Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
Welcome to your new go-to morning treat or special dessert—Cherry Cheese Danish! This dazzling pastry layers rich cream cheese and glossy cherry pie filling onto crisp, buttery puff pastry, finished with a sweet glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s a wonderful balance of tangy, creamy, and fruity flavors atop golden, flaky layers. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating yourself, or surprising loved ones, this Cherry Cheese Danish is sure to impress. And the best part? You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to create bakery-worthy results in your very own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The allure of a homemade Cherry Cheese Danish comes from simple, accessible ingredients that each play a vital role in adding flavor, texture, and presentation. These staples combine for a pastry that tastes upscale, but anyone can master.
- Puff Pastry: The flaky, golden base that creates that bakery-style texture and elevates each bite with a buttery crispness.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to creamy perfection, it forms the luscious, tangy filling that contrasts perfectly with sweet cherries.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the cheese filling and balance the tartness of the cream cheese.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a cozy aroma and round, mellow flavor to the cheese layer.
- Egg: Brushed over the pastry, this helps create that beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Water: Mixed with the egg for an even, glossy egg wash.
- Cherry Pie Filling: The star fruit topping—juicy cherries and sweet syrup deliver bold flavor and gorgeous color.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making a quick, melt-in-your-mouth glaze to drizzle on top.
- Milk: Just a splash brings the powdered sugar glaze to the right drizzling consistency.
How to Make Cherry Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Oven
Let’s set up for success: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a quick, reliable bake, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Cherry Cheese Danish pastries lift off effortlessly and clean-up stays a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and silky-smooth—this will be the delicious base that holds the cherries and gives every bite that decadent, tangy bite you crave in a classic Cherry Cheese Danish.
Step 3: Make the Egg Wash
In another small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. This little egg wash miracle guarantees your Danish has a shiny, golden, perfectly crisp crust that just begs to be torn into.
Step 4: Prep the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry, and cut it into six equal rectangles. Lightly score a border half an inch from the edge (don’t cut all the way through!) to help the center stay soft and focused, while the edges puff dramatically in the oven. Use a fork to prick the centers so the pastry won’t balloon up.
Step 5: Assemble with Cheese and Cherries
Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each rectangle, then top with 1–2 bright cherries and a small splash of cherry filling—be careful not to overload it with liquid or your pastry could get soggy. Brush the visible borders with egg wash to encourage that gorgeous bakery sheen.
Step 6: Bake to Flaky Perfection
Pop your prepared pastries into the hot oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are deeply golden and irresistibly puffy. The cheese will be creamy, the cherries sticky and glossy. Let them cool slightly so your glaze holds beautifully.
Step 7: Make the Glaze and Finish
Mix powdered sugar with just enough milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle over each cooled Danish, letting the sweet ribbons fall across that tempting cherry topping—this final touch ties everything together.
How to Serve Cherry Cheese Danish
Garnishes
A finished Cherry Cheese Danish already looks like a showstopper, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a curl of lemon zest, or even a handful of toasted sliced almonds on top make them look and taste even more spectacular. For extra flair, a tiny mint sprig can add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
To make it a full breakfast or brunch spread, serve your Cherry Cheese Danish alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal berries, Greek yogurt with honey, or a light green salad if you’d like something savory to offset the sweetness. Coffee, black tea, or sparkling water with a citrus wedge are perfect to sip alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a celebratory brunch, arrange the Cherry Cheese Danish pastries in a circular pattern on a cake stand or platter, topping each with an edible flower. Mini danishes work beautifully clustered together for a breakfast board, or you can serve them warm with dollops of whipped cream on the side for a dessert-like treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftover Cherry Cheese Danish by wrapping them individually with plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days, maintaining that lovely balance of creaminess and fruitiness.
Freezing
To freeze, let the danishes cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil, or stash them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. For the best results, wait to drizzle the glaze until after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat a Cherry Cheese Danish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore its crisp, flaky texture. If you’ve frozen them, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat. After warming, drizzle with fresh glaze for that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit filling instead of cherry?
Absolutely! Blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling work beautifully in place of cherry. Just be mindful of using the right amount of filling to avoid sogginess.
Can I make Cherry Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the danishes and refrigerate them unbaked (without glaze) a few hours in advance. When ready, bake fresh for best flavor and texture, then glaze and serve.
How do I get my danishes extra flaky?
Start with very cold puff pastry, handle it minimally, and preheat your oven fully before baking. A hot oven encourages super flaky layers every time!
Does Cherry Cheese Danish need to be refrigerated?
Since the filling is made with cream cheese, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers to keep them fresh and safe. Bring to room temp or reheat before enjoying.
Can I use homemade cherry filling?
Definitely! If you have a favorite cherry compote or homemade pie filling, feel free to use it here for a more personal touch and even brighter fruit flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made a Cherry Cheese Danish at home, now is the perfect time. This inviting pastry is as easy as it is impressive, bursting with creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in every flaky bite. Give it a try for your next breakfast treat—you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cherry Cheese Danishes made with puff pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet cherry filling. These pastries are perfect for breakfast or dessert, with a flaky crust and a burst of fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
4 oz cream cheese, softened, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash:
1 egg, 1 tablespoon water
Filling and Glaze:
½ cup cherry pie filling, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1–2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Lightly score a border around each rectangle about ½ inch from the edge. Prick the center of each rectangle with a fork.
- Add Fillings: Spread cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry, top with cherries and filling. Brush borders with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly.
- Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk for glaze. Drizzle over danishes.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry or apple.
- Best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in the fridge and reheated briefly in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
