Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mini cherry cheese danishes! They are just the perfect little bites of heaven. Imagine flaky, buttery puff pastry that’s golden brown and crisp on the outside, cradling a luscious cream cheese filling, and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Wow! I’ve been making these for years, and they never fail to impress. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; everyone went crazy for them! They’re always a hit at brunches or holiday get-togethers. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion. So, let’s dive into how to make these delightful pastries that are sure to bring smiles to your table!
Ingredients for Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these scrumptious mini cherry cheese danishes! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets: This is the flaky base of our danishes. I always opt for the frozen kind, which you can find in the freezer aisle. Just make sure to let it thaw before using!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This gives that rich and creamy filling that pairs so beautifully with the cherries. Trust me, leaving it out to soften makes mixing a breeze!
- 1/4 cup sugar: A little sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese. You can adjust this to your taste, but I find this amount works perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cream cheese filling. Don’t skip it; it makes a big difference!
- 1 can cherry pie filling: The star of the show! You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, it adds that burst of fruity goodness.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This is what gives our pastries that beautiful golden color when they come out of the oven. Just whisk it up in a small bowl, and you’re good to go!
These ingredients come together so beautifully to create the most delightful pastries. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get into the fun part—making these mini cherry cheese danishes! It’s such a simple process, and I promise you’ll feel like a pastry chef in no time. Let’s get started!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because a hot oven ensures that your pastries bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you prep the rest!
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Once your oven is warming up, it’s time to work on the puff pastry. Take that package of thawed pastry sheets and roll them out on a lightly floured surface. You want to get them nice and thin, about 1/8 inch thick. Then, cut the rolled pastry into squares—around 3×3 inches works perfectly. Don’t worry about being too precise; they’ll still taste amazing!
Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk, and blend until it’s super smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it creates that luscious filling that complements the cherry perfectly. If it’s a little lumpy, just keep mixing until it’s all combined. Trust me, the smoother, the better!
Assemble the Danishes
Now for the fun part—assembling your danishes! Take each pastry square and place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture right in the center. Then, add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese. Be careful not to overfill; you want to leave enough room to fold the corners over without any spills. Gently fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, pinching them to close the pockets securely. You want to make sure they’re sealed well, so the filling doesn’t escape while baking!
Apply Egg Wash
To give your pastries that gorgeous golden finish, brush the tops with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This step is so simple but makes a world of difference in presentation! Just a light coat will do the trick, so don’t drown them in egg wash—just a gentle brush will give them that shiny, beautiful look.
Bake the Danishes
Finally, it’s time to bake! Place your assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed up and golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible! Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These mini cherry cheese danishes come together in just about 40 minutes, making them a fantastic last-minute treat!
- Impressive Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese and sweet cherries creates a delightful balance that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a brunch, holiday party, or just a cozy get-together, these danishes are sure to impress your guests and make you the star of the show!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the filling! You can use other fruits or even chocolate for a fun twist.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love these treats! They’re a great way to get little ones involved in the kitchen, too.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the filling and pastry ahead of time, making it even easier to whip them up when you need them.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect mini cherry cheese danishes is a breeze, but here are some pro tips to ensure they turn out absolutely delicious every single time!
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: It’s crucial to work with cold puff pastry. If it gets too warm, it won’t puff up as nicely in the oven. If you notice it starting to soften, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add more filling, but avoid the urge! Overfilling can lead to messy danishes. Stick to a generous spoonful of each filling, and you’ll be golden!
- Seal Well: Make sure the corners of your pastry are sealed tightly. If they’re not, the filling could ooze out while baking, which isn’t ideal. Pinch the edges firmly to keep everything inside.
- Experiment with Egg Wash: For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of sugar to your egg wash before brushing it on. This can give your pastries a lovely sheen and a touch of sweetness.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your danishes as they bake. You want them to be puffed and golden brown, so check for doneness a couple of minutes before the timer goes off.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve these danishes warm. If you’re making them ahead of time, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to warm them up.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delightful mini cherry cheese danishes! Happy baking!
Variations of Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Now that you’ve mastered the classic mini cherry cheese danishes, let’s have some fun with variations! This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily switch things up to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some delightful ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Blueberry Bliss: Swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry filling for a fresh twist. The creamy cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart blueberries!
- Peachy Keen: Use peach pie filling instead of cherry for a summery flavor. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Nutty Surprise: Mix in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, with your cream cheese filling for a delightful crunch. It adds a nice texture that complements the smooth cheese.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a decadent treat, add a dollop of chocolate ganache or chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese filling. You’ll have a rich and indulgent variation that’s sure to please!
- Apple Cinnamon: Use apple pie filling and sprinkle a touch of cinnamon in the cream cheese mixture for a cozy, autumn-inspired danish. It’s like a hug in pastry form!
- Mixed Berry Medley: Combine a mix of frozen berries—like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries—with your cream cheese for a colorful and fruity twist. The flavors meld beautifully together!
Feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings! The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings something unique to the table. Have fun experimenting, and enjoy your delicious creations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious mini cherry cheese danishes, and now you have some leftovers (if that’s even possible!). Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy them later without losing that delightful taste and texture.
First, let your danishes cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial because if you store them while they’re still warm, they can get soggy. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the danishes to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, the best method is to pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help revive that crispiness of the pastry, making them just as delicious as when they were fresh out of the oven. You could also use a microwave, but be cautious—microwaving for too long can make the pastry chewy instead of flaky. If you do use a microwave, heat them for about 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through.
Now you’re all set to enjoy these delightful treats anytime you want! Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for these delightful mini cherry cheese danishes. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 3g
These little pastries are a tasty treat, and while they’re not the healthiest option out there, they’re definitely worth indulging in once in a while! Enjoy them as a sweet addition to your brunch or dessert spread, and remember, everything in moderation is key!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry is a classic choice, you can easily swap in your favorite fruit filling—blueberry, peach, or even mixed berries all work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if needed!
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the danishes a few hours in advance. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They’ll still taste fresh and delicious!
What’s the best way to store leftover danishes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just remember to wrap each one tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Why did my danishes not puff up?
If your danishes didn’t puff up as expected, it could be due to the puff pastry being too warm when you baked them. Make sure to keep the pastry cold while working with it and pop it back in the fridge if it starts to get soft.
Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of a filling?
While cream cheese frosting can be delicious, it’s quite sweet compared to the cream cheese mixture in this recipe. If you want to use frosting, consider adding a little extra cream cheese to balance the sweetness!
Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes: 5 Steps to Delightful Treats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini cherry cheese danishes are delicious pastries filled with cream cheese and cherry filling.
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of 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 form a pocket.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for a homemade filling if desired.
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mini cherry cheese danishes, cherry pastries, cream cheese danishes
