Giant Fruit Danish

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 1 egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk

Fruit Topping

You can use:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Kiwi slices
• Peach slices
• Cherries

Glaze

• 2 tbsp apricot jam
• 1 tbsp water

Optional Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Mix warm milk, yeast, and a little sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture and egg.
4. Knead until smooth.
5. Gradually knead in softened butter.
6. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.

2. Make the Filling

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth.
2. Refrigerate until needed.

3. Shape the Danish

1. Roll dough into a large circle or rectangle.
2. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
3. Fold or pinch edges slightly to create a border.
4. Spread cream cheese filling in the center.

4. Add Fruit

Arrange fruit decoratively over the filling.

5. Bake

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes
• Bake until golden brown and puffed

6. Glaze

1. Warm apricot jam with water.
2. Brush lightly over fruit for shine.

7. Add Icing (Optional)

Drizzle vanilla icing after cooling slightly.

Tips

Dough Tips

• Keep dough cool for flakier texture.
• Chill dough 20 minutes before baking if it becomes too soft.

Fruit Tips

• Pat fruit dry to prevent sogginess.
• Fresh fruit gives the best appearance and flavor.

Baking Tips

• Do not overfill with cream cheese.
• Rotate tray halfway through baking for even browning.

Serving Tips

• Best served the same day.
• Tastes excellent with coffee or tea.
• Can be reheated lightly in the oven.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
• Reheat in oven instead of microwave to keep crispness.