completely before adding chocolate ganache. This prevents melting and ensures a nice finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

• Wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm, but be cautious not to make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Place them in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish:

Can I use different fillings?

Yes, feel free to customize the filling! You can try fruit preserves or nut butters instead of cream cheese.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

You can substitute with phyllo dough or make your own dough, though results may vary.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Ensure that the pastry is fully baked and avoid overfilling with cream cheese or ganache.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and freeze them before baking. Just bake when you’re ready to enjoy!

What can I serve with these danishes?

They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even fresh fruit for a delightful brunch spread.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. With options to customize your filling and toppings, they cater to various tastes. Try making them for your next gathering, and enjoy their rich flavor and flaky texture!