Save A tender, buttery pastry filled with creamy coffee-flavored cheese and topped with a sweet, crunchy crumb—perfect for breakfast or a special treat.
I first tasted a similar danish at a cozy bakery during brunch with friends, and ever since, I've tried to recreate that perfect balance of tender dough, creamy coffee filling, and crunchy topping at home.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C), 1 large egg (room temperature), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- Coffee Cream Cheese Filling: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee (cooled), 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Crumb Topping: 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- Glaze (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk or coffee
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rise:
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling:
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, coffee, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Make the crumb topping:
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add cold butter and rub between fingers until crumbs form.
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough:
- Punch down risen dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball, then flatten to 4-inch (10 cm) rounds. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Fill the centers:
- Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each round. Spoon 2 tablespoons of coffee cream cheese filling into each center.
- Add crumb topping:
- Sprinkle crumb topping over the filling and exposed dough.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes.
- Glaze (optional):
- Whisk powdered sugar with milk or coffee until smooth and drizzle over cooled danishes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save These danishes always remind me of our family's weekend mornings, gathered in the kitchen as the aroma of fresh pastry fills the air — they're a treat we all look forward to.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, measuring cups and spoons, small saucepan (optional, for glaze).
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, egg. May contain traces of nuts if processed in facilities with nuts. Double-check all packaged ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per danish)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 7 g.
Save Serve these coffee cream cheese crumb danish pastries warm or at room temperature for a perfect morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed?
Yes, dissolve instant coffee in a small amount of water to substitute for brewed coffee in the filling and glaze.
- → How do I ensure the dough rises well?
Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot. Cover the bowl and check that it doubles in size before shaping.
- → Is it possible to make the pastry dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight after the initial rise. Let it reach room temperature before shaping.
- → Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Feel free to mix mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the filling or crumb topping for extra flavor.
- → What's the best way to serve these treats?
Serve warm or at room temperature. They pair well with coffee, tea, or as a festive addition to breakfast spreads.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven for freshness.