These Raspberry Cheesecake Danishes are the perfect blend of a soft, buttery dough with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling. Topped with fresh raspberries and a crumbly streusel, these danishes are an irresistible treat. The combination of the slightly tangy cream cheese filling with the sweet raspberries and a light, fluffy dough makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these danishes are sure to impress with their bakery-style quality.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love these danishes for their combination of flavors and textures. The dough is rich and soft, thanks to the warm milk, butter, and egg yolks, while the cheesecake filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast. The streusel topping provides a lovely crunch, and the fresh raspberries offer a burst of fruity sweetness. Plus, these danishes are made with simple ingredients and are fun to prepare, making them a rewarding project for home bakers.
Perfect Occasion:
These danishes are ideal for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. They’re great for weekend baking projects when you want to treat your family or guests to something special. Their elegant presentation also makes them perfect for holiday mornings or celebratory occasions like Mother’s Day or a birthday brunch.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful finish, dust the danishes with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also drizzle them with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness and shine. Serve them on a platter with extra fresh raspberries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
Ingredients (for the dough):
- 250g warm milk
- 10g dry yeast
- 70g sugar
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 80g melted butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 100g cream cheese (approximately ½ pack)
- 25-30g powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Splash of milk
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 15g cold butter (grated or cubed)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- Splash of water or milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and a couple of pinches of sugar from the 70g. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. - Combine Dough Ingredients:
Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg yolks, salt, flour, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Once smooth, cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place. - Shape the Danishes:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into eight equal sections. Roll each section into a ball, then flatten it slightly with your hands. Let the dough rise again for 15 minutes. - Prepare the Streusel Topping:
While the dough is rising, combine the streusel ingredients (sugar, flour, and cold butter). Use your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse sand. - Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth. You can double the filling if you prefer more of the creamy cheesecake layer. - Assemble the Danishes:
After the dough has rested, use your fingers or a small cup to make a divot in the center of each dough round. Pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling into the center of each divot, and place a few fresh raspberries on top. Brush the edges of the dough with egg wash, and sprinkle the streusel topping over the danishes. - Bake the Danishes:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the danishes for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. - Cool and Serve:
Let the danishes cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze. Enjoy your Raspberry Cheesecake Danishes!