There’s a certain joy that comes from pulling a warm batch of Cherry Cheese Danishes from the oven. The sweet, buttery scent fills the kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around. I remember one rainy Saturday morning when I decided to experiment with a box of puff pastry I found hiding in the freezer. With cream cheese and a jar of tart cherry filling on hand, I crafted these delightful pastries that now hold a special place in our brunch repertoire.
The beauty of this Cherry Cheese Danish recipe lies in its simplicity—perfect for those who crave homemade goodness without the fuss. Each bite reveals the flaky layers of pastry, lovingly enveloping a creamy cheese filling and a pop of juicy cherries. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a weekend gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, these danishes are the answer. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this easy, yet indulgent recipe that will leave your taste buds singing!
Why is this Cherry Cheese Danish a must-try?
Irresistible flavor combination: The marriage of cream cheese and tart cherry filling creates an explosion of taste that is both sweet and tangy.
Quick to make: With store-bought puff pastry, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch invites.
Versatile options: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits, like blueberries or peaches, to keep it exciting and suit your taste.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether at a festive gathering or a cozy family breakfast, these danishes will be a hit and have everyone coming back for seconds.
Heavenly aroma: The delightful smell wafting from your oven will draw everyone in, turning any meal into a celebratory occasion.
Cherry Cheese Danish Ingredients
• The perfect balance of flavors awaits!
For the Pastry
- Puff Pastry – Use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a fresh touch.
For the Filling
- Cream Cheese – A rich base that gives the danish its creamy texture; mascarpone is a delightful alternative.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cheese mixture; feel free to adjust to your taste preference.
- Vanilla Extract – Amplifies the flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
For the Topping
- Cherry Pie Filling – Adds an irresistible sweetness and tartness; blueberries or peaches can be swapped for a different twist.
- Egg – Creates a beautiful golden egg wash for the pastry edges, enhancing that perfect finish.
How to Make Cherry Cheese Danish
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a perfect baking environment for your danishes. The right temperature promotes that golden-brown finish we all crave.
-
Prepare Dough: Thaw the puff pastry, then roll it out gently on a floured surface, ensuring it’s well-floured to prevent sticking. You want it thin enough to create layers but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
-
Cut Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled pastry into four 4×4-inch squares, ensuring even sizes for a uniform bake. Each square will cradle its delicious filling, so take your time!
-
Mix Filling: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. This creamy mixture should be delightful and spreadable—just don’t taste it all before filling!
-
Fill Pastry: Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture at the center of each pastry square. Carefully top with cherry pie filling, making sure to leave some space around the edges for folding.
-
Shape Danishes: Fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling to create a lovely shape, pinching gently but firmly to ensure they seal well. You want these danishes to stay closed while baking!
-
Brush & Bake: Brush the tops of your pastries with egg wash for that irresistible shine, then transfer them to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they puff up and develop a golden brown hue.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Cherry Cheese Danish
Room Temperature: Store leftover Cherry Cheese Danishes in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the flakiness.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing them for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat danishes in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they are warm and crispy once more.
Make Ahead Options
You can easily prepare these Cherry Cheese Danishes ahead of time, making breakfast a breeze on busy mornings! To start, assemble the danishes up to 24 hours in advance by following the steps to the filling and shaping, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This way, they stay fresh, and the pastry remains flaky! When you’re ready to enjoy them, preheat your oven and simply brush the danishes with egg wash before baking as directed. This method ensures you have delicious, warm danishes ready to impress with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for the Best Cherry Cheese Danish
-
Chill the Dough: Keep your puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to roll it out. This ensures maximum flakiness and prevents the dough from becoming too soft.
-
Avoid Overfilling: Less is more! Use just the right amount of filling to prevent spillage during baking and keep those danishes beautifully shaped.
-
Seal Well: Ensure you pinch the seams of the pastry firmly. This step is crucial for keeping the filling secure while the Cherry Cheese Danish bakes to perfection.
-
Use Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality cream cheese and pure vanilla extract. The flavor difference can elevate your danishes from good to unforgettable.
-
Rotate Baking Sheet: For an even bake, consider rotating your baking sheet halfway through. This helps achieve a consistent golden color on all pastries.
What to Serve with Cherry Cheese Danish?
Indulging in fresh Cherry Cheese Danishes can inspire a delightful brunch spread that awakens the senses. Imagine the joyful chatter and delicious aromas filling the air as you serve these treats!
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the danish, balancing sweetness with zesty flavors.
-
Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of crispy bacon provides a savory counterpoint to the sweet, creamy danish, creating a harmonious breakfast experience.
-
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or fragrant tea enhances the flavors of the danish, making for a cozy and comforting morning routine.
-
Yogurt Parfait: Pair with a yogurt parfait layered with granola and berries for a nutritious option that keeps the brunch theme bright and lively.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve your danishes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert twist that’s sure to impress!
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling a bit of melted dark chocolate over the danish adds a luxurious finish, elevating them to a special occasion treat.
By combining these delightful options, you’ll create a brunch table that’s not just a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes and soul!
Cherry Cheese Danish Variations
Feel free to play around with this delicious recipe and make it your own.
-
Berries Galore: Swap cherry pie filling with your favorite berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry twist. The vibrant colors add extra appeal!
-
Peach Paradise: Replace cherries with fresh or canned peaches, giving your danish a sweet, summery vibe that’s perfect for warm mornings.
-
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese filling to elevate the flavor profile, creating a comforting warmth.
-
Nutty Crisp: Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans into the cheese filling for a delightful crunch that complements the creaminess.
-
Chocolate Bliss: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving for a decadent touch that will make any chocolate lover swoon.
-
Lemon Zest: Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cheese filling for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens each bite.
-
Almond Cream Variation: Substitute the cream cheese with almond cream for a nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet fruit topping.
-
Savory Style: Experiment with a savory filling by swapping in goat cheese and herbs for a unique brunch option that will surprise your guests!
Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe FAQs
What type of puff pastry should I use?
You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, which is often perfect for a quick treat! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade puff pastry will offer a fresh touch and be flakier, but it requires more time and effort.
How should I store leftover Cherry Cheese Danishes?
For room temperature storage, place the danishes in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just remember to reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that lovely flakiness.
Can I freeze my Cherry Cheese Danishes?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect them from freezer burn. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until they’re beautifully warm.
What if my filling spills out while baking?
No worries! To prevent spillage, ensure you don’t overfill the pastry. A spoonful of cream cheese filling and a dollop of cherry pie filling should do the trick. Additionally, pinch the seams of the pastry firmly to secure them before baking.
Is this Cherry Cheese Danish suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor. For those with gluten sensitivities, consider using gluten-free puff pastry, widely available nowadays. If you’re watching your sugar intake, opt for sugar substitutes in the filling based on your needs.
How can I tell when my danishes are perfectly baked?
Look for a beautiful golden-brown color on the pastry and a puffed-up appearance. They should have a delightful aroma filling your kitchen! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach that irresistible look. If you’re unsure, a quick peek can help—just don’t open the oven door too often, as that can affect the baking process.
Decadent Cherry Cheese Danish That'll Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a perfect baking environment for your danishes.
- Thaw the puff pastry, then roll it out gently on a floured surface.
- Cut the rolled pastry into four 4×4-inch squares.
- In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture at the center of each pastry square, then top with cherry pie filling.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling and pinch to seal.
- Brush the tops of your pastries with egg wash, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
