Cream Cheese And Pecan Danish
A flaky, sweet pastry filled with creamy cheese and crunchy pecans, topped with a glaze—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Unfold the frozen puff pastry and roll it into a 15 x 10-inch rectangle.
- Place the pastry in a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle with the creamy glaze before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes. Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed for even baking, and for a flakier texture, avoid overworking the dough when rolling it out. This recipe is perfect for brunch alongside Quick Muffins or as a dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cream Cheese and Pecan Danish warm, drizzled with the creamy glaze. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete brunch spread, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or the delicious Fruity Banana Pudding for a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Danish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese And Pecan Danish contains roughly 301 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 19g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and assemble the Danish the night before. Cover it and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just remember to allow the pastry to come to room temperature before baking for best results.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, mascarpone or ricotta can be good substitutes for cream cheese. They will give a different texture and flavor, but still result in a delicious Danish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry available in stores. Ensure all other ingredients, including powdered sugar and any toppings, are gluten-free. The baking process remains the same.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).