Low-Carb Cream Cheese Danish: A Delicious and Guilt-Free Treat

Low-Carb Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful treat that perfectly balances indulgence and health-conscious eating. As someone who has always had a sweet tooth, I can assure you that this recipe will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Originating from the rich pastry traditions of Denmark, the Danish pastry has evolved over the years, but my low-carb version retains the essence of its flaky, buttery goodness while significantly reducing the carbohydrates.

People love this dish not only for its deliciously creamy filling but also for its versatility. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast option or a midday snack, the Low-Carb Cream Cheese Danish offers a satisfying texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Join me as we explore this scrumptious recipe that brings a taste of Denmark right to your kitchen, all while keeping your carb count in check!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup granulated erythritol (or your preferred low-carb sweetener)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (for the filling)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Preparing the Dough

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Danish will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. 2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, granulated erythritol, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and sweetener throughout the flour. 3. **Add Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is not too hot, as it can cook the eggs. Once combined, pour this mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. 4. **Combine the Mixtures**: Using a spatula or your hands, mix the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too wet, you can add a little more almond flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. 5. **Chill the Dough**: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and shape later on.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

6. **Soften the Cream Cheese**: While the dough is chilling, take your cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to mix. 7. **Mix the Filling Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered erythritol, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will affect the texture of your filling. 8. **Taste and Adjust**: Give the filling a taste. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more powdered erythritol. Remember, the sweetness will balance out the dough, so adjust according to your preference.

Assembling the Danish

9. **Roll Out the Dough**: Once the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Place it between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough is too sticky, you can dust it lightly with almond flour. 10. **Cut the Dough**: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Aim for about 4×4 inch squares for a nice size Danish. 11. **Add the Filling**: Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may ooze out during baking. 12. **Fold the Dough**: To create the Danish shape, fold the corners of each square towards the center, pinching them together to seal. You can also create a more traditional Danish shape by folding the edges over the filling and pinching them to secure. 13. **Prepare for Baking**: Place the assembled Danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the Danishes for a beautiful golden finish.

Baking the Danish

14. **Bake**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Danishes are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. 15. **Cool Down**: Once baked, remove the Danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Low-Carb Cream Cheese Danish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delicious treat without the guilt of high carbs. The creamy filling paired with the flaky, buttery crust creates a delightful balance that will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your carb count in check. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast option, a mid-afternoon snack, or a dessert after dinner, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Danish with a dollop of fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as sugar-free fruit preserves or even a chocolate cream cheese mixture, to customize it to your taste. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Low-Carb Cream Cheese Danish a try and experience the joy of a guilt-free treat. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, and any creative twists you come up with. Let’s spread the love for this delightful recipe together! Print