Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Danish is a delightful pastry with flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and a burst of cherry filling. This easy recipe brings a bakery-style treat right to your kitchen, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting surface)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1 cup cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
3. Step 3: Cut the pastry into 8 equal squares.
4. Step 4: Using a knife, lightly score a smaller square inside each piece about ½ inch from the edge without cutting all the way through; this creates a raised border during baking.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.
7. Step 7: Top each with 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling or compote.
8. Step 8: Whisk the whole egg with 1 tablespoon of milk to make the egg wash, then brush it along the outer edges of each pastry square.
9. Step 9: Bake the assembled danishes for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet.
11. Step 11: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
12. Step 12: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled danishes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a zestier cream cheese filling, add a little lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
• Try swapping cherry filling with blueberry or raspberry for a different fruit flavor.
• Use store-bought cherry pie filling for convenience or homemade compote for a fresher taste.
• Make sure your cream cheese is well softened to avoid lumps in the filling.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze individually wrapped for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries by cooking them down with sugar and a little lemon juice to make a quick compote. This helps prevent excess moisture that can make the pastry soggy.

Do I have to make the glaze?

The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet finish and a nice look. You can skip it if you prefer a less sweet pastry or dust with powdered sugar instead.

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 600 reviews

This delightful Cherry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling and topped with luscious cherry pie filling. Finished with a light vanilla glaze, these elegant pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 Cherry Danishes 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting surface)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Cherry Topping

• 1 cup cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote

Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk

Vanilla Glaze (Optional)

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Pastry: Lightly dust a clean surface with the all-purpose flour. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet, flattening it gently. Cut the pastry into 8 equal squares. Using a knife, lightly score a smaller square inside each piece about ½ inch from the edge without cutting all the way through. This scoring creates a raised border when baked.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice if using. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.
4. Assemble the Danishes: Spoon roughly one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, staying within the scored border. Then top each with about one tablespoon of cherry pie filling or compote. To help the border rise, brush the exposed outer edges of each pastry square with the egg wash made by beating the egg with milk.
5. Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
6. Add Glaze (Optional): While the Danishes cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the slightly cooled Danishes to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling.
• Do not cut through the border when scoring the pastry; this helps create the signature raised edges for holding the filling.
• The lemon juice in the filling adds brightness but can be omitted if not desired.
• Use room temperature egg and milk for the egg wash to help it adhere nicely.
• Glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and shine.
• For a homemade cherry compote, simmer fresh or frozen cherries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until thickened.
• Allow pastries to cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off.

Keywords: Cherry Danish, puff pastry, cream cheese filling, cherry pie filling, breakfast pastry, sweet pastry, brunch recipe