Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Indulging in a delightful pastry can be one of life’s simplest pleasures, and my Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. With a rich cream cheese filling and luscious dark chocolate, this Danish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon treat. It’s surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of crescent rolls. Let’s dive into the world of flaky, chocolatey goodness!

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, flaky pastry, and this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish checks all the boxes. The combination of cream cheese and chocolate creates a rich and creamy filling that contrasts beautifully with the light, airy crescent roll exterior. Not only is it delicious, but it also comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for both busy mornings and leisurely weekends. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; you can easily impress your family and friends with this delightful treat!

What to Buy

To make the perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tube of crescent rolls – This will serve as the flaky base for your Danish.
• 8 oz. cream cheese – Softened to create a smooth filling.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness in the cream cheese mixture.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps to stabilize the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely flavor.
• 2 oz. chopped semi-sweet dark chocolate – The star ingredient that brings richness.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – For a sweet glaze.
• 1 teaspoon milk – To thin the glaze for drizzling.

Tools of the Trade

Before you get started, gather the necessary tools:

• Mixing bowl – For combining your cream cheese filling.
• Whisk or hand mixer – To ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
• Baking sheet – To bake the Danish.
• Parchment paper – For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Spatula – To spread the filling evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Stepwise Method: Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pastries bake evenly and achieve that golden brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz. of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate

Fold in 2 oz. of chopped semi-sweet dark chocolate into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 4: Roll Out the Crescent Dough

Unroll the tube of crescent rolls on a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines.

Step 5: Assemble the Danish

Take each triangle of dough and place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling at the wide end. Roll the dough towards the point to form a crescent shape. Place each assembled Danish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have enough space to expand.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the Danishes in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the Danish are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of milk until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.

Step 8: Drizzle and Serve

Once the Danishes are golden and baked through, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries and serve them fresh!

Variations for Dietary Needs

If you’re looking to customize your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish to accommodate different dietary needs, consider these variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent rolls available at specialty grocery stores.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free chocolate.
• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking in place of granulated sugar.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for added crunch.

Notes on Ingredients

Choosing quality ingredients can elevate your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish significantly. Here are some notes:

• Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavor. Make sure it is softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Dark Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate like Scharffen Berger is recommended for its depth of flavor, but you can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
• Crescent Rolls: Fresh dough from the refrigerator section yields the best results, but you can also find frozen options if needed.

Storage & Reheat Guide

To keep your Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish fresh:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the Danish in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Reader Q&A

Can I freeze the Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish?

Yes! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Danishes. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a cream cheese alternative, you can use ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese option. Just ensure that the texture is spreadable for the best results.

How can I make these more chocolatey?

For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling or drizzling melted chocolate on top of the glaze.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the Danishes the night before. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful start to your day.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish, here are some other recipes that you might like:

• Blueberry Brioche
• Almond Crescent Rolls
• Ham and Cheese Pocket
• Peach Galette

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the details to create your own Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish, it’s time to get baking! With its rich filling and flaky exterior, this pastry is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or just a cozy day at home, treat yourself to this delicious Danish. Happy baking!