Irresistible Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect morning treat that combines flaky, buttery pastry with the tangy sweetness of cherries and the creamy richness of cheese, you’re in for a real delight. This Irresistible Cherry Cheese Danish brings all those flavors together in a lovely balance that feels like a hug on a plate. With its golden, crisp exterior and luscious filling, it’s a showstopper for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, yet essential ingredients is what makes this recipe a breeze to whip up. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the puff pastry’s flaky texture to the luscious cherry topping’s sweet pop of color and flavor.

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The buttery, flaky base that creates those perfect layers you’ll love biting into.
• 1 cup cherry pie filling (canned): Sweet and slightly tart, this adds the iconic cherry flavor and vibrant red hues.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Brings a rich, silky, and slightly tangy creaminess that balances the fruit’s sweetness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the cream cheese mixture without overpowering.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A little splash to enhance the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• 1 egg (for egg wash): This golden brush gives the danish that irresistible shiny, golden finish when baked.

How to Make Irresistible Cherry Cheese Danish

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This perfect temperature ensures the puff pastry will bake evenly and turn beautifully golden and crisp, creating that essential flaky texture we all crave.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet gently. Cut it into four squares, each about 4×4 inches. These squares will serve as the foundation for your danish pockets, providing just the right size for a satisfying serving.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and velvety. This simple yet decadent filling adds the creamy, tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweet cherry topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Danish

Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Then add a spoonful of cherry pie filling right on top of the cream cheese. This layering ensures each bite is bursting with that luscious blend of creamy and fruity flavors.

Step 5: Fold and Seal the Pastries

Bring the corners of each puff pastry square up and over the filling, folding them carefully to create neat pockets. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the filling inside – this keeps all that incredible flavor locked in as it bakes.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops of your prepared danishes with the beaten egg to give them that gorgeous golden shine. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they puff up nicely and take on a deep golden-brown color.

How to Serve Irresistible Cherry Cheese Danish

Garnishes

To elevate your danishes, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top or add a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Fresh cherries or a sprig of mint can add a fresh, colorful touch that makes the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This danish pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast treat. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or light scrambled eggs to balance the richness of the pastry and cream cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve these danishes on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of cherry jam for dipping. Another fun idea is to cut them into smaller bites for a party platter that everyone can enjoy while mingling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Irresistible Cherry Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry flaky and the filling fresh while preventing it from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these danishes later on, freeze them before baking by shaping the danishes and placing them on a lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm your danish gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. This reheats the pastry to crisp perfection without toughening the filling, giving you that fresh-baked experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Using fresh cherries is a lovely option; just make sure to cook them slightly with sugar until they soften and release their juices to mimic the texture and sweetness of pie filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese alternative, and ensure your puff pastry is dairy-free as well. The flavor will be gently different but still delicious.

Can I make smaller bite-sized danishes with the same recipe?

Definitely! Just cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and reduce the filling amount accordingly. Keep an eye on the baking time as smaller danishes will cook faster.

What other fruit fillings work well in this danish?

Peach, blueberry, or raspberry pie fillings all make wonderful alternatives. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit to create your own version of the Irresistible Cherry Cheese Danish.

Do I have to use an egg wash? Can I skip it?

The egg wash gives the danish a beautiful golden color and shine, but if you prefer not to use it, you can brush the pastries with a little milk or skip this step. The danish will still taste amazing, just with a less glossy finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a homemade Irresistible Cherry Cheese Danish. With its flaky, buttery crust, creamy filling, and luscious cherry topping, it’s a treat that feels just right any time of day. So, grab those simple ingredients and give this recipe a try — your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you for it!

Print