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Are you ready to have your taste buds tantalized with an easy-to-make classic danish that requires no proofing or long wait times? Look no further than Lemon Cream Cheese Danish, a heavenly treat that can be whipped up in no time and enjoyed for breakfast or a mid-day snack. This delicious danish is filled with a tangy and sweet lemon curd and the flavor is complimented by a cream cheese layer that melts in your mouth. Here we will share with you the recipe for making this crowd-pleasing favorite, along with some tips and tricks that will make it look and taste like something from a local bakery.

This Lemon Cream Cheese Danish is so darn delicious I had to put myself in time out from eating. I was ready to bite into number three.  

Lemon Cream Cheese Danish 

I decided to bake these during our last snow storm and the sweet lemon curd brightened up my kitchen and made for the perfect snack that day.

I had one away for myself to have for breakfast the next day.  It was the sweetest most delicious was to start my day.

If you love lemon as much as I do, I bet you will love my Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened 

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

17.3 ounce package puff pastry 

¼ cup flour

½ cup prepared lemon curd

1 egg 

1 tablespoon water

¼ cup powdered sugar 

How To Make Lemon Cream Cheese Danish

• Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, and lemon juice.

• Gently flour your clean work surface, and unfold the puff pastry.
• Using your fingertips, gently press the creased areas flat. Use a rolling pin if necessary. 
• Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out 4 circles. 

• Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining sheet of puff pastry.
• Place circles onto a baking sheet. 
• Gently score the border about ½-1 inch inside each puff pastry circle. 
• Using a fork, poke several times inside each of the circles.
• Spread the cream cheese mixture into each circle, keeping it inside the border.

• In a small bowl, mix together egg and water until frothy.
• Brush the border of each with egg mixture. 
• Bake for 18-21 minutes or until golden brown.
• Allow cooling for 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
• Heat lemon curd in the microwave for 25 seconds, then spoon on top of each danish. 
• Sprinkle a pinch of lemon zest and dust with powdered sugar prior to serving. 

What Is The Base of These Lemon Danishes

I used packaged puff pastry as my base. Now if you like making your own puff pastry you go right ahead. I don’t mind cutting a corner and buying puff pastry, 

If you are not sure where to find puff pastry in stores, head to the freezer section. You will find that most of the time it is right there pie the frozen pie crusts. It will be in a box. 

What is The Lemon Filling

Reach for lemon curd or lemon pie filling. Then we toss in a creamy cream cheese and it seriously becomes one of the best desserts ever. 

I make incredible lemon curd in my Instant Pot so I have now religiously been doing that. I could eat that stuff by the spoonful! 

How Long Do Cream Cheese Lemon Danishes Take To Cook 

You will cook your danishes for around 18-21 minutes. Depending on your oven will depend on how long it takes to cook. You will find the puff pastry begins to turn golden brown. 

Once you remove them from the oven top them with your lemon filling and eat warm or let them cool. 

How to Store Cream Cheese Danishes

Because cream cheese is involved you will find your leftover Danishes need to be in the fridge. They will store for up to five days in the fridge. 

Now, these are best served fresh and the texture will change a bit. You can let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes or so if you want more of a room temperature Danish. 

The cream cheese will spoil if not refrigerated. So I always keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. 

Can I Use Other Flavored Filling For These Danishes

Of course, you can use other flavors for the filling. We are a huge fan of lemon in our household so it is my go-to choice. Use pie filling and spoon in the filling, just like the curd. 

Cherry, strawberry, mixed berry, and blueberry all would be tasty too. Have fun and pick and choose what sounds good to you. Even a plain cream cheese Danish would be delicious. 

Enjoy this easy breakfast, brunch, or dessert recipe. You will love the simplicity of this easy Danish recipe! 

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