Pin A tender, buttery pastry filled with creamy coffee-flavored cheese and topped with a sweet, crunchy crumb—perfect for breakfast or a special treat.
I first made this Coffee Cream Cheese Crumb Danish for a weekend brunch and the rich coffee aroma filled the kitchen as they baked. Watching the crumb topping turn golden in the oven and sharing them warm with family made for a memorable morning.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C), 1 large egg room temperature, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter softened
- Coffee Cream Cheese Filling: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened, 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee cooled, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Crumb Topping: 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter cold and cubed
- Glaze (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk or coffee
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rise:
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the filling:
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, coffee, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare crumb topping:
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add cold butter and rub between fingers until crumbs form.
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape dough:
- Punch down risen dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball then flatten to 4-inch (10 cm) rounds. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Fill and top:
- Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each round. Spoon 2 tablespoons of coffee cream cheese filling into each center.
- Add crumb topping:
- Sprinkle crumb topping over the filling and exposed dough.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes.
- Glaze (optional):
- Whisk powdered sugar with milk or coffee until smooth; drizzle over cooled danishes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin Sharing these danishes with my family on a lazy Sunday morning quickly made them a new favorite breakfast. Everyone loved the coffee twist!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, measuring cups and spoons, small saucepan (optional for glaze)
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg. May contain traces of nuts if processed in facilities with nuts. Double-check all packaged ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per danish)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 7 g
Pin Try these danishes warm for the best texture and taste. With their rich filling and crunchy topping, they brighten any breakfast table.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I enhance the coffee flavor?
Use espresso instead of brewed coffee in the filling and glaze for a more pronounced coffee taste.
- → Can the dough be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it return to room temperature before shaping.
- → Is it possible to add other flavors?
Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a mocha twist, or a dash of orange zest for enhanced aroma.
- → What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
A sturdy whisk and mixing bowls work well to combine and knead dough by hand for similar results.
- → How do I know when the pastries are done baking?
Pastries are ready when the edges are golden brown and the crumb topping looks crisp.
- → Is a glaze necessary?
The glaze is optional and adds sweetness and shine. Drizzle after cooling for best results.