Gluten-Free Cheese Danish with Two Dough Options! (Bakery-Style & Easy Method)

Introduction

If you’ve been craving a classic bakery pastry but need to avoid gluten — this Gluten-Free Cheese Danish is exactly what you need! These danishes have crispy golden layers on the outside and a rich, creamy cheesecake filling inside. Today, I’m giving you two dough options so you can choose:

✅ Option 1: Bakery-Style Gluten-Free Puff Pastry Dough
✅ Option 2: Quick & Easy Gluten-Free Crescent Style Dough

No matter which method you choose, you’ll end up with a pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, weekend baking, or Mother’s Day treats!

Ingredients

Dough Options

Bakery-Style Puff Pastry Dough:

• 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¾–1 cup cold water

Quick & Easy Dough:

• 1 can refrigerated gluten-free crescent dough (or gluten free pie dough)

Creamy Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk

Vanilla Glaze (optional)

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest & vanilla until smooth.
2. Chill for 10 minutes to firm slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Dough

Option A – Bakery Style:

1. Mix flour, sugar & salt.
2. Cut in cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
3. Add lemon juice & water. Fold into a rectangle.
4. Chill 20 mins → Fold dough → Chill again (repeat 2–3 times for layers).

Option B – Shortcut Dough:

1. Roll out pre-made gluten-free dough into a rectangle.
2. Cut into even squares.

Step 3: Shape the Danish

1. Add 1 tbsp cheese filling in the center of each square.
2. Fold edges to form a diamond shape or twist corners for a bakery look.
3. Brush with egg wash for golden shine.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes
• Pastries should be golden & slightly puffed

Step 5: Add Glaze

• Drizzle optional vanilla glaze over warm pastries ✨

💛 Love This Recipe?

If you try this Gluten-Free Cheese Danish with Two Dough Options, please leave a comment below! Let me know which dough you made — bakery-style or quick dough. Your feedback helps others try this recipe with confidence. Thank you! 🤍

Notes

• For best texture, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend (Cup4Cup or King Arthur works great)
• Keep butter very cold for flaky layers
• You can add fruit jam, berries, or cinnamon sugar to change flavors
• Search Keywords: gluten free cheese danish recipe, homemade gluten free pastries, celiac friendly breakfast pastry

Special Notes

✔ The bakery-style dough is more advanced but tastes truly authentic
✔ The shortcut dough is beginner-friendly and fast
✔ Can be made ahead & frozen before baking

Nutrition (per 1 pastry – estimate)

• Calories: 255
• Carbs: 29g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Sugar: 7g

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is estimated using an online calculator and may vary based on brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter — the dough still works well.

Q2: Can I freeze gluten-free cheese danish?
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen — add 3–5 mins.

Q3: Can I use almond flour instead?
No — almond flour doesn’t provide structure for laminated pastry.

Q4: My dough cracks while folding — why?
It may be too cold. Let it sit 2–3 mins then continue laminating.