Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
