Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

The Cherry Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry combining creamy, tangy cream cheese with a sweet cherry topping, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 box puff pastry sheets, thawed (usually contains 2 sheets)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, adds brightness)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh cherry compote
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, mixed with cherry topping)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1–2 tsp milk (adjust to desired glaze consistency)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven according to puff pastry package instructions, usually around 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares. Score a smaller square about 1/2 inch inside the edges of each square without cutting all the way through.
4. Step 4: Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square, staying inside the scored edges. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese. If using, mix the cherry topping with lemon juice and almond extract before adding.
5. Step 5: Brush the edges of the puff pastry squares with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Optional: Chill the pastries in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
7. Step 7: Bake the pastries on the prepared baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
8. Step 8: While the pastries bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Step 9: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over each Danish and sprinkle with sliced almonds if using.
10. Step 10: Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your homemade Cherry Cheese Danish.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cherries stewed with a bit of sugar as a fresh alternative to canned pie filling.
• For extra almond flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the cream cheese filling as well as the cherry topping.
• Ensure puff pastry is well chilled before baking for maximum puff and flakiness.
• Glaze the Danish right before serving so it stays glossy and fresh-looking.

Storage

Store leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works well as long as it is fully thawed according to package instructions before you start preparing the Danish.

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking during baking?

Be careful not to overfill each pastry square and use the scored edges as a barrier. Chilling the assembled Danish before baking also helps the filling set and reduces leakage.

Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This Cherry Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with luscious cherry pie filling. Enhanced with lemon zest and almond extract, these Danish pastries are baked until golden and finished with a smooth powdered sugar glaze and optional sliced almonds for added crunch. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special treat, these pastries combine creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors in an easy-to-make, impressive pastry.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 Danish pastries 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 box Puff pastry sheets, thawed (usually contains 2 sheets)
• 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz Full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 Egg yolk
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Lemon zest (optional)
• 1 pinch Salt

Topping

• 1 cup Cherry pie filling or fresh cherry compote
• 1 tsp Almond extract (optional)
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice (optional, to mix with cherry topping)

Glaze

• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
• 1–2 tsp Milk (adjust to desired glaze consistency)
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla extract

Garnish

• 1/4 cup Sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

1. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Prepare Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the pastry sheets and gently roll them out to smooth creases if needed.
3. Cut and Score Pastry Squares: Cut each puff pastry sheet into equal squares, approximately 4 inches each. Score the edges gently with a knife or fork, being careful not to cut all the way through, to help the edges puff up during baking.
4. Assemble Danish: Place a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Top the cream cheese with a spoonful of cherry pie filling mixed with almond extract and lemon juice if using. Fold or crimp edges slightly if desired.
5. Add Egg Wash: Brush the edges and tops of the pastries lightly with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
6. Chill Before Baking: Optionally chill the assembled pastries in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help maintain shape and improve puffing during baking.
7. Bake Pastries: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Glaze and Garnish: While pastries cool slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries and sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired.

Notes

• For best results, use cold puff pastry and keep it chilled until just before baking.
• Fresh cherry compote can be substituted for canned pie filling for a fresher flavor.
• Adjust the amount of powdered sugar and milk in the glaze to achieve your preferred consistency.
• Chilling the assembled pastries before baking helps them hold their shape and improves puffing.
• Sliced almonds add a lovely texture contrast but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Keywords: Cherry Danish, Cream Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry, Cherry Pastries, Sweet Pastry, Dessert, Brunch Pastry