Description
These Cherry Cheese Danishes are the perfect combination of buttery puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping. A delightful treat for brunch, breakfast, or as an indulgent snack, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet morning, these danishes will never disappoint.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry (1 box), thawed
- Flour (for dusting)
For the Topping:
- 1 can cherry pie filling
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond extract (or vanilla extract), salt, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture until you’re ready to assemble the danishes.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth the edges.
- Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares (for a total of 18 squares).
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
- Place the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
- Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, press the center of each square to create a slight indentation for the filling.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture to the center of each square.
- Top the cheese filling with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Step 5: Bake the Danishes
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the danishes cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese filling and puff pastry squares ahead of time. Assemble the danishes and refrigerate them before baking. This makes them even quicker to bake when you need them!
- Substitutions: If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor. You can also try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cheese filling for a warm, cozy twist.
- Storage: These danishes are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the cream cheese and ricotta with plant-based alternatives, and use a flax egg instead of the egg yolk to make this recipe vegan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg