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Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Pastry:

  1. 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:

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.

4. Assemble the Danish:

  1. 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:

  1. 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:

  1. 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):

  1. 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.