If you are hunting for a delightful treat that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to whip up, this Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe is the answer to your cravings. It combines flaky puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese center and vibrant cherry pie filling, creating a perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite. Whether it’s a special breakfast, brunch centerpiece, or an irresistible snack, this recipe brings bakery-quality goodness into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lovely thing about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each plays a vital role in crafting the pastry’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the buttery puff pastry to the creamy, slightly tangy cheese filling, and the bright pop of cherry sweetness, every component is essential to deliver that truly unforgettable bite.
- Puff pastry sheet: This store-bought convenience provides flakiness and golden color without any fuss.
- Cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling its smooth, rich texture and subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheese filling just enough to complement the cherries perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture, elevating the flavor.
- Cherry pie filling: Bursting with fruity goodness and vibrant color, it’s the star that makes this Danish special.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting adds a touch of elegance and subtle sweetness to finish.
How to Make Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the puff pastry will bake evenly and puff up beautifully. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, setting yourself up for stress-free baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Carefully cut the puff pastry sheet into four equal squares. Then, make small cuts at each corner of these squares. This step is crucial because it allows you to fold the corners over the filling later, creating that charming Danish shape everyone loves.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy—a luscious base that balances the tart cherry topping. This filling is the heart of the recipe and so easy to prepare.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Now, spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. On top of this, add a spoonful of cherry pie filling. This layering not only looks delightful but ensures an exciting burst of flavors with every bite.
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Lightly dampen the edges of the pastry squares with a bit of water to help the dough stick. Fold the corners of the pastry towards the center so they meet over the filling, gently sealing the pocket. This step traps the creamy cherry mixture inside while letting the edges puff up beautifully.
Step 6: Bake
Slide your assembled Danishes onto the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and irresistibly flaky. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bakery!
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, let the Danishes cool just slightly to set. Then, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a delicate, pretty finish. This simple touch adds a hint of sweetness and an inviting visual sparkle perfect for serving.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
Garnishes
The classic dusting of powdered sugar is always a winner, but you can also add a few fresh cherries or a sprig of mint to bring a fresh, vibrant look and extra dimension of flavor to your cherry cheese Danish when serving guests or making it special for yourself.
Side Dishes
Pairing these Danishes with a hot cup of coffee or a steamy latte makes for a delightful morning combo. For a more substantial brunch, fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus dressing complements the richness of the pastry wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Danish on a pretty platter lined with edible flowers or fresh herbs for an elegant touch. You can also drizzle a little glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top for added shine and tang, perfect for impressing brunch guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any left over, store your Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the puff pastry from becoming soggy and maintains the freshness of the cream cheese filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these Danishes before baking. Simply prepare and assemble as instructed, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, warm them gently in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the flaky texture and melts the cheese filling just right, making every bite freshly baked in taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used, but since they lack the thickened syrup of pie filling, you might want to cook them down slightly with sugar and cornstarch to mimic the consistency and sweetness.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese first?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes mixing much easier and ensures a smooth filling without lumps, which is essential for that creamy texture in the Danish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping in dairy-free cream cheese and puff pastry made without butter, you can enjoy a similar treat. Just be sure to check ingredient labels to keep it truly dairy-free.
What can I substitute for vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract, you could use a small amount of almond extract or simply skip it. Vanilla adds lovely warmth, but the Danish will still be delicious without it.
How long do these Danishes keep once baked?
For best taste and texture, enjoy them within 1 to 2 days. Puff pastry tends to lose its crispness over time, so fresh is always best!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its simple ingredients combined with straightforward steps yield a bakery-quality treat that feels both special and achievable. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy these golden, flaky parcels filled with creamy and sweet cherry goodness. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and sweet cherry pie filling. Baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Danish:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Cut the puff pastry sheet into 4 equal squares. Make small cuts at each corner of the squares to create flaps that will be folded later.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Danishes: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Then top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
- Fold and Seal: Lightly moisten the edges of the pastry squares with water. Fold the corners inward towards the center to enclose the filling, creating a neat pocket.
- Bake: Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, keep the puff pastry chilled until ready to use to ensure crisp, flaky layers.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry.
- If you prefer, use fresh cherries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch instead of canned pie filling.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.
- Make sure not to overfill the pastries to avoid leakage during baking.
