Cheese Danish Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, cheese Danish coffee cake – just saying those words conjures up visions of flaky, buttery pastry layers filled with luscious, creamy cheese and topped with a sweet crumbly streusel. It’s basically a morning hug on a plate, a perfect companion for your first cup of coffee, or honestly, any time of day when you’re craving something both decadent and comforting.

But here’s the thing: unlike your usual run-of-the-mill coffee cake, this version brings in that irresistible cream cheese filling that elevates every bite to a whole new level. It’s flaky, it’s rich, it’s sweet but not overly so – it’s everything you didn’t know you needed. And lucky for you, I’m about to spill the secrets to making it at home so your kitchen can be filled with that amazing aroma and your table adorned with this beautiful dessert that screams homemade love.

Ready? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Cheese Danish Coffee Cake!

Cheese Danish Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is a beautiful blend of buttery layers, a tangy-sweet cream cheese filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors – flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and crumbly sweet topping, all wrapped into one glorious cake.

Here’s A Snapshot Of What You’re About To Make

• A tender, flaky pastry base inspired by Danish dough (but simpler than a full-on laminated dough)
• A rich, creamy cheese filling made from cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla
• A crumbly, buttery streusel topping that adds just the right amount of crunch

It’s a showstopper whether you’re making it for breakfast guests, a cozy brunch, or just a self-treat. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down exactly what you need to have on hand. The ingredients fall into three categories: pastry base, cheese filling, and streusel topping.

For The Pastry Base

• All-purpose flour – the foundation of your dough
• Granulated sugar – for just a hint of sweetness
• Baking powder – helps the dough rise and get a tender crumb
• Salt – balances the flavors
• Unsalted butter – the secret to flakiness and richness; use cold butter for best results
• Whole milk or buttermilk – moistens the dough and helps with tenderness
• Eggs – for structure and richness

For The Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese (softened) – the star ingredient! Provides tang and creaminess
• Granulated sugar – sweetens the filling perfectly
• Vanilla extract – adds a lovely aromatic note
• Lemon zest (optional) – a zingy touch that brightens the flavor

For The Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour – base for the crumbly topping
• Brown sugar – gives a rich, caramel-like sweetness
• Ground cinnamon – warm spice to complement the cheese
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed) – binds the topping and makes it delightfully crumbly
• Chopped nuts (optional) – for an extra crunch and nuttiness, like pecans or walnuts

How To Make Cheese Danish Coffee Cake

Alright, now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up, let’s walk through the magic step-by-step:

1. Prepare The Dough

   • Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
   • Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs (this is key for flakiness!).
   • Whisk together milk and eggs, then add to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until it forms a soft dough. Don’t overwork it!
   • Chill the dough briefly – this helps it hold its shape better.

2. Make The Cheese Filling

   • Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest, mixing until creamy and well combined.

3. Prepare The Streusel

   • Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add nuts if you like.

4. Assemble The Cake

   • Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
   • Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
   • Roll the dough up jelly-roll style and place it into a greased baking pan, coil it, or simply press it into the pan depending on your preferred shape.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the assembled cake.

5. Bake

   • Bake in a preheated oven at about 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Let it cool a bit before slicing to let the cheese filling set nicely.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s where the nerdy kitchen chemistry comes in, and trust me, it’s fascinating!

• Butter’s Role: Butter’s water content creates steam in the oven, helping to puff up those flaky layers. Cold butter keeps the dough from becoming too soft and greasy. When it melts during baking, it leaves behind delicate air pockets – hello, flaky magic!
• Cream Cheese: The acid in cream cheese balances the sweetness and gives a slight tang that cuts through the richness. Its fat content provides creaminess and helps the filling set without becoming watery.
• Baking Powder: This leavens the dough slightly, giving it a tender crumb rather than a tough pastry. The little bubbles created help lighten the texture.
• Sugar and Brown Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens but also helps with browning through caramelization and Maillard reactions, giving the cake a beautiful golden crust and deep flavor.
• Cinnamon: Beyond flavor, cinnamon’s natural oils slightly inhibit mold growth, making your streusel topping both delicious and somewhat longer-lasting!

Expert Tips

To make sure your cheese Danish coffee cake is nothing short of perfection, here are some insider tricks:

• Chill your dough! It’s tempting to rush but chilling helps keep the butter cold, resulting in flakier pastry.
• Don’t overmix the dough – mix just until combined to avoid tough cake.
• Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
• Use fresh cinnamon and zest lemon yourself for the brightest flavor.
• Watch your bake time carefully – every oven’s different, so check at 30 minutes and test with a toothpick. The cheese filling should be set and the top golden.
• Let it cool before slicing – hot filling is gooey and runny, but a little patience here makes slicing cleaner and prettier pieces.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists and turns you can take with this recipe:

• Fruit-Infused: Add fresh or dried fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples to the cheese filling or streusel.
• Nutty Delight: Mix toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the streusel topping for extra crunch.
• Spiced Up: Add cardamom or nutmeg to the filling or dough for a more complex flavor profile.
• Chocolate Swirl: Drop mini chocolate chips into the cheese filling or swirl melted chocolate into the dough for a mocha vibe.
• Glaze Finish: Drizzle a simple vanilla or lemon glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and shine.

Final Words

Honestly, this cheese Danish coffee cake recipe is the perfect gateway into making bakery-quality treats at home. It’s approachable, satisfying, and so versatile you can tweak it to fit any flavor mood you’re in. Plus, it pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, making it a fantastic addition to any gathering or just a special solo treat.

Remember: the best part about baking is the experience – the smell wafting through your home, the joy of creating something from scratch, and the smiles it brings when you share it with others. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delightful coffee cakes ever!

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make A Cheese Danish Coffee Cake?

To make a cheese danish coffee cake, you will need ingredients such as all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and optionally, fruit preserves or a streusel topping for added flavor.

Can I Make The Dough For Cheese Danish Coffee Cake From Scratch?

Yes, you can make the dough from scratch by combining flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, butter, eggs, and milk. However, you can also use store-bought crescent dough or puff pastry for a quicker version.

How Do I Prepare The Cream Cheese Filling For The Cheese Danish Coffee Cake?

To prepare the cream cheese filling, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and a little vanilla extract until smooth. You may also add a small amount of lemon juice for a slight tang or egg yolk for richness.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese For The Filling?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone, or even goat cheese for a unique twist, though cream cheese is the most common choice due to its smooth texture and mild flavor.

How Do I Assemble The Cheese Danish Coffee Cake?

To assemble, spread the prepared dough in a baking dish, then layer the cream cheese filling over it. You can either fold the dough edges over the filling to create a rustic look or spread the filling evenly, then top with a streusel topping or fruit preserves before baking.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Cheese Danish Coffee Cake?

Store leftover cheese danish coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

Can I Make The Cheese Danish Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

What Are Some Variations I Can Add To My Cheese Danish Coffee Cake?

You can add fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries, or apples, to the filling for extra flavor. A cinnamon-sugar swirl can also be added to the dough for added sweetness, or you can drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top once the cake has cooled.

What Kind Of Topping Is Best For A Cheese Danish Coffee Cake?

A classic streusel topping made from butter, sugar, and flour is ideal for adding texture and sweetness. You can also try a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a dusting of powdered sugar after baking.

How Long Should I Bake The Cheese Danish Coffee Cake?

Typically, the cake will bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.