Are you a fan of classic pastries but looking for something with a little more flair? The PB&J Cream Cheese Danish is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring back nostalgic childhood memories! Combining the beloved flavors of a peanut butter & jelly sandwich with the rich creaminess of cream cheese, this treat is a flaky, sweet, and creamy delight that will wow your friends and family.
This delightful pastry offers the perfect balance of textures — from the flaky puff pastry to the creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling. A little swirl of jam adds that classic PB&J flavor, making this treat both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack, the PB&J Cream Cheese Danish is bound to be a hit!
What is a PB&J Cream Cheese Danish?
A PB&J Cream Cheese Danish is a delicious twist on a traditional pastry that combines the comfort of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the flaky goodness of a Danish. The pastry dough is filled with a creamy mixture of peanut butter, cream cheese, and sugar, topped with a dollop of jam or jelly, and baked until golden brown and crisp. The result is a sweet, creamy, and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Origin of the PB&J Cream Cheese Danish
While Danish pastries are typically associated with Scandinavian countries, the modern PB&J Cream Cheese Danish brings together American influences with a classic Danish base. The iconic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is an American classic, widely loved for its comforting flavors and simple preparation. By combining these two beloved culinary elements, this pastry has created a fun and unique variation that’s both indulgent and nostalgic. It’s a fusion of American flavor and European technique, making it an exciting new twist on a beloved classic!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering PB&J Cream Cheese Danish:
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 8 oz)
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup jam or jelly (strawberry, grape, or raspberry)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more as needed)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry and cut it into 8 equal squares.
2. Make the PB Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of each puff pastry square.
- Spread the mixture gently, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
3. Add the Jelly:
- Drop about ½ to 1 teaspoon of jam or jelly onto the center of the cream cheese filling.
- Swirl the jelly lightly with a toothpick or knife tip for a marbled look, or leave it as is for a more distinct flavor separation.
4. Shape and Brush the Pastries:
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares slightly inward, or leave them open for a rustic look.
- Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg to give the pastries a golden, shiny finish.
5. Bake the Danishes:
- Place the prepared pastries on the baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Optional Glaze:
- For an added touch of sweetness, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danishes, adding a touch of extra sweetness and shine.
Variations of the PB&J Cream Cheese Danish
- No Puff Pastry? Use Crescent Roll Dough!
- If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough as a substitute. The dough will yield a softer, chewier texture, but it still complements the creamy filling and fruity jelly perfectly.
- Nut-Free Option:
- For those with peanut allergies, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be substituted for the peanut butter to create a nut-free version of this recipe.
- Add Texture with Toppings:
- Elevate your PB&J Cream Cheese Danish by sprinkling chopped peanuts or crushed freeze-dried berries on top before baking. This will not only add texture but also introduce a burst of flavor and color.
- Mini Version:
- Want bite-sized treats? Simply cut the puff pastry into smaller squares, reducing the baking time to around 15 minutes. These mini danishes are perfect for parties or a fun snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the PB&J Cream Cheese Danish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the danish filling and assemble the pastries the night before. Simply cover them and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. When ready, just pop them in the oven as directed.
2. Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! You can use any type of jam or jelly that you prefer, such as blueberry, apricot, or blackberry. Just ensure the jam is thick enough to hold its shape in the pastry.
3. Can I freeze the danishes for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked danishes. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
4. How long can I store the PB&J Cream Cheese Danish?
These danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
The PB&J Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful and creative spin on a classic pastry, blending the flavors of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the elegance of a Danish. With a flaky puff pastry base, a creamy filling of peanut butter, cream cheese, and sugar, and a swirl of your favorite jam, this pastry will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a breakfast treat or as a delightful afternoon snack, these danishes are sure to impress!
Enjoy the process of making them and don’t forget to add a drizzle of glaze for an extra sweet finish. Whether you try out the variations or stick with the original recipe, these danishes are the perfect way to indulge your cravings for something sweet, creamy, and nostalgic. Happy baking!
PB&J Cream Cheese Danish: A Fun Twist on a Classic Pastry
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A PB&J Cream Cheese Danish is a delicious twist on a traditional pastry that combines the comfort of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the flaky goodness of a Danish. The pastry dough is filled with a creamy mixture of peanut butter, cream cheese, and sugar, topped with a dollop of jam or jelly, and baked until golden brown and crisp. The result is a sweet, creamy, and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (from frozen, about 8 oz)
4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup jam or jelly (strawberry, grape, or raspberry)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Optional Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (or more as needed)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold thawed puff pastry and cut into 8 equal squares.
2. Make the PB Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each puff pastry square.
Gently spread it out, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
3. Add the Jelly
Drop about ½–1 teaspoon of jam or jelly in the center of the cream cheese mixture.
Swirl lightly with a toothpick or knife tip (optional, for a marbled look).
4. Shape and Brush
Fold the corners of the pastry slightly inward, or leave them open for a rustic look.
Brush pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Add Glaze (optional)
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled danishes for extra sweetness.
Notes
Drizzle your PBJ cream cheese Danish with a light glaze of powdered sugar and milk or sprinkle with crushed peanuts for extra texture. Serve warm for a gooey, irresistible treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 320
Keywords: Peanut Butter Jelly Cream Cheese Danish, PB&J Danish, Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Danish
