Cherry Cheese Danish

Ah, Cherry Cheese Danish—the perfect balance of buttery, flaky pastry, sweet cream cheese filling, and juicy, tangy cherry topping. If you’ve ever walked past a bakery and smelled that irresistible scent of freshly baked pastries, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Now, imagine biting into that flaky goodness, only to discover a luscious cream cheese filling with the perfect hint of sweetness, topped with a vibrant burst of cherries. Yep, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

This recipe brings all that deliciousness to your home, and trust me, you’re going to feel like a baking pro after you whip up these beauties. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat to share, they’ll disappear in no time. Get ready to indulge in the flaky, cheesy, cherry-filled magic!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cheese Danish

Flaky Perfection: The pastry is light, buttery, and just the right amount of crispiness.
Creamy & Sweet: The cream cheese filling is smooth and rich with a hint of vanilla, perfectly complementing the sweet cherry topping.
Quick & Easy: This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Impressive & Delicious: Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or for dessert, these danishes are sure to wow everyone with their flavor and presentation.
Versatile: While cherry is the star here, you can easily swap out the fruit for blueberries, raspberries, or even apple slices if you’re feeling creative.

Ingredients in Cherry Cheese Danish

These danishes are made with a few simple ingredients, and the result is absolutely irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

Puff Pastry

The key to that delicious, flaky texture! Puff pastry makes these danishes extra light and buttery.

Cream Cheese

Rich, creamy cream cheese creates the perfect base for the filling. It’s smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet—everything you want in a danish.

Granulated Sugar

Sweetens up the cream cheese filling and adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

Vanilla Extract

For a bit of warmth and flavor to balance out the cream cheese and sugar.

Egg Yolk

Gives the filling richness and helps it set perfectly in the pastry.

Cherry Jam or Preserves

Tart, sweet cherry jam or preserves brings that fruity topping that ties everything together beautifully.

Powdered Sugar (Optional)

To make a simple glaze that adds a little extra sweetness and a glossy finish.

Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Ready to get baking? Here’s how to make these delicious Cherry Cheese Danishes:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your danishes bake up perfectly golden and crisp.

Prepare the Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten it slightly if needed. Then, cut the pastry into squares (about 4×4 inches) or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture should be thick and slightly fluffy.

Assemble the Danishes

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Gently fold up the corners of the pastry to create a little pocket, leaving the center open to show off that beautiful filling.

Add the Cherry Topping

Spoon a dollop of cherry jam or preserves on top of the cream cheese filling. You don’t need to overdo it—a little bit goes a long way to add that perfect burst of fruity flavor.

Bake the Danishes

Place the danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook—golden and flaky is the goal!

Optional: Add a Glaze

For an extra touch of sweetness, mix a little powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water to create a simple glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled danishes for a glossy, sweet finish.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the danishes cool for a few minutes, then serve them warm. You’ll want to savor every bite of this flaky, creamy, cherry-filled goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10 danishes
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories (depends on size and ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Cheese Danish

For Breakfast or Brunch: These danishes are the perfect way to kick off your morning. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy start to the day.
As a Dessert: Serve them at the end of a meal as a sweet treat that everyone will love.
With Fresh Fruit: If you want to go all out, serve these danishes with a side of fresh berries for added sweetness and color.
For Special Occasions: Perfect for holidays, birthday brunches, or gatherings where you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese filling and assemble the danishes the night before. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.
Try Different Toppings: While cherry is a classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot!
Store Leftovers: These danishes are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven for the best texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought dough?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry to make this process even quicker. Just roll it out and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Q2: Can I make these dairy-free?
A2: You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and using a plant-based butter for the puff pastry, but the texture may vary slightly.

Q3: Can I freeze these danishes?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the assembled danishes before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to get that crisp texture back.

Q5: Can I make these with other fruits?
A5: Absolutely! You can swap out the cherry jam for any fruit preserves you love—blueberry, raspberry, or even a mix of berries work wonderfully.

Conclusion

Cherry Cheese Danish is the pastry of your dreams: flaky, buttery, and packed with that perfect creamy, fruity filling. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just indulging in a little treat, these danishes are sure to be a hit. The best part? They’re so easy to make and taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. So, grab that puff pastry, get baking, and treat yourself to a delicious, homemade pastry that’s better than anything you’ll find at the bakery!

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