Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! I have to tell you about one of my all-time favorite sweet treats: the cherry cheese danish. Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about biting into a flaky, warm pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with luscious cherry filling. It takes me back to cozy mornings in the kitchen, where the smell of pastries baking fills the air and instantly lifts your spirits. Trust me, these are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up. They’re so easy to whip up, and they always impress—even if it’s just for yourself! Let’s dive into how to make this delightful treat!
Ingredients for Cherry Cheese Danish
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most delicious cherry cheese danish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed, because we want it nice and pliable!)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, so it mixes easily)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for that perfect sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (trust me, it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 egg (beaten, for the creamy filling)
- 1 can cherry pie filling (the star of the show!)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, to give that golden finish)
Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to creating these mouthwatering pastries in no time!
How to Prepare the Cherry Cheese Danish
Making your own cherry cheese danish is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful pastry that’s sure to impress.
Prepping the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick—this helps it puff up nicely when it bakes. Next, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry into squares, about 4×4 inches each. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome!
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and the beaten egg until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a whisk works just fine too—just make sure there are no lumps! You’re aiming for a thick but spreadable consistency. This filling is the heart of your danish, so make sure it’s well combined and delicious!
Assembling the Danish
Now comes the fun part! Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Then, add a dollop of cherry pie filling right on top of the cream cheese. Next, gently fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a little pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal everything in. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them that gorgeous golden color when they bake. Yum!
Baking Instructions
Place your assembled danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to puff up. Pop them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and flaky. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are beautifully bronzed and the kitchen smells heavenly! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving—if you can resist the temptation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this cherry cheese danish recipe has so much going for it! Here’s why you’re going to adore making (and eating) these delightful pastries:
- Quick preparation—whip them up in just about 20 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Every bite is a heavenly mix of creamy and fruity flavors.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.
- Impressive enough to serve at gatherings, yet easy enough for a cozy night in.
- Customizable with different fruit fillings if you want to mix things up!
Honestly, these little gems are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cherry cheese danish turns out perfectly, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skip the egg wash; it’s what gives those lovely golden tops that we all crave! If your puff pastry feels too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes—this helps it puff up beautifully in the oven. Also, if you notice any cracks in the pastry while folding, just pinch them back together gently. Finally, keep an eye on your danishes as they bake; ovens can be sneaky, and you want that perfect golden brown without burning! Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!
Variations on Cherry Cheese Danish
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your cherry cheese danish! For a tropical twist, try using pineapple or mango filling instead of cherries—just as delicious! You could also mix in some lemon zest with the cream cheese for a bright and zesty flavor. Feeling nutty? Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese mixture for a delightful crunch. And let’s not forget about chocolate lovers—swirl in some melted chocolate or use Nutella as a filling for a decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cherry cheese danish fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm them through and crisp up that flaky pastry. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit chewy! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: the nutritional values for these cherry cheese danishes can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some general info below, it’s always a good idea to calculate the exact numbers based on your choices. Enjoy your delicious pastries guilt-free!
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
What to Do Next
I’d love to hear how your cherry cheese danish turned out! Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any tweaks you made. If you enjoyed this recipe, consider giving it a rating! Sharing your experiences helps fellow bakers, and I can’t wait to see what you create!
Print
Cherry Cheese Danish: 7 Steps to Heavenly Perfection
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cherry cheese danish pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with cherry filling.
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and beaten egg.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can use other fruit fillings if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cherry cheese danish
