Table of Contents
Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery pastry filled with creamy cheese and topped with a sweet glaze—all without the gluten. That’s exactly what you get with this Gluten-Free Starbucks Cheese Danish. It’s the perfect treat to pair with your morning coffee or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.
I first tried a Gluten-Free Starbucks Cheese Danish years ago, and it was love at first bite. But as someone who follows a gluten-free diet, I knew I had to find a way to recreate it at home. After a few trials, I perfected this recipe, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again!
Ready to bring the coffeehouse experience into your kitchen? Let’s get started!
What to Expect
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before diving into this Gluten-Free Starbucks Cheese Danish recipe, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Also, allow the gluten-free puff pastry to defrost fully—this ensures it’s pliable and easy to work with. Preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when you are!
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 4 ounces |
| Granulated sugar | 2 Tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Table salt | Pinch |
| Schar gluten-free puff pastry (defrosted) | 1 sheet |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 Tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll the gluten-free puff pastry sheet. If you notice any cracks, gently patch them or re-roll the pastry to smooth it out.
- Cut the pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Using a fork, prick the center of each pastry rectangle. This step is crucial—it prevents the pastry from puffing up too much during baking.
- Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry, making sure to leave the edges clean.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg lightly. Use a pastry brush to coat the exposed edges of each danish with the egg wash.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the pastry is puffed.
- Let the danishes cool slightly. While they’re cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Transfer the glaze to a small zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and pipe lines of icing across each danish.
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Gluten-Free Starbucks Cheese Danish!
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure your puff pastry is fully defrosted before using it. If the pastry cracks while unrolling, don’t worry—just patch it up with your fingers or re-roll it gently. And remember, pricking the centers is key to keeping the filling in place!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just reheat in the oven before serving. For more gluten-free inspiration, check out the Crispy Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls!
Print
Gluten-Free Starbucks Cheese Danish: Puff Pastry Ideas
- Total Time: 33
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Skip the coffee shop line with this spot-on Gluten-Free Starbucks Cheese Danish copycat. Featuring flaky layers of golden puff pastry and a rich, tangy-sweet cream cheese filling, this recipe tastes just like the original but is completely safe for a gluten-free diet. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch.
Ingredients
— The Pastry —
1 package (approx. 9-10 oz) gluten-free puff pastry (such as Schar or Sweet Loren’s), thawed
1 large egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water
— The Cheese Filling —
8 oz (1 block) cream cheese (or Neufchâtel cheese), softened to room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice (adds that signature Starbucks tang)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface (use GF flour), gently unroll the thawed puff pastry. If using a block, roll it out into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
3. Cut the dough into 6 equal rectangles. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
4. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a smaller rectangle about ½ inch from the edge of each pastry piece. (Do not cut all the way through—this creates a border that will puff up around the filling).
5. Prick the center area (inside the scored border) several times with a fork to prevent it from rising too much.
6. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
7. Spoon about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of each pastry rectangle. Spread it slightly but keep it inside the scored border.
8. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash lightly over the exposed pastry edges.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes to allow the filling to set before serving.
Notes
Puff Pastry Tips: Gluten-free puff pastry can be more brittle than wheat pastry. Work quickly while it is still cool. If it cracks, simply wet your finger and smooth it back together.
Cheese Choice: Starbucks actually uses Neufchâtel cheese, which is slightly lower in fat and tangier than regular cream cheese. Using it will give you the most authentic flavor, but regular cream cheese works perfectly too.
Glaze Option: The original doesn’t usually have a glaze, but if you like it sweeter, you can drizzle a mix of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled danishes.
Storage: These are best eaten fresh on the same day. If necessary, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and re-crisp in a toaster oven before eating.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 55
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different brand of gluten-free puff pastry?
- Absolutely! While Schar is my go-to, any gluten-free puff pastry should work. Just ensure it’s fully defrosted before using.
- What if I don’t have lemon juice?
- You can substitute it with a bit of orange juice or even skip it—though the lemon adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the danishes up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for a fresh treat.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There’s something magical about recreating your favorite coffeehouse treats at home, especially when they’re gluten-free. This Gluten-Free Starbucks Cheese Danish is flaky, creamy, and just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or sharing it with friends, it’s sure to impress.
For more delicious ideas, follow me on My Pinterest.