Easy Gluten-Free Cheese Danish (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Introduction

This easy gluten-free cheese Danish is a delightful treat that mirrors the classic Starbucks favorite. With creamy cheese filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry, it’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of table salt
• 1 sheet Schar gluten-free puff pastry (defrosted and brought to room temperature)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Step 3: Unroll the gluten-free puff pastry sheet carefully. Patch any cracks or gently re-roll if needed to smooth it out.
4. Step 4: Cut the pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Use a fork to prick the centers of each pastry rectangle to prevent puffing up too much.
6. Step 6: Spread a dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center of each rectangle, avoiding the edges.
7. Step 7: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before glazing.
9. Step 9: For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Transfer to a small zip-top bag and cut a tiny corner for piping.
10. Step 10: Pipe icing lines across each Danish. Let them cool a bit more before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the puff pastry is well thawed and at room temperature to prevent cracking when rolling and cutting.
• For a fruit twist, add a spoonful of your favorite jam or fresh berries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
• Use almond or oat milk in the glaze for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to maintain flakiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular puff pastry instead of gluten-free?

Yes, regular puff pastry can be used if gluten is not a concern, and the baking times remain the same.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy with the filling?

Pricking the centers with a fork and avoiding spreading the filling all the way to the edges helps keep the pastry crisp while baking.

Easy Gluten-Free Cheese Danish (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

Recreate the delicious Starbucks-style Cheese Danish at home with this easy gluten-free recipe featuring a creamy cream cheese filling encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these Danish pastries are topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness and an irresistible finish.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of table salt

Pastry

• 1 sheet Schar gluten-free puff pastry, defrosted and brought to room temperature
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the danishes.
2. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well mixed.
3. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the defrosted gluten-free puff pastry sheet carefully. If there are any cracks, gently patch or reroll the pastry to ensure an even surface.
4. Cut Pastry: Slice the puff pastry sheet into six equal rectangles, placing them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow room for expansion.
5. Prick Centers: Use a fork to prick the center of each pastry rectangle lightly; this prevents excessive puffing in the center while baking.
6. Add Filling: Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry piece, making sure to avoid spreading the filling to the edges.
7. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed edges of each pastry carefully with the beaten egg to promote golden browning.
8. Bake: Place the pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
9. Prepare Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar and milk together in a small bowl until smooth. Transfer the glaze to a small zip-top bag, snip a small corner, and pipe decorative lines across each danish.
10. Serve: Let the glaze set slightly before serving the danishes warm or at room temperature for a perfect treat.

Notes

• Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed and at room temperature before handling to prevent cracks.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the granulated sugar slightly according to taste.
• Use a fork to prick the pastry centers gently—this step helps keep the edges puffed and crispy while preventing the center from rising too much.
• The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: gluten-free cheese danish, Starbucks copycat, gluten-free pastry, cream cheese danish, breakfast pastry, easy gluten-free dessert