Easy Cherry Cheese Danish: 1 Amazing Treat

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Cherry cheese danish has always been my go-to treat for those moments when I want something special but don’t have a lot of time. I remember my first attempt at making a homemade cherry cheese danish from scratch – it was a disaster! But then I discovered this easy cherry cheese danish recipe that uses store-bought puff pastry, and it changed everything. The buttery, flaky layers practically melt in your mouth, and that sweet, tangy cream cheese and cherry filling is just divine. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and fruity, with a delightful tang that makes you crave more. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheese Danish

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore how simple it is to whip up a batch of deliciousness that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.

It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners.
The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet cherries is pure bliss.
You get that amazing flaky cherry cheese danish texture thanks to the puff pastry.
It’s the perfect sweet treat for brunch, a snack, or even dessert.
Making a homemade cherry cheese danish feels so rewarding.
The aroma while baking will fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about.

Cherry Cheese Danish Ingredients

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating your own delicious cherry cheese danish at home. You’ll be amazed at how few components are needed for such an impressive treat. The foundation of this recipe is the puff pastry, which creates that signature flaky texture that makes a flaky cherry cheese danish so irresistible. We’ll also use a simple cream cheese mixture for the filling, which offers a lovely tang to balance the sweetness of the fruit. The star of the show for the cherry cheese danish filling is, of course, cherry pie filling, which adds a luscious, fruity burst to every bite. You don’t need special dough; store-bought puff pastry makes this cherry cheese danish dough accessible to everyone!

1 package (10 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed – make sure it’s completely thawed but still cold
8 oz cream cheese, softened – for that essential creamy tang
1/2 cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the cream cheese filling
1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – this is the heart of our delicious cherry cheese danish filling
1 large egg, beaten – for a beautiful golden glaze

How to Make a Cherry Cheese Danish

Follow these easy steps to create your own delightful cherry cheese danish. This recipe makes the process so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from a bakery!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. I like to use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut each sheet into four equal 4×4-inch squares. This ensures a nice, uniform size for each Danish.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix with a spoon or electric mixer until the filling is smooth, creamy, and well combined. This mixture is the heart of the creamy center for your Danish.
Step 4: Place about two tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Then, add a generous dollop of the cherry cheese danish filling on top of the cream cheese. Carefully fold two opposite corners of each pastry square towards the center, overlapping them slightly to create that classic Danish shape.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk the egg until it’s frothy. Brush this egg wash evenly over the exposed pastry surfaces of each assembled Danish. This step is key for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown color and a slightly crisp exterior.
Step 6: Arrange the prepared Danishes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and beautifully golden brown. The aroma of baking pastry and cherries will fill your kitchen, signaling they are almost ready. These are the final cherry cheese baking instructions you need for perfection.
Step 7: Once baked, carefully remove the Danishes from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. This brief cooling period allows the pastry to set slightly, making them easier to handle.

Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Cheese Danish

Want to elevate your homemade pastries? These tips will ensure your cherry cheese danish turns out perfectly every time, just like the ones from your favorite bakery.

Keep your puff pastry cold! This is crucial for achieving those beautiful, flaky layers that make a flaky cherry cheese danish so delightful.
Don’t overfill the pastries. Too much cream cheese or cherry filling can cause them to leak during baking.
If your cream cheese is too soft, it can make the pastry soggy. Aim for just-softened, not mushy.
For an extra touch of sweetness and shine, you can drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cooled Danishes.

What’s the secret to a perfect Cherry Cheese Danish?

The secret is using cold, high-quality puff pastry and not overworking it. Keeping the ingredients cold and handling the dough minimally ensures those airy, flaky layers that define a truly great flaky cherry cheese danish.

Can I make Cherry Cheese Danishes ahead of time?

You can assemble the Danishes up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. However, for the best flaky texture, it’s ideal to bake them just before serving. If you must bake ahead, let them cool completely before storing. For more make-ahead tips, check out these food preparation ideas.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Cheese Danishes?

A common pitfall is using warm puff pastry; always ensure it’s cold to get flaky layers. Another mistake is overfilling, which leads to leaks. Finally, don’t skip the egg wash; it’s key for that beautiful golden-brown crust. Learn more about the science behind perfect baking.

Best Ways to Serve Your Cherry Cheese Danish

Serving your homemade cherry cheese danish is almost as much fun as making them! They are absolutely delightful served warm, straight from the oven, allowing the creamy filling to be perfectly gooey and the pastry wonderfully crisp. For a fantastic brunch spread, pair these pastries with a fresh fruit salad or a side of scrambled eggs. If you’re looking for a truly special treat that highlights the delightful flavor of a sweet cherry cheese pastry, consider serving them alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of chilled milk. You can also dust them with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. For more brunch inspiration, explore these brunch recipes.

Cherry Cheese Danish Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your delicious cherry cheese danish can help you enjoy it mindfully. Each pastry is a delightful treat, offering a good balance of flavors and textures.

Calories: 300 kcal
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 230 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Cheese Danishes

Properly storing and reheating your delicious cherry cheese danishes ensures they stay as tasty as when they were first baked. Once your pastries have cooled completely on a wire rack – this is important to prevent sogginess – you can store them for later enjoyment. For the best results, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out. You can keep your cherry cheese pastries in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each cooled Danish individually in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This is a great way to have a quick treat on hand! Learn more about food storage.

To reheat your cherry cheese danishes, whether from the fridge or freezer, a low oven temperature is your best friend. For refrigerated danishes, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. If reheating from frozen, you might need an extra 5-10 minutes, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the pastry soft and chewy rather than crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cheese Danishes

Got questions about these delightful pastries? I’ve got answers to help you make the best cherry cheese danish possible!

What is a cherry cheese danish?

A cherry cheese danish is a sweet pastry typically made with layers of flaky, buttery dough, a creamy cream cheese filling, and a topping of sweet cherries. It’s a classic breakfast or dessert item known for its delightful balance of textures and flavors.

What does a cherry cheese danish taste like?

The cherry cheese danish taste is a wonderful combination of sweet and tangy. You get the rich, slightly tart flavor from the cherries, complemented by the smooth, creamy, and mildly sweet cream cheese filling. The pastry itself is buttery and flaky, adding a satisfying crispness to each bite.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries on hand, especially during cherry season, you can definitely use them. You’ll want to pit about 2 cups of fresh cherries and then cook them down with a little sugar and a thickening agent like cornstarch or tapioca starch until they reach a jam-like consistency. This homemade filling will give your homemade cherry cheese danish an even fresher flavor. For tips on preserving fruit, see fruit preservation methods.

How do I get my pastry extra flaky?

For the ultimate flaky cherry cheese danish, the key is to keep your puff pastry cold throughout the process. Make sure it’s fully thawed but still chilled when you work with it. Avoid overworking the dough, and handle it gently. This ensures the layers of butter in the pastry can steam and separate during baking, creating that signature flaky texture.

Variations of Cherry Cheese Danish You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you might want to explore some exciting variations of the cherry cheese danish. These ideas can help you tailor the pastry to your preferences or dietary needs, ensuring there’s a perfect version for everyone.

Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based milk alternative in the filling. You can also find gluten-free puff pastry options to make this a delicious treat for those with gluten sensitivities.
Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a warming spice note. A touch of lemon zest in the filling can also brighten the overall flavor profile of your cream cheese and cherry danish.
Fruit Swaps: While cherries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings! Blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling can create delightful new versions of this pastry.
Baking Method: If you don’t want to use puff pastry, try this filling in a pie crust or even as a topping for biscuits. For a quicker treat, you could even spoon the filling into crescent roll dough.