There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm pastry filled with creamy goodness. This chocolate cream cheese danish is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Its flaky texture and sweet chocolate taste make every bite melt in your mouth. Best of all, it’s easy to make, so you can whip it up, even as a beginner.

Why You Will Love This Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

This danish is a delightful blend of creamy and crispy. It’s simple to prepare and uses ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The rich chocolate ganache adds a sweet touch that everyone will love. It’s a cozy treat that’s perfect for sharing with family or enjoying all by yourself.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Making this danish is a breeze! You start with thawing puff pastry and preparing a delicious cream cheese filling. Then, you shape the pastry, fill it, and bake it to golden perfection. Before you know it, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a beautiful pastry ready to enjoy.

What You Need

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

Step-by-Step

Place frozen puff pastry on the counter for 30 minutes to thaw.
While you wait, prepare the chocolate ganache. Pour chocolate chips into a bowl.
Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it’s steaming. Pour this hot cream over the chocolate chips.
Let sit for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Stir gently until it’s smooth. If there are still chunks, heat in the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring well each time. Let the ganache cool at room temperature for 2 hours, until it’s pudding-like.
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese using a hand mixer for 1 minute. Add in the sugar and beat again for another minute. Mix in vanilla.
Lightly flour a surface and place the thawed pastry sheets on it. Press the seams together gently. Cut the pastry into thirds, creating 3 long rectangles.
Cut each rectangle in half to get 6 pieces. Repeat with the second sheet.
Mix the egg and water together. Brush this egg wash around the edges of each rectangle.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Arrange the rectangles on the cookie sheets. Cut another rectangle shape inside each piece, leaving a 1/2 inch edge intact. This allows the pastry to rise nicely around the filling.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into each square and spread it inside the box.
Place one sheet in the fridge and the other in the freezer. Let the one in the freezer sit for 5 minutes before baking to help the butter in the pastry stay cold.
Bake each sheet individually for 17-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before baking the second sheet.
Spoon the cooled chocolate ganache on top of the cream cheese filling, letting some cream cheese peek from the edges.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Enjoy this danish warm with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They make a great treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Feel free to top them with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up your day or impress your guests.

How to Store Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven until heated through, making sure they stay crispy.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Don’t skip letting the ganache sit; this helps with the texture.
Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry for clean edges.
Brush egg wash carefully to avoid spilling onto the filling.
If your pastries rise unevenly, check your oven temperature for accuracy.

Variations & Swaps

Try adding berries to the cream cheese filling for a fruity flavor.
Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate for a different taste.
For a festive touch, add some cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture.

FAQs

Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and pastry in advance. Just bake them before serving.

Can I freeze the danishes?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking. You can bake straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I reheat them?
Place the danishes in a warm oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use a pre-made pie crust as a substitute for a different texture.

What can I serve with these danishes?
They pair beautifully with coffee, iced tea, or a fresh fruit salad for a bright touch.