If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling a golden, bakery-worthy pastry from your own oven—one with flaky layers, luscious cream cheese, and vibrant, juicy peaches—then this Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish is about to make those dreams come true. It’s a stunning treat that looks ultra-impressive but is wonderfully approachable for home bakers. Imagine buttery pastry wrapped around a tangy-sweet, melt-in-your-mouth filling, all finished with a sparkling golden top and a drizzle of vanilla-scented glaze. This is the showstopper you’ll want for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want to share something extra special. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell like magic!

Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s incredible how just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can transform into such an irresistible delight. Each item here has a key role, from the creaminess of the filling to the crisp, golden pastry shell. Let’s break down why you need each one!

Cream Cheese (6 oz, room temperature): Gives the filling its rich, creamy signature and a lovely tang that balances the sweetness.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese so each bite is just right without overpowering.
Large Egg Yolk (room temperature): Adds silkiness to the filling and helps it set during baking.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Infuses the filling with fragrant, warm notes for an irresistible aroma.
Salt (1/8 tsp): Enhances every flavor, making the peaches pop and balancing the richness.
Lemon Juice (1/2 tsp): Lifts the filling with brightness and subtle acidity.
Canned Del Monte Sliced Peaches (15 oz, raspberry-flavored optional, drained): Juicy, already-prepped peaches mean less work and all the luscious fruit flavor.
Store-Bought Frozen Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Delivers flaky, golden perfection without the fuss of homemade dough.
Large Egg and Water (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, gorgeous crust and helps coarse sugar stick.
Coarse Sugar: Adds a touch of sparkle and a delicate crunch on top.
Powdered Sugar and Milk (for glaze): The finishing touch for that classic, bakery-style sheen and a sweet little drizzle.

How to Make Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before doing anything, set your oven to 400°F. This gives it plenty of time to reach just the right temperature, so your pastry will puff and brown beautifully while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and beat together the cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Next, add in the egg yolk, vanilla, salt, and lemon juice, stirring until everything is well combined. This creamy, tangy filling is what will make your Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish utterly unforgettable.

Step 3: Prepare the Peach Filling

Open your can of peaches, drain them well, and slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces. If you’re using raspberry-flavored peaches, hooray! The subtle extra fruitiness makes the danish even more delightful. Aim for even slices so every bite tastes like pure summer.

Step 4: Assemble the Pastry

Lightly dust a piece of parchment paper with flour, then unwrap your thawed puff pastry and lay it on top. Gently roll it out just enough to flatten it, making sure it stays an even sheet. Spread the luscious cream cheese mixture down the center third (vertically), leaving a little space at each end so nothing leaks out. Then, neatly arrange your peach slices on top of the cream cheese filling.

Step 5: Cut and Braid the Pastry

Here’s where your inner pastry artist comes alive! Using a sharp knife, trim the top corners off the pastry. Then, along the long sides, make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart, stopping about half an inch before you hit the filling. Take a strip from one side, fold it over the filling, then cross a strip from the other side—like lacing up a beautiful pastry shoe. Repeat until it’s all tucked in a gorgeous braid.

Step 6: Add the Egg Wash and Sugar

Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water, then lightly brush it all over the surface of your braid. Right away, sprinkle with coarse sugar. This step is what gives your Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish its irresistible golden sheen and a bit of crunchy sparkle in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Carefully transfer your prepared braid (parchment and all) to a baking sheet. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, perfectly golden, and smells like a bakery inside your home.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

Let your beautiful creation cool to room temperature—this makes sure the glaze sets properly. Mix together the powdered sugar and milk until you get a drizzly glaze. Zig-zag it over the top of your pastry and admire your spectacular Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish before devouring!

How to Serve Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish

Garnishes

Want to amp up the wow factor? You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh raspberries, or even a few mint leaves right before serving. Each adds a fresh and vibrant final touch that’s almost (almost!) too pretty to eat.

Side Dishes

This danish pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of black tea. For brunch, consider serving alongside a platter of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad—the lightness and tang complement the creamy, sweet Danish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish touch, slice your Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish into elegant strips and arrange them on a wooden board with extra fresh fruit, edible flowers, or even little bowls of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for dipping. It’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing the Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay yummy for up to 3 days—though it almost never lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

This Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish freezes REALLY well. Once it’s completely cool, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and tuck them in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months. When peach season is just a memory, you can still savor summer anytime!

Reheating

To revive that just-baked magic, pop a slice in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This restores the puff pastry’s crispness far better than a microwave (which tends to make it soft). If you’re short on time, a quick burst in a toaster oven does the trick too.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh peaches (peeled and sliced) make this danish even more special in summer. If they’re super juicy, pat them dry before adding to avoid extra moisture in the filling.

Why does my pastry leak during baking?

It usually means the braid wasn’t sealed tightly or the filling got too close to the edge. Leaving a small border and making sure your pastry strips criss-cross over the filling solves this easily.

Is it possible to make this Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry sheet. The recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get a deliciously flaky treat.

Can the cream cheese filling be made ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your Danish.

Do I need to thaw the puff pastry?

Yes, always start with fully thawed puff pastry for easy rolling and braiding. Just follow the package instructions and you’re good to go—no cracked dough, just smooth baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a Peach Cream Cheese Braided Danish, whether it’s for brunch with friends, a cozy family breakfast, or a sweet pick-me-up at the end of the day. Once you see how easy (and fun) it is to create something so stunning and delicious, I guarantee you’ll come back to this recipe again and again. Give it a try, and let a little bakery joy fill your home!