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Easy Gluten-Free Cheese Danish (Starbucks Copycat) 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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