Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Indulge in the delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish, a treat that perfectly balances rich flavors with flaky pastry. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also simple to prepare, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With its creamy filling and luscious chocolate ganache, this Danish is sure to impress any crowd. Enjoy it as a sweet breakfast, a delightful snack, or a showstopper at your next brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can create a stunning dessert that looks complex but is surprisingly simple.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and chocolate ganache provides a rich and satisfying taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this pastry fits any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: These beautiful pastries will wow your guests and elevate any meal or event.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble them right before baking for convenience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Essential for even cooking and preventing sticking when baking the pastries.
• Hand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients like cream cheese effortless and ensures a smooth filling.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents the pastries from sticking to the baking sheets.

Ingredients

Flaky pastry with cream cheese and chocolate ganache. Simple and elegant dessert.

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup white granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup heavy cream

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Thaw the Puff Pastry

Place frozen puff pastry on the counter for 30 minutes to thaw. This will make it easier to handle when you’re ready to cut it.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Pour chocolate chips into a bowl.
2. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
4. Stir gently until smooth. If chunks remain, heat in the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring in between.
5. Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours until pudding-like in texture.

Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese using a hand mixer on high for 1 minute.
2. Add in sugar and beat again for 1 minute until combined.
3. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Cut Puff Pastry

1. Place thawed pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
2. Use your fingers to push the seams together.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut each pastry sheet into thirds along the seams, forming 3 long rectangles.
4. Then cut each rectangle in half to make 6 smaller rectangles. Repeat with the second sheet for a total of 12 rectangles.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

1. Mix the egg and water together in a small bowl.
2. Use a pastry brush to spread egg wash around the edges of each rectangle.

Step 6: Score Pastry Rectangles

Using a sharp knife, score another rectangle inside each pastry rectangle, leaving a ½ inch border without cutting all the way through.

Step 7: Add Filling

Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling onto the center of each rectangle and spread it evenly within the scored area.

Step 8: Chill Before Baking

Place one tray of prepared pastries in the fridge and another in the freezer. Let them chill for about 5 minutes before baking; this helps keep them flaky.

Step 9: Preheat Oven & Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake one tray at a time for about 17–20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 10: Finish with Ganache

Once baked pastries are cool, spoon chocolate ganache onto each cream cheese filling while ensuring some cream cheese remains visible around the edges.

Enjoy your delightful homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish!

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Serving your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is an enjoyable experience that can be tailored to fit any occasion. Whether it’s a casual brunch or an elegant dinner party, these delightful pastries can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and freshness.
• Sliced Bananas: The sweetness of bananas complements the rich chocolate and cream cheese filling.

With Coffee or Tea

• Espresso: A shot of espresso pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the danish.
• Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea can balance the richness of the pastry.

With Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the flaky pastry.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try vanilla or almond-flavored whipped cream for a twist.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Desserts: Combine with mini cheesecakes, brownies, or macaroons for a variety of textures and flavors.
• Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Enhance presentation and taste by drizzling some extra chocolate sauce over the platter.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

To achieve the perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish, attention to detail is key. Following these tips will help you create an irresistible treat.

• Bold Thawing Method: Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed at room temperature for optimal flakiness.
• Bold Egg Wash Application: Apply egg wash generously around the edges for a beautiful golden finish.
• Bold Chilling Pastries Before Baking: Chill unbaked pastries in the freezer for five minutes to ensure they puff up nicely.
• Bold Score Technique: Score lightly without cutting through; this allows for proper rising and creates an appealing look.
• Bold Cool Completely Before Ganache: Allow pastries to cool entirely before adding ganache for better texture and flavor integration.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides a healthy contrast to the rich danish.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the chocolate flavors beautifully.
4. Nutty Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars offer a delightful textural contrast alongside your danish.
5. Chai Spiced Nuts: A mix of nuts seasoned with chai spices adds warmth and crunch.
6. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats enhance the overall dessert theme with their sweetness and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the end result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling. Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.

• Overbaking the Pastry: Baking for too long can burn the pastry. Keep an eye on your danishes and remove them when they are golden brown.

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the pastry before baking can result in a less flaky texture. Make sure to chill the pastries as instructed for the best results.

• Not Scoring the Pastry Properly: Failing to score the pastry may cause it to puff unevenly. Be sure to score each rectangle carefully without cutting all the way through.

• Ignoring the Ganache Consistency: If your ganache is too runny, it won’t hold its shape on the danish. Allow it to cool until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency before using.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

• Place cooled danishes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can stay good for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently so they don’t become soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering it with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

A Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is a flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese and luscious chocolate ganache, creating a delightful dessert experience.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and chocolate ganache a day in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready.

How do I customize my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

You can add fruit fillings like raspberries or strawberries alongside the cream cheese for added flavor and texture.

What should I serve with this dessert?

These danishes pair well with coffee or tea, making them perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a quick treat or an elegant dessert for gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings, making it uniquely yours! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!