Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Danish is a delightful pastry that combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweet filling and tangy cherries. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting surface)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1 cup cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Lightly dust your work surface with flour and unfold the thawed puff pastry. Cut it into 8 equal squares.
3. Step 3: Using a knife, lightly score a smaller square inside each piece about ½ inch from the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a raised border when baked.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.
6. Step 6: Top the cream cheese layer with 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling or cherry compote.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk the whole egg with 1 tablespoon milk. Brush this egg wash around the edges of each pastry square to help with browning.
8. Step 8: Bake the danishes for 18–22 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Remove and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: (Optional) To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly cooled danishes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with a bit of sugar as a homemade compote for a fresher taste.
• If you prefer a less sweet pastry, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling or glaze.
• Try adding a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.

Storage

Store leftover Cherry Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to restore flakiness. The glaze is best applied fresh to avoid becoming sticky during storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, fresh cherries can be cooked down with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken them, making a delicious homemade cherry compote that works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I prepare the danishes ahead of time before baking?

You can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them well and let them come to room temperature before baking for even puffing.

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

This Cherry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with luscious cherry pie filling. Baked to golden perfection and optionally glazed with a vanilla-sugar drizzle, these pastries make a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert lovers craving a touch of elegance and sweetness in every bite.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 Cherry Danishes 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, European

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting surface)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Cherry Topping

• 1 cup cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote

Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk

Glaze (Optional)

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 8 equal squares. With a knife, lightly score a smaller square about ½ inch inside the edges on each piece without cutting through, which will help create a raised border during baking.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Danishes: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square. Top each with 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling or cherry compote. Brush the outer edges of the pastry squares with the egg wash made by whisking the egg and milk.
5. Bake the Danishes: Place the filled pastries on the prepped baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
6. Add the Glaze (Optional): Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the slightly cooled danishes to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold before working with it for best puffing results.
• The lemon juice in the cream cheese filling is optional but adds a nice brightness to balance the sweetness.
• Use a gentle hand when scoring the border on the puff pastry to avoid cutting all the way through.
• The glaze is optional but enhances both appearance and taste with a sweet vanilla sheen.
• For variation, try substituting the cherry pie filling with other fruit compotes such as blueberry or raspberry.

Keywords: Cherry Danish, Puff Pastry, Cream Cheese Pastry, Sweet Pastry, Breakfast Pastry, Dessert Recipe