Hey everyone, this is a great one! These Lemon Vanilla Cream Danishes are super easy and delicious for brunch. If you’re not a baker or just want to make something beautiful, this is the recipe for you. Using a few store-bought ingredients, these taste even better than they look. If you love lemon, you’ll love these 🙂 Check out the tips below to make sure your Danishes turn out perfect every time!
You can make your own puff pastry and lemon curd if you prefer, but it’s just as tasty and way easier to buy them. I usually use Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, which turns out perfectly flaky every time. After brushing with the egg wash, I sprinkle the pastry with coarse sugar, like turbinado, but you can also use regular granulated sugar.
When baking, use quality pans and parchment paper for easy cleanup. The egg wash and sugar can get messy, so this helps make cleanup a breeze 🙂
For the lemon curd, I use the kind you can find in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. I used Bonne Maman for this recipe, but any lemon curd will work!
Good baking pans don’t have to be expensive! My favorite is USA Pan Bakeware because they’re heavy and bake evenly.
As mentioned earlier, using store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and time-saving option for making delicious pastries like Lemon Vanilla Cream Danishes. You can make your own, but the store-bought version is so delicious and easy. Here are some tips to ensure success:
Tips for Perfect Danishes
Thaw Properly: If your puff pastry is frozen, follow the package instructions for thawing. Usually, I let it sit on the counter for 15-30 minutes, or until it’s warm enough to handle but not too soft. You can also thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Work Quickly: Puff pastry is made with layers of butter, and it’s important to keep it cold to achieve a flaky texture. Work quickly when handling the pastry, and return it to the refrigerator if it gets too soft.
Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the puff pastry from sticking. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the pastry to your desired thickness.
Avoid Overhandling: Handle puff pastry as little as possible. Overhandling can cause the butter layers to meld, resulting in less flaky pastry. Patience is key!
Use Egg Wash for Shine: Before baking, brush the pastry with an egg wash (a beaten egg) for a beautiful golden finish. This step also helps seal the edges.
Cut an Outline: Cut the puff pastry into 8 even circles using a 3 to 3 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Then use a smaller round cookie cutter or knife to cut another circle about 1/4 inch from the edge. When you place the filling, stay within this border.
Lemon Vanilla Cream Danishes
Ingredients
#### For the Danish:
- – 2 sheets of ready-to-bake puff pastry thawed for 15-20 minutes on the counter
- – 1 egg beaten
- – 1/4 cup coarse sugar I use turbinado
#### For the Topping:
- – 8 oz full-fat cream cheese room temperature
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- – 1 egg yolk room temperature
- – 1 tbsp heavy cream
- – Pinch of salt
- – 1/2 cup lemon curd
Instructions
#### For the Danish:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Use a 3 to 3 1/2 inch round cookie cutter to cut 8 circles out of the dough. Transfer them to a baking sheet and space them evenly. Use a smaller cookie cutter or knife to score a smaller circle within each Danish, about 1/4 inch from the edge. Brush the edges with an egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth. Evenly distribute the mixture into the center of each pastry and smooth it out to the inside edge of the border you created. Stay within that smaller circle, or your filling might ooze out!
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and baked through. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before scooping 1-2 tablespoons of lemon curd into the center. Dust with powdered sugar and serve!