If you have a sweet tooth and love a flaky, creamy pastry, then this Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. It perfectly balances the richness of cream cheese with the vibrant, fruity burst of cherry pie filling, all wrapped in golden, buttery puff pastry. This recipe is wonderfully simple but yields impressive results that will make any breakfast, brunch, or snack feel special and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a casual morning or an elegant gathering, this recipe is a fail-safe way to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the flaky puff pastry builds the structure and gives a satisfying crunch, the cream cheese creates a smooth, tangy filling, and the cherry pie filling adds a sweet, colorful touch. Together, they form a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is just irresistible.
- Puff pastry sheet: This pre-made pastry is the foundation, offering a buttery, flaky texture that bakes up beautifully.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The creamy filling base that provides richness and smoothness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the cream cheese tartness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses a warm, aromatic note to the cream cheese mixture.
- Cherry pie filling (1/2 cup): Bursting with juicy cherries, it gives a vibrant and fruity centerpiece.
- Powdered sugar: For a delicate dusting that adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
How to Make Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to get the oven nice and hot so the puff pastry can rise and crisp up perfectly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Take your thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares. To create those signature Danish folds, make small cuts at each corner of the squares; this allows you to fold the corners in later for a beautiful, pocketed look.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s completely smooth. This filling is going to add that luscious, tangy richness that makes this Danish truly special.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Then, top each with a spoonful of cherry pie filling. The sweet cherries on top of the creamy base create a delicious flavor contrast and make the Danishes look divine.
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Using a small bit of water, dampen the edges of each puff pastry square. Carefully fold the corners toward the center to create a neat pocket around your fillings. This technique not only keeps everything in place but also creates an eye-catching, layered effect.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop your Danishes into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they puff up and the edges turn a perfect shade of caramel.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, allow them to cool just slightly—warm is best when serving—but don’t forget the finishing touch: a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. This adds visual appeal and a hint of extra sweetness that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, consider garnishing these Danishes with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds or a few fresh cherries on top. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can also elevate their appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe with a steaming cup of coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or a light herbal tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can complement the richness beautifully when serving as part of brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, arrange the Danishes on a beautiful platter lined with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to add a charming, festive look. You could also serve them in small dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a single cherry on top for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Danishes, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within the day. For slightly longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that the pastry might lose some of its crispness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these Danishes freeze beautifully. Wrap each pastry tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Danishes can be stored for up to 1 month, perfect for a convenient, sweet treat anytime.
Reheating
To bring your Danishes back to life, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps refresh the flaky texture and warms the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherry pie filling for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cherry pie filling works perfectly once thawed. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before using to prevent soggy pastry.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, mascarpone or ricotta can be used for a milder, creamier texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make these Danishes dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free puff pastry to keep it vegan and dairy-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure not to overload the filling and use the water to seal the edges properly. Also, baking at the right temperature ensures a crisp, flaky crust.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely! Kids will love assembling the Danishes by folding the pastry and spooning in the fillings. It’s a fun and simple way to get them involved in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about an Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a show-stopping pastry. It’s quick to prepare yet feels like a treat straight from a bakery, perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen and bring joy with every bite.
Print
Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and luscious cherry pie filling, making a delightful pastry that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Simple to prepare and bake, it’s a delicious treat that offers a perfect balance of flaky texture and fruity sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Cut the sheet of puff pastry into 4 equal squares. Make small cuts at each corner of the squares to allow folding later.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danishes: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Then, add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Fold and Seal: Lightly dampen the edges of the pastry squares with water. Fold the corners inward toward the center, creating a sealed pocket around the fillings.
- Bake: Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Allow the danishes to cool slightly. Before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar for an attractive and sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with other fruit preserves or pie fillings, such as blueberry or raspberry.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- For a crispier bottom crust, bake on a preheated baking stone if available.
