Cherry Cheese Danish

Sharing is caring!

Few treats capture the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness quite like a Cherry Cheese Danish. With its flaky, buttery puff pastry base, creamy and tangy cream cheese filling, and a crown of luscious cherry pie filling, this pastry is a delight for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Its blend of textures—crispy pastry, creamy filling, and juicy cherries—makes it a favorite for all ages.This recipe combines convenience and elegance. Using store-bought puff pastry, you’ll create a bakery-style treat in the comfort of your kitchen. Perfect for celebrations or simply savoring with a cup of coffee, these danishes are as versatile as they are delicious.

Print

Ingredients

To create this irresistible Cherry Cheese Danish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the filling.
• ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture to perfection.
• 1 egg yolk: Adds richness and binds the filling.
• 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese: Enhances the creaminess and gives a subtle tang.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract): Adds a fragrant nuttiness (almond) or warmth (vanilla).
• A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.
• ½ tablespoon lemon zest: Brightens the filling with a hint of citrus.

For the Danish:

• 2 sheets puff pastry (1 box): The flaky, buttery base for the danish.
• 1 can cherry pie filling: Provides the sweet and tart topping with juicy cherries.
• 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water: Acts as an egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
• Flour (for dusting): Prevents the pastry from sticking when rolling it out.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Thaw puff pastry according to the package instructions. While thawing, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer. Blend until smooth.
• Add the egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond extract, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until fully incorporated. Refrigerate the filling to firm it up while preparing the pastry.

3. Shape the Pastries

• Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and roll out each sheet of thawed (but still cold) puff pastry into a 10×10-inch square.
• Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pastry hearts. If you don’t have a heart cutter, use a round cutter or create squares by slicing the pastry into equal portions.
• Transfer the pastry shapes to the prepared baking sheets. Prick the center of each heart (or shape) with a fork, leaving about a ½-inch border. This step helps the edges puff up while keeping the center flat for the filling.

4. Add the Filling and Topping

• Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry. Spread slightly, staying within the forked area.
• Top the cream cheese filling with a tablespoon of cherry pie filling, ensuring each danish gets 4–5 cherries for that juicy burst of flavor.

5. Brush with Egg Wash

• Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the puff pastry hearts with the mixture to promote browning and add a golden sheen.

6. Chill the Danish

• Place the prepared pastries in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Chilling ensures the filling stays intact during baking and gives the puff pastry an optimal texture.

7. Bake

• While the pastries chill, preheat your oven to 350℉ and adjust the oven rack to the center position.
• Bake the danishes for 15–20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.

8. Cool and Serve

• Allow the danishes to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with your favorite beverage.

Flavors, Textures, and AromasThe Cherry Cheese Danish is a sensory masterpiece. The first bite greets you with the buttery crunch of golden puff pastry, followed by the creamy, tangy richness of the cream cheese filling. The topping of sweet and slightly tart cherries adds a burst of freshness, cutting through the richness and tying all the flavors together.The aroma of the danishes baking fills your kitchen with a heavenly mix of butter, sugar, and cherries, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge. The texture contrast—the flaky pastry against the velvety filling and juicy cherries—makes every bite a delight.

Tips for Success

1. Keep the Puff Pastry Cold
   • Cold puff pastry creates the best flaky layers. If it becomes too soft while working, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
2. Don’t Overfill
   • Avoid overloading the pastries with filling to prevent it from spilling over during baking.
3. Refrigerate Before Baking
   • Chilling the assembled danishes ensures the filling stays in place and helps the pastry puff up beautifully.
4. Use a Sharp Cutter
   • Whether using a cookie cutter or a knife, ensure it’s sharp to avoid compressing the pastry layers.
5. Experiment with Flavors
   • Swap the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apple for variety.

Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit Alternatives: Use apricot preserves, fresh berries, or diced peaches for a fruity twist.
• Glaze Finish: Drizzle the baked danishes with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle slivered almonds over the cherry filling for added texture and flavor.
• Savory Option: Replace the cream cheese filling with herbed cheese and top with sundried tomatoes or caramelized onions for a savory version.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Cheese Danish is a versatile treat that works well for various occasions:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Celebrations: Include them on a pastry platter for parties, weddings, or holiday gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350℉ oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their flakiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Why You’ll Love These Danishes

The Cherry Cheese Danish is an irresistible combination of ease, flavor, and presentation. It’s a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy creation. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees success.From the flaky puff pastry to the creamy filling and vibrant cherry topping, each element works together to create a harmonious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to the joy of homemade pastries. With these Cherry Cheese Danishes, you’ll have a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!