There’s truly nothing like the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through your home, and this Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish is a personal favorite for good reason. Imagine buttery golden layers of puff pastry filled with tangy cream cheese and sweet peach slices—all finished with a delicate glaze. Every bite offers a symphony of contrasting textures and flavors, making it the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or just a midday delight. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something sweet, this Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish brings bakery-quality brilliance straight to your kitchen!

Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient, from the velvety cream cheese to the vibrant peaches, works in harmony to deliver luscious flavor and irresistible texture in every slice.

Cream cheese (6 oz, room temperature): For a smooth, tangy foundation that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the creamy filling.
Egg yolk (1 large, room temperature): Ensures the cream cheese filling sets to rich, custardy perfection.
Pure vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the filling—you’ll taste the difference!
Salt (1/8 tsp): Just a pinch brightens all the other flavors.
Lemon juice (1/2 tsp): A touch of citrus cuts through the richness and complements the peaches.
Canned sliced peaches (1 15-oz can, drained): Delivers juicy, fruity bursts in every bite; raspberry-flavored is a fun twist!
Puff pastry sheet (1 sheet, thawed): Convenient, flaky layers that bake up golden and crisp every time.
Egg wash (1 large egg + 1 Tbsp water): Brushing this on top makes your Danish glisten beautifully.
Coarse sugar: A final sprinkle for satisfying crunch and sparkle.
Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): Forms the simple glaze for a finishing touch of sweetness.
Milk (1/2 Tbsp): Whisked into the powdered sugar to create a silky glaze.

How to Make Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by warming up your kitchen and setting the stage for success! Preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s hot and ready for that puff pastry to bake to golden perfection. Getting the temperature just right ensures the pastry puffs up beautifully and the filling bakes evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and beat together the cream cheese and sugar on low speed until the mixture is truly smooth and creamy—no lumps! Next, add in the egg yolk, vanilla, salt, and tangy lemon juice, mixing until everything comes together in a dreamy, pillowy filling. This is what’s going to give your Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish its luxurious heart.

Step 3: Prepare the Peach Filling

Drain your canned peaches (any extra syrup just isn’t needed here), and then slice each piece into generous 1/4-inch thick segments. This gives just the right balance of fruitiness and allows the peaches to nestle perfectly into the braid.

Step 4: Assemble the Pastry

Lay down a piece of parchment paper and give it a light dusting of flour. Place your thawed puff pastry on top and roll it out gently until it’s even and just a bit larger. Now, spoon the cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry, being careful to leave a 1-inch border at the top and bottom—this helps keep all that goodness neatly inside. Arrange your peach slices evenly over the cream cheese for maximum fruity coverage.

Step 5: Cut and Braid the Pastry

To create that classic Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish look, trim the top corners of the pastry, then cut diagonal strips (about 1-inch wide) along both long sides. The key here is leaving at least a 1/2-inch border by the filling so nothing leaks out. Next, fold the strips over the filling one at a time, alternating sides in a crisscross pattern that looks as lovely as it tastes.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Sugar Topping

Whisk together your egg and water for a quick egg wash, then use a pastry brush to cover the entire surface of your braid. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for that signature bakery sparkle and a pleasant crunch once baked.

Step 7: Bake

Slide your finished braid into the preheated oven and bake at 400°F for 25 to 28 minutes. Watch as the pastry rises and turns a rich, golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is crisp and gorgeously puffed up.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once the Danish has cooled to room temperature, whip up a quick glaze by stirring powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle generously over the top and allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and sharing your stunning Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish.

How to Serve Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish

Garnishes

A drizzle of glaze is classic, but you can also sprinkle a few extra coarse sugar crystals right before serving for added crunch. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top does wonders for that wow factor too.

Side Dishes

This Danish pairs delightfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a gentle black tea. If you’re serving it for brunch, a simple fruit salad or creamy yogurt alongside balances the pastry’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning brunch table, slice your Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish into long, elegant strips and serve on a wooden board with fresh berries scattered around. Or, cut individual portions and arrange them in cupcake liners for a playful, bakery-style display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare event!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish keeps well for up to 3 days and retains its lovely texture when chilled.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap your cooled Danish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It freezes well for up to one month—just thaw overnight in the fridge for a sweet treat anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that flaky, fresh-baked charm, simply warm slices in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can soften the pastry. If you’re in a pinch, a quick 10-second zap will do!

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh, ripe peaches work wonderfully in this Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish. Simply peel and slice them thin before layering, and if they’re extra juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel.

Can I make the danish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the braid (without baking) and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake as directed for a freshly baked treat.

Do I need to thaw the puff pastry completely?

Yes, fully thawing the puff pastry according to package instructions ensures it rolls out smoothly and puffs up evenly. Cold or frozen pastry can tear or bake unevenly.

What if I don’t have coarse sugar?

No worries! Regular granulated sugar works in a pinch. It won’t give quite the same crunch, but your Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish will still bake up sweet and golden.

Can I add extra flavors to the filling?

Definitely. Feel free to experiment—try a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract in the cream cheese filling, or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a stunning, mouthwatering pastry to add to your repertoire, this Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish promises to deliver every time. Grab your ingredients, enjoy the process, and treat yourself and those you love to a homemade delight that rivals any bakery!