Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making a cherry cream cheese danish! There’s something magical about that sweet, tangy cherry filling nestled in a rich, creamy layer of cream cheese, all wrapped up in flaky, buttery pastry. I remember the first time I made these for a family brunch. The aroma wafted through the house, and everyone gathered around the kitchen, excited for a taste. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, golden and puffed up, I knew I had struck gold. Trust me, the combination of textures and flavors is heavenly! Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for breakfast or dessert. You’ll definitely want to make these for your next gathering—they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for that perfect filling)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (this adds just the right amount of sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (trust me, it brings everything together beautifully)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (you can’t go wrong with this classic flavor)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash to give your pastries that glorious golden finish)
How to Prepare Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making your cherry cream cheese danish! It’s simpler than you might think, and I promise you’ll feel like a pastry chef in no time.
Preparing the Puff Pastry
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important to get that lovely puff going! Now, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a floured surface. Don’t be shy with the flour; it helps prevent sticking. Aim for a neat rectangle that’s about 1/8-inch thick. Once rolled, you can cut the pastry into squares—about 4 inches should do it. These will be your lovely little pockets of joy!
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. I usually start with the cream cheese to get it nice and creamy, then gradually mix in the sugar and vanilla until it’s smooth and fluffy. You want a consistency that’s spreadable but still holds its shape—think of it as a sweet cloud!
Assembling the Danish
Now comes the fun part! Place a spoonful of that creamy mixture in the center of each pastry square, followed by a dollop of cherry pie filling right on top. Next, carefully fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a little pouch. Don’t worry about being perfect; just make sure it’s sealed well so the filling doesn’t escape during baking! You can pinch the edges together or use a fork to crimp them for extra flair.
Baking the Danish
Before you pop these beauties in the oven, brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them that gorgeous golden-brown finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re puffed and beautifully bronzed. Keep an eye on them towards the end; when they’re golden and flaky, they’re ready to shine! Let them cool for a few minutes, and then prepare for the heavenly aroma that will fill your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: You won’t believe how simple it is to whip these up! With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a stunning pastry that looks like it came straight from a bakery.
- Flaky and delicious pastry: The puff pastry puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating that irresistible flaky texture that’s simply divine to bite into.
- Versatile filling options: While I adore the classic cherry filling, you can swap in your favorite fruits or even try different cream cheese flavors. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert: These danishes are so versatile, they fit right in whether you’re serving them at brunch, as an afternoon treat, or for dessert after dinner. They’re always a hit!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cherry cream cheese danish turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will elevate your baking game!
- Work with cold pastry: Keep your puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it. This helps it puff up beautifully while baking, giving you that light, flaky texture we all crave!
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to load up on that delicious cream cheese and cherry filling, but less is more! Stick to a spoonful for each danish to ensure they seal properly and don’t leak while baking.
- Seal it tight: Make sure you pinch the edges of the pastry well to prevent any of that gooey goodness from escaping. A little fork crimping adds a nice touch, too!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your danishes a minute or two early. You want them golden brown and puffed, but not overcooked. The aroma will guide you!
- Let them cool a bit: I know it’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right in, but letting them cool for a few minutes allows the filling to set a bit. Plus, they’ll be easier to handle!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try adding a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture or swapping out the cherry filling for blueberries or apples. Each variation brings a new twist!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful cherry cream cheese danish. Enjoy the process—it’s all part of the fun!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Before you dive into your delicious cherry cream cheese danish, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some general calorie and nutrient information, these values aren’t set in stone. Always check your products for the most accurate details. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—just savor every delightful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful alternative. Just make sure to pit and slice them, then toss them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to help thicken the filling. This way, you’ll capture that sweet cherry flavor while ensuring the filling holds up during baking!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just be sure to reheat them slightly in the oven or microwave before enjoying again for that warm, flaky goodness!
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can definitely prep these in advance! I recommend assembling the danishes and then refrigerating them unbaked for up to a day. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. No need to let them come to room temperature; they’ll puff up beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you, a cherry cream cheese danish is just begging to be paired with something delightful! I love serving these pastries alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant cup of tea—it’s like a match made in heaven! The rich cream cheese and sweet cherry filling are perfectly complemented by the warmth of your favorite beverage. And for a fresh twist, why not add some sliced strawberries or a light citrus salad on the side? The brightness of the fruit really balances out the richness of the danish. Trust me, this combo will make your taste buds dance!
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Danish: 5 Irresistible Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet pastry filled with cherry and cream cheese mixture.
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture on each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute other fruit fillings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cherry cream cheese danish, pastry, dessert, baking
