Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe

Introduction

This Cherry Danish recipe offers a perfect balance of flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and luscious cherry filling. It’s a delightful pastry that’s simple to make and ideal for breakfast or a sweet 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 (for glaze)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

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 a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into 8 equal squares.
3. Step 3: Using a knife, lightly score a smaller square inside each piece about ½ inch from the edge, without cutting all the way through. This will create a raised border when baked.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.
6. Step 6: Top each with 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote.
7. Step 7: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon milk to make an egg wash. Brush the outer edges of each pastry square with the egg wash to achieve a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake the danishes in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
9. Step 9: Remove the pastries and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack.
10. Step 10: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the slightly cooled danishes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen cherries for the filling if you prefer a less sweet and more natural flavor.
• Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a richer filling.
• Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor depth.
• Brush the pastry edges with apricot jam instead of egg wash for a shiny glaze and added sweetness.

Storage

Store any leftover Cherry Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 4 days and reheat gently in a warm oven to crisp the pastry. You can also freeze the baked danishes for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works beautifully and may add an extra buttery flavor, though it requires more time to prepare than store-bought pastry.

What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?

You can substitute cherry pie filling with any fruit preserves, fresh fruit topped with a little sugar, or other pie fillings like blueberry or apricot to customize the flavor.

Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This Cherry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, creamy cream cheese mixture and a sweet cherry filling, finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. Perfect as a delightful breakfast treat or a sweet afternoon snack, these danishes offer a beautiful balance of tartness and sweetness wrapped in a golden, buttery crust.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 danishes 1x
• Category: 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 Filling

• 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 even baking.
2. Prepare the Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut the pastry into 8 equal squares. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a smaller square inside each piece about ½ inch from the edges, ensuring you do not cut all the way through — this technique creates a raised border to hold the fillings.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet cherry topping.
4. Assemble the Danishes: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Then, add 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer. Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash made by whisking together the egg and milk to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
5. Bake: Place the assembled danishes onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown. After baking, remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
6. Add Glaze (Optional): While the danishes cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this vanilla glaze over the slightly cooled danishes to add a lovely sweetness and finishing touch.

Notes

• Thaw puff pastry according to package directions to ensure it unfolds easily without breaking.
• Scoring the pastry without cutting through is essential for creating a raised edge to hold fillings and prevent spilling.
• Using fresh lemon juice in the cream cheese filling brightens the flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
• For a dairy-free version, use a vegan cream cheese and egg substitute, and select appropriate puff pastry.
• The glaze is optional but highly recommended for added sweetness and presentation.
• Store danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Cherry Danish, puff pastry, cream cheese filling, cherry pie filling, vanilla glaze, breakfast pastry, dessert recipe