
Cheese Danish Recipe
Master this homemade Starbucks cheese danish recipe with quick and easy techniques. Learn how to create that perfect balance of crisp pastry and creamy filling for an authentic coffeehouse treat at home. Perfect for breakfast or brunch when you need a sweet, indulgent pick-me-up.
Prep
Cook
Serve
Kcal
- 1 package (500g) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- 70g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- For glaze: 120g powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take the puff pastry out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before working with it to make it easier to handle.Step 2
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the sugar and continue beating until well incorporated. Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour until the filling is smooth and silky. Set aside.Step 3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 30cm x 30cm square. Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares (about 10cm each). If using pre-cut puff pastry sheets, you may need to slightly roll each one larger.Step 4
Place the squares on your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts from each corner toward the center, stopping about 2.5cm from the middle. You should have 8 flaps (2 from each corner).Step 5
Place about 2 tablespoons of cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold every other flap into the center, over the filling, to create a pinwheel effect. Gently press the tips to secure them.Step 6
Brush each danish with the egg wash, making sure to cover all exposed pastry. This will give them that beautiful golden color when baked.Step 7
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown. The cheese filling should be set but still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.Step 8
While the danishes are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread slightly. If it's too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.Step 9
Once the danishes are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top in a zigzag pattern. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving. For the authentic Starbucks experience, enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee!
What ingredients are used in Starbucks Cheese Danish?
Starbucks Cheese Danish requires puff pastry, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest and juice, flour, and ingredients for glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla). It's a simple yet delicious pastry with just a handful of common ingredients.
How to cook Starbucks Cheese Danish at home?
Learn how to cook Starbucks Cheese Danish at home by creating a smooth cream cheese filling with lemon and vanilla, forming pinwheels with puff pastry, and baking until golden brown. Top with a sweet vanilla glaze for that authentic coffeehouse experience in your own kitchen.
Can I make cheese danishes ahead of time and freeze them?
Yes! You can prepare cheese danishes ahead of time and freeze them either before or after baking. For best results, freeze unbaked danishes on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags once solid. When ready to eat, bake from frozen adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
Why does my puff pastry cheese danish look flat after baking?
Flat danishes usually result from warm pastry dough. Ensure your puff pastry stays cold until baking, as warm butter layers will melt rather than create steam for rising. Also check your oven temperature with a thermometer - proper heat is crucial for good puffing.
How do I get the perfect cream cheese filling consistency for danishes?
For perfect cream cheese filling, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before mixing. Beat until completely smooth before adding other ingredients, and incorporate the flour thoroughly to provide stability during baking without making the filling too dense.

