Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma wafting through my kitchen today is a charming reminder of lazy weekend mornings filled with sweet indulgence. This Cherry Cheese Danish is not just a dessert; it’s a statement piece that effortlessly transforms breakfast or brunch into a delightful experience. With its flaky puff pastry and creamy filling, this easy recipe is a game-changer, perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself. Loaded with the vibrant sweetness of cherry pie filling, it’s a joyous bite that can brighten any day. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to whip up, making it a go-to option when cravings strike. How about we dive into creating this flaky delight together? Why is Cherry Cheese Danish so irresistible? Buttery Flakiness: The puff pastry creates a delicate, flaky layer that melts in your mouth. Creamy Indulgence: Rich cream cheese filling provides a luxurious texture, elevating each bite. Sweet Balance: The tart cherry pie filling perfectly contrasts with the sweet cheese, making every taste delightful. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, perfect for those spontaneous cravings—you can even enjoy it with a Churro Cheesecake Indulge afterwards! Brunch Showstopper: Impress your guests with this stunning pastry, its golden hue a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. Versatile Treat: Swap out cherries for other fruits, like blueberries, to mix it up anytime! Cherry Cheese Danish Ingredients • Dive into the deliciousness of this Cherry Cheese Danish with these delightful ingredients! For the Pastry Puff Pastry – A ready-made option gives you that flaky, buttery exterior in no time! For the Cheese Filling Cream Cheese – The base of your filling; mascarpone or ricotta are great substitutes when needed. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens up the cheese mixture; adjust to taste for your perfect balance. Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor of the filling and brings it all together. For the Topping Cherry Pie Filling – Sweet and tart, adding vibrant flavor; feel free to switch it with blueberries or peaches if you’d like! Egg (for egg wash) – Gives a lovely, golden sheen to your danishes when brushed on before baking. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Cheese Danish Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot for baking, creating that perfect flaky texture for your Cherry Cheese Danish. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. Step 2: Prepare Puff Pastry Thaw your puff pastry sheets according to package instructions, usually about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once thawed, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and even. Cut it into four 4×4-inch squares, visualizing how they will cradle the luscious filling you’re about to create. Step 3: Mix the Filling In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend these ingredients for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl for an even consistency, creating a delightful filling that will complement the pastry perfectly. Step 4: Assemble Danishes Take each puff pastry square and place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Top it off with a spoonful of cherry pie filling, creating a visual mosaic of flavors. Make sure not to overfill, as this could lead to a mess during baking, and it’s crucial for retaining the stunning appearance of your Cherry Cheese Danish. Step 5: Shape the Danishes Gently fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling to create beautiful pockets. Pinch the edges together to seal them tightly, ensuring none of the delicious filling escapes during baking. This shaping will give your Cherry Cheese Danishes that classic look and keep the flavors contained, perfect for every bite. Step 6: Apply Egg Wash In a small bowl, beat an egg to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top of each assembled Danish with the egg wash. This step is vital for achieving a lovely golden-brown finish and a glossy texture that adds visual appeal to your Cherry Cheese Danishes once baked. Step 7: Bake Carefully place the prepared Cherry Cheese Danishes on your lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each one for even baking. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them—your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma as they bake to perfection! Expert Tips for Cherry Cheese Danish Chill the Dough: Ensure your puff pastry is chilled before rolling to maintain its flakiness and prevent it from becoming gummy during baking. Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Allow your cream cheese to come to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing; this helps create a luscious filling without lumps. Avoid Overfilling: Be mindful not to overfill your Danish, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking and ruin their beautiful shape. Perfect Egg Wash: For a glossy finish, apply the egg wash generously but not excessively; too much can lead to puddling and uneven coloring. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the Cherry Cheese Danishes in the oven as they bake; oven temperatures can vary, and you want them golden brown without burning. Cherry Cheese Danish Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and customize your Cherry Cheese Danish to match your tastes and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Use cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese as a substitute for cream cheese for a similar richness. Fruit Swap: Change out cherry filling for blueberries, strawberries, or even apples for a delightful twist. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness! Cheese Upgrade: Substitute mascarpone or ricotta cheese for cream cheese for a lighter filling that still holds rich flavor. You’ll love the creaminess it brings! Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the filling for an unexpected crunch and depth. A simple touch that elevates texture! Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cheese mixture for a warm, inviting flavor. It makes this classic stand out beautifully! Glaze Enhancement: Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the baked pastries for a sweet finishing touch that ties everything together. Mini Danishes: Cut your puff pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized versions, perfect for parties or brunch spreads. They’ll be a hit! Gluten-Free: Try using gluten-free puff pastry for those needing to avoid gluten without compromising on flakiness. This way, everyone can enjoy a treat! As you explore these variations, consider serving your Cherry Cheese Danish alongside a steaming cup of coffee or even with a slice of Churro Cheesecake Indulge for an indulgent brunch experience that your guests won’t forget. Make Ahead Options These Cherry Cheese Danishes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cream cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can cut the puff pastry squares ahead of time—just keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, assemble the danishes by adding the filling and cherry pie filling, then proceed with the egg wash. Bake straight from the fridge for fresh, golden perfection, ensuring that these delightful treats are just as delicious, saving you precious time on busy mornings! What to Serve with Cherry Cheese Danish? Nothing elevates a Cherry Cheese Danish like the perfect accompaniments that balance its sweet and creamy goodness. Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and juicy, a mix of seasonal fruits like berries and melons brings a refreshing contrast to the rich danish. Rich Coffee: A strong brewed coffee complements the sweet flavor of the Danish, creating a perfect morning ritual that awakens the senses. Herbal Tea: Opt for a soothing chamomile or mint tea, offering a calming pairing that’s both light and aromatic. Yogurt Parfait: A creamy yogurt with granola adds a crunchy texture, enhancing the experience while keeping it wholesome and satisfying. Vanilla Ice Cream: Indulge your sweet tooth by serving warm Danish with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating an irresistible dessert. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, homemade whipped cream drizzled over warm danishes adds a delightful richness, making every bite unforgettable. Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing drink offers a zesty contrast, perfect for summer brunches, beautifully balancing the sweetness of the pastries. With these delightful pairings, your Cherry Cheese Danish will shine as the star of any brunch or gathering! How to Store and Freeze Cherry Cheese Danish Room Temperature: Keep uneaten Cherry Cheese Danishes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their flaky texture. Fridge: If storing for longer, place them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to seal them well to prevent drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked Cherry Cheese Danishes on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: To restore their flakiness, reheat baked Danishes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven! Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe FAQs How do I know if my cherries are ripe for the filling? Absolutely! Look for cherries that are plump, shiny, and firm to the touch. Ripe cherries should also have a deep, vibrant color, with no dark spots or blemishes. If you’re using canned cherry pie filling, be sure to check the expiration date and ensure the can is intact before using. How should I store leftover Cherry Cheese Danishes? You can store uneaten Cherry Cheese Danishes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, which helps maintain their delightful flakiness. If you want to keep them longer, transfer them to the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to seal them well to prevent them from drying out! Can I freeze my Cherry Cheese Danish? If so, how? Very! For long-term storage, you can freeze unbaked Cherry Cheese Danishes. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until firm. Then transfer the frozen Danishes to a freezer-safe bag, labeling it with the date. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw! Just follow the usual baking instructions, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. What should I do if my cream cheese mixture has lumps? This can happen if your cream cheese isn’t softened well enough, leading to an uneven texture in your filling. To fix this, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If lumps persist, try using a hand mixer or blending it further to achieve a smooth consistency. Patience is key for that creamy filling! Are Cherry Cheese Danishes safe for pets or people with allergies? No, Cherry Cheese Danishes contain ingredients like cream cheese and sugar that are not advisable for pets. If you’re making them for people with allergies, be sure to check for any dairy or gluten sensitivities. You could substitute gluten-free puff pastry and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if needed. Always double-check those labels! What if my puff pastry doesn’t puff up during baking? Very! If your puff pastry doesn’t puff as expected, it could be due to a few factors like a) dough that’s too warm, b) insufficient egg wash application, or c) over-handling the dough. To ensure the best puff, chill your pastry before rolling, apply the egg wash evenly, and refrain from overworking the dough. If you see that it’s too sticky, just dust your surface with flour! Easy Cherry Cheese Danish: Sweet Flaky Bliss Awaits You This Cherry Cheese Danish is a delightful dessert that combines flaky pastry with a creamy filling, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 DanishCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pastry1 sheet Puff Pastry Ready-made optionFor the Cheese Filling8 oz Cream Cheese Softened, mascarpone or ricotta are great substitutes1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste1 tsp Vanilla ExtractFor the Topping1 can Cherry Pie Filling Can be substituted with blueberries or peaches1 large Egg For egg wash Equipment OvenMixing bowlBaking sheetPastry BrushParchment Paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Thaw puff pastry sheets as per package instructions, roll out on a floured surface, and cut into 4 squares.Mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, topped with cherry pie filling.Fold the corners of each pastry over the filling and pinch to seal tightly.Beat an egg to create an egg wash and brush the tops of the pastries.Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Nutrition Serving: 1DanishCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg NotesChill the dough and use room temperature cream cheese for best results. Store uneaten Danishes in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
