I had this revelation one day when I was thinking about food I hadn't had in awhile. I really hope I'm not the only one that daydreams randomly about food. Please tell me you all do this too. Food really brings back so many memories for me (and for so many others I'm sure). Oddly, as I was thinking about foods from my past, I realized that since my kids have been gluten free for a large part of their lives, there are quite a few things they have never tried. One thing in particular came to mind recently . . . cheese danish.
I not talking about homemade either. While my family did cook, I was the baker (even as a kid) and I was not quite that adventurous as a child. When I say cheese danish, I'm talking about the kind you buy in a box over by the bagged doughnuts. I know, this is not the end of the world, however cheese danish is pretty darn delicious, and I wanted my boys to have the opportunity to try it. So, into the kitchen I went to see if I could replicate a childhood favorite of mine to maybe create some delicious food memories for my boys as well. Not only did they love this, but they have asked for it multiple times since that first time I made it. Lucky for them, it comes together quite easily, so I've made variations a few times.
Don't let the process scare you with this recipe. Most people shy away from yeast, but this really is easy and if you prep the ingredients the night before, you can have cheese danish ready for your family before they even get out of bed. This would be perfect for the holiday season when your house has guests getting up at different times throughout the morning. If you double the recipe, you can have one with just cheese and one with cheese and fruit. I made an extra pastry with sautéed apples with sugar and flour for a little variety. Served up with freshly brewed coffee is our favorite way to enjoy this on a slow relaxing winter morning.
Gluten Free Cheese Danish
Danish:
Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese or Dairy Free Alternative like Daiya or Tofutti
- 1/2 cup Powder Sugar
- 1 Extra Large Egg Yolk
- 1 tsp Vanilla
Egg Wash:
- 1 Extra Large Egg White
- 1 Tbsp Water
Glaze:
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1-2 Tbsp Vanilla Almond Milk
Step 1
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large stand mixer, combine the flour through baking powder. Heat the milk and butter in the microwave to 100°F. Turn the mixer on low and add the warm milk mixture to the flour using a dough hook. Next add the vinegar, vanilla, and 2 eggs. Mix on medium speed for 5 minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes.
Step 3
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Step 4
Pour the dough onto the parchment lined baking sheet, keeping 3/4 to 1 cup aside for the top. Spread dough to the size and shape you want, leaving a little lip on the edges; about 1/4 inch in the center and 1/2 inch on the sides. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the dough. Place dots of the remaining dough over the cream cheese mixture. Using a knife, swirl the dough into the cream cheese mixture going longways and then across the pastry. Mix the egg white and water. Then brush the pastry with the egg wash mixture and sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of sugar on the top. Place the danish in a warm place for 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the danish for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for 10 minutes
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond milk (1 tablespoon at a time) and mix well to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled pastry.
Sarena Shasteen has been an avid health food and fitness enthusiast from an early age. She holds a degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Atlanta, a certification in Fitness Nutrition, and is a certified Fitness Trainer from International Sport Science Association (ISSA). Becoming a Personal Trainer and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition has been a lifelong goal of hers. Sarena enjoys helping others reach their health goals by teaching them that health and fitness are not only achieved in the gym, but also through fun everyday activities. Now a food writer, recipe developer, personal chef, Personal Trainer, and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, she enjoys sharing with others that healthy living can be fun and delicious. Keep up with her at The Non-Dairy Queen and on Facebook and Twitter. 
I not talking about homemade either. While my family did cook, I was the baker (even as a kid) and I was not quite that adventurous as a child. When I say cheese danish, I'm talking about the kind you buy in a box over by the bagged doughnuts. I know, this is not the end of the world, however cheese danish is pretty darn delicious, and I wanted my boys to have the opportunity to try it. So, into the kitchen I went to see if I could replicate a childhood favorite of mine to maybe create some delicious food memories for my boys as well. Not only did they love this, but they have asked for it multiple times since that first time I made it. Lucky for them, it comes together quite easily, so I've made variations a few times.
Don't let the process scare you with this recipe. Most people shy away from yeast, but this really is easy and if you prep the ingredients the night before, you can have cheese danish ready for your family before they even get out of bed. This would be perfect for the holiday season when your house has guests getting up at different times throughout the morning. If you double the recipe, you can have one with just cheese and one with cheese and fruit. I made an extra pastry with sautéed apples with sugar and flour for a little variety. Served up with freshly brewed coffee is our favorite way to enjoy this on a slow relaxing winter morning.
Sarena Shasteen has been an avid health food and fitness enthusiast from an early age. She holds a degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Atlanta, a certification in Fitness Nutrition, and is a certified Fitness Trainer from International Sport Science Association (ISSA). Becoming a Personal Trainer and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition has been a lifelong goal of hers. Sarena enjoys helping others reach their health goals by teaching them that health and fitness are not only achieved in the gym, but also through fun everyday activities. Now a food writer, recipe developer, personal chef, Personal Trainer, and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, she enjoys sharing with others that healthy living can be fun and delicious. Keep up with her at The Non-Dairy Queen and on Facebook and Twitter. 
me corrected instructions.
PS. you ever use cottage cheese