These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that brings together the flaky goodness of puff pastry and the rich flavors of cream cheese and chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, these danishes are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. With their creamy filling and decadent ganache, they stand out as a delicious dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With frozen puff pastry, you can whip up these danishes in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and chocolate creates a rich, indulgent taste.
- Versatile Treat: These danishes can be served at breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert after dinner.
- Impressive Presentation: The layered look of the pastry filled with cream cheese and topped with chocolate is visually stunning.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delightful world of making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; they help achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Hand mixer: Saves time when beating the cream cheese until smooth.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts in the pastry for an attractive finish.
Ingredients
To create these delectable Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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)
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Heavy cream
How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish
Step 1: Thaw Puff Pastry
Place frozen puff pastry on the counter for 30 minutes to thaw. This allows it to become pliable for shaping.
Step 2: Prepare Chocolate Ganache
While you wait for the pastry:
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 the chocolate chips.
4. Let sit for about 1 minute and 30 seconds before stirring gently until smooth.
5. If any chunks remain, heat in the microwave for additional 15-second intervals until completely melted.
6. Allow ganache to sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until it reaches a pudding-like texture.
Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl:
1. Beat the cream cheese using a hand mixer on high for about 1 minute.
2. Add in sugar and beat again until well combined.
3. Mix in vanilla for added flavor.
Step 4: Shape Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface:
1. Place the thawed pastry sheets and press seams together with your fingers.
2. Cut each sheet into thirds along seams to create three long rectangles per sheet.
3. Halve each rectangle to yield six smaller rectangles; repeat with second sheet.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
Mix egg and water together in a small bowl:
1. Use a pastry brush to spread this mixture around the edges of each rectangle.
Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C):
1. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 7: Cut Rectangles
Place rectangles on the prepared cookie sheets:
1. For each rectangle, carefully cut another smaller rectangle shape inside it, leaving about half an inch border without cutting through completely.
Step 8: Fill Pastry Squares
Spoon approximately one tablespoon of cream cheese filling onto each square:
1. Spread the filling inside each “box” created by your cuts.
Step 9: Chill Before Baking
Place one sheet in the fridge and one in the freezer:
1. Let the sheet in the freezer sit for about five minutes before baking; this helps keep the butter cold for flakier layers.
Step 10: Bake Pastries
Bake one sheet at a time:
1. Place in preheated oven and bake for about 17-20 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Allow cooling completely before baking the next sheet.
Step 11: Finish with Chocolate Ganache
Once pastries have cooled:
1. Spoon chocolate ganache on top of each cream cheese-filled pastry, ensuring some filling is visible around the edges.
Enjoy these delectable Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes fresh from your kitchen!
How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish
These delightful chocolate cream cheese danishes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
Accompanied by Coffee
- Pair with a cup of brewed coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness of the danish.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and indulgence.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- For an added layer of flavor, drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate topping.
Served Warm
- Enjoy them warm from the oven for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that enhances the flavors.
How to Perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish
Perfecting your chocolate cream cheese danishes is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use cold pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold before baking to achieve a flaky texture.
- Don’t skip the egg wash: Applying an egg wash gives your pastries a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.
- Let ganache cool properly: Allowing your chocolate ganache to reach pudding-like consistency ensures it spreads smoothly over the filling.
- Preheat your oven: Always preheat your oven fully to guarantee even baking and rising of the danishes.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add nuts or other flavored extracts to personalize your cream cheese filling.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish
Adding side dishes can complement your chocolate cream cheese danishes beautifully. Here are some top choices:
- Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the danish.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a nutritious and satisfying side.
- Granola – Crunchy granola can be served on its own or as a topping, adding texture to your meal.
- Tea Selection – Offer various teas like Earl Grey or chamomile for a soothing beverage option alongside the danish.
- Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a savory contrast to sweet pastries.
- Smoothies – Blend up a fruity smoothie for a creamy drink that pairs nicely with dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold puff pastry: Always ensure your puff pastry is thawed and at room temperature before use. This allows for better puffing and texture.
- Overheating the cream for ganache: Heat the cream just until steaming, not boiling. Boiling can cause the chocolate to seize up instead of melting smoothly.
- Skipping the egg wash: Egg wash adds a beautiful golden color to your pastries. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference in appearance!
- Cutting too deep into the pastry: When making cuts in the pastry, ensure you don’t cut all the way through. This helps create a nice “box” shape that holds the filling.
- Not letting the ganache sit long enough: Allowing the ganache to cool to a pudding-like consistency is crucial for spreading. Patience is key!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals on a microwave-safe plate. Be cautious as it may become soggy.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to making Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish, you might have some questions about the process.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry can be used, but it may require more skill and time compared to frozen options.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if desired.
How do I make my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish more chocolatey?
Add cocoa powder directly into the cream cheese filling or increase the amount of chocolate chips in the ganache.
Can I add fruits to the filling?
Absolutely! Berries or banana slices can add a lovely flavor contrast with chocolate.
How long does it take to make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish from start to finish?
The total time is around 3 hours, which includes prep and cooling times.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes are not only easy to make but also versatile. They offer a perfect blend of creamy and chocolatey goodness that makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes, a perfect blend of flaky puff pastry and rich cream cheese filling, topped with decadent chocolate ganache. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make treat will impress your family and friends. With just a few simple steps and common ingredients, you can create a visually stunning dessert that is both satisfying to the palate and easy on the eyes. Customize the filling to suit your taste and enjoy these sweet pastries fresh from your kitchen!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry on the counter for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until steaming, pouring it over chocolate chips, and stirring until smooth. Let it cool until it reaches a pudding-like consistency.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until well combined.
- Shape the puff pastry into rectangles, apply an egg wash around the edges, and cut smaller rectangles inside each.
- Fill with cream cheese mixture and chill before baking.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 17–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Top cooled pastries with chocolate ganache.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish (75g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, add cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling or mix in fruits like berries or bananas. Ensure your puff pastry is cold before baking for maximum flakiness.