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Flaky Peach Cream Cheese Danish Braid Easy No-Knead Dough Recipe

peach cream cheese Danish braid - featured image

A simple no-knead dough creates a flaky, buttery Danish braid filled with creamy cream cheese and juicy peach slices, perfect for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp (45 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 medium fresh peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
  • ½ tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 23 tbsp (3045 ml) milk (for glaze)
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
  2. Pour in warmed milk, melted butter, and egg; stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
  3. Cover bowl and let dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled and bubbly.
  4. Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth; chill in fridge.
  5. Toss sliced peaches with brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon; set aside to macerate.
  6. Turn dough onto floured surface and roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
  7. Spread cream cheese filling down the center third, leaving 1-inch borders.
  8. Layer peach slices evenly over cream cheese, avoiding overloading.
  9. Make 1-inch diagonal cuts on both sides of filling, stopping 1 inch from edges.
  10. Fold strips over filling alternately left and right to form a braid; tuck ends under.
  11. Place braid on parchment-lined baking sheet; cover loosely and let rise 30 minutes.
  12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush braid with melted butter or egg wash.
  13. Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden brown; center should be set.
  14. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze; drizzle over warm Danish.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Let dough rise fully for flaky layers. Drain very juicy peaches to prevent sogginess. Tuck braid ends well to avoid filling leaks. Egg wash or melted butter brush adds golden color. Frozen peaches can be used if thawed and drained. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. Vegan options include plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach Danish, cream cheese braid, no-knead dough, flaky pastry, brunch recipe, easy dessert, peach pastry