There’s nothing better than a Cherry Cheese Danish to start your morning or enjoy as an afternoon treat! With a flaky, buttery pastry, sweet cream cheese filling, and juicy cherry topping, this homemade Danish is as delicious as any bakery version. Plus, it’s easy to make using store-bought puff pastry for a hassle-free treat!
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Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheese Danish
- Buttery & Flaky – Made with puff pastry for a light, crisp texture.
- Sweet & Creamy Filling – The perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and juicy cherries.
- Easy to Make – With store-bought puff pastry, you can have bakery-quality Danish in no time.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients for Cherry Cheese Danish
To make this irresistible Danish, you’ll need:
For the Danish
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed – The secret to a light, flaky texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds a creamy, tangy richness.
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- ½ cup cherry pie filling – The star of the show!
- 1 egg, beaten – For an egg wash to give the pastry a golden shine.
- 1 tbsp milk – Helps thin out the egg wash for even brushing.
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended!)
- ½ cup powdered sugar – The base of a sweet drizzle.
- 1 tbsp milk – To create a smooth glaze.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds a hint of warmth.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
How to Make Cherry Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry and cut it into four equal rectangles.
- Use a knife to lightly score a ½-inch border around each rectangle (don’t cut all the way through). This helps the edges puff up while baking.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
- Spread a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry, staying inside the scored border.
- Spoon a tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Make the Glaze & Serve
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled Danish for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these Cherry Cheese Danish with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs.
- For a fancy touch, dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for the Best Cherry Cheese Danish
- Don’t Overload the Filling – Too much filling can spill out while baking.
- Chill Before Baking – If the pastry gets too warm, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for a flakier result.
- Try Different Fillings – Swap cherries for blueberries, raspberries, or apple pie filling.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.
- Freeze: Freeze unglazed Danish for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the pastries the night before and store them in the fridge. Bake fresh in the morning.
Q2: Can I use homemade cherry filling?
A: Absolutely! Just simmer cherries, sugar, and cornstarch until thickened.
Q3: What if I don’t have puff pastry?
A: Crescent roll dough or homemade pastry dough can work as a substitute.
Conclusion: A Bakery-Worthy Treat at Home!
This Cherry Cheese Danish is the perfect blend of flaky, creamy, and fruity goodness. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast or a fancy brunch, they’ll disappear fast!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Nutritional Information (per Danish)
Calories: 280
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy these sweet, buttery treats, and share them with your loved ones!
Print
Cherry Cheese Danish
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Description
There’s nothing better than a Cherry Cheese Danish to start your morning or enjoy as an afternoon treat! With a flaky, buttery pastry, sweet cream cheese filling, and juicy cherry topping, this homemade Danish is as delicious as any bakery version. Plus, it’s easy to make using store-bought puff pastry for a hassle-free treat!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Danish
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed – The secret to a light, flaky texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds a creamy, tangy richness.
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- ½ cup cherry pie filling – The star of the show!
- 1 egg, beaten – For an egg wash to give the pastry a golden shine.
- 1 tbsp milk – Helps thin out the egg wash for even brushing.
For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended!)
- ½ cup powdered sugar – The base of a sweet drizzle.
- 1 tbsp milk – To create a smooth glaze.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds a hint of warmth.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry and cut it into four equal rectangles.
- Use a knife to lightly score a ½-inch border around each rectangle (don’t cut all the way through). This helps the edges puff up while baking.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Danish
- Spread a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry, staying inside the scored border.
- Spoon a tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Make the Glaze & Serve
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled Danish for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overload the Filling – Too much filling can spill out while baking.
- Chill Before Baking – If the pastry gets too warm, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for a flakier result.
- Try Different Fillings – Swap cherries for blueberries, raspberries, or apple pie filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: American
