Butter is what builds the layers, so use a real high-fat butter in the dough and a full-fat cream cheese in the filling. Keep all of it cold as you work. Cold butter and cold dough hold their distinct layers in the oven and puff up crisp instead of leaking grease into the pan.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep25 min
Cook20 min
Makes8 danishes
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for8danishes
Butter
A high-fat European-style butter laminates into clean, crisp layers.
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Cheese Danish? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Cheese Danish ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Cheese Danish gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Cheese Danish vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
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