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