Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines the tangy sweetness of cherries with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these pastries are a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines sweet and tangy flavors in a buttery, flaky pastry.
- Easy to make with store-bought puff pastry or crescent dough.
- Looks elegant, making it ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
- Can be customized with different fruit fillings or toppings.
- Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed) or crescent roll dough
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cherry pie filling
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- Milk or cream (optional, for glaze)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Cut the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry or crescent dough and cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.
- Assemble the danishes: Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry. Top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling. Fold or shape the edges of the pastry as desired to contain the filling.
- Apply the egg wash: Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the exposed edges of the pastry.
- Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and glaze (optional): Allow the danishes to cool slightly. If desired, mix powdered sugar with milk or cream to create a glaze and drizzle over the pastries.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 danishes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Mixed Berry Danish: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a mixed berry filling.
- Almond Danish: Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
- Chocolate Cherry Danish: Add a few chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture before topping with cherries.
- Savory Option: Swap the cherry filling for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a savory version.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the edges of the pastry with cinnamon sugar before baking for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked danishes in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes, homemade pie filling works beautifully and allows you to control the sweetness.
2. Can I substitute puff pastry with crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough is a great alternative and gives a softer texture.
3. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Don’t overfill the pastry, and make sure the edges are folded or pinched securely.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the danishes and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
5. What other fruits can I use?
Try blueberry, apple, peach, or raspberry pie fillings for a different flavor.
6. How do I make the glaze?
Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth.
7. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Use vegan puff pastry and substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
8. Why is my puff pastry not puffing?
Ensure your pastry is cold before baking, and avoid overhandling it.
9. Can I add a crumb topping?
Yes, sprinkle a simple streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter over the filling before baking.
10. How do I shape the pastry?
You can fold the corners towards the center, create a pinwheel, or braid the edges for a decorative touch.
Conclusion
Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is an irresistible pastry that combines creamy, fruity, and flaky textures in every bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for a range of occasions, from lazy Sunday mornings to festive brunch gatherings. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the magic of homemade danishes!
PrintCherry Cream Cheese Danish
This Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry featuring a flaky crust, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent dessert, it’s surprisingly easy to make with pre-made puff pastry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 individual pastries 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American, European
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 1 sheet (about 8 oz/225 g) puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) cherry pie filling
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 4 equal squares for individual pastries or leave whole for a larger Danish.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
4. Assemble the Danish:
- For individual pastries:
- Place a dollop (about 1 tablespoon) of cream cheese filling in the center of each square.
- Top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Fold the edges of the pastry inward slightly to create a border around the filling.
For a single large Danish:
- Spread the cream cheese filling down the center of the pastry, leaving 2 inches on each side.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese. Fold the edges over the filling to create a braided or enclosed design.
5. Brush with Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
6. Bake:
- Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly.
7. Add the Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade cherry compote or preserves if you prefer a less sweet topping.
- These pastries are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispness.
- Try swapping cherries with blueberries, strawberries, or apple filling for variety.