Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

These Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes offer a perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry layers with a luscious cream cheese filling and a bright, sweet cherry topping. Using storebought puff pastry simplifies the process while still delivering a bakery quality result. Whether for a special breakfast, a brunch spread, or a simple afternoon treat, these danishes come together quickly and impressively.

I first made these on a lazy Sunday morning and was hooked immediately. Now theyre my goto when I want something impressive but fussfree, and my family always asks for more.

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry, thawed: provides the classic flaky layers but save time by buying readymade choose high quality brands with real butter for best flavor
• Cream cheese, softened: forms the rich and creamy filling room temperature ensures it blends smoothly
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the cream cheese filling to balance the tang
• Vanilla extract: adds a warm fragrant note pure vanilla is best for depth
• Egg: used for the egg wash to give the pastry a golden finish
• Water: thins the egg wash for even application
• Cherry pie filling: delivers that bright, sweet and slightly tart topping look for one with whole cherries for best texture
• Powdered sugar: the base of the glaze that finishes the danishes with a touch of sweetness
• Heavy cream: combined with powdered sugar to create a nicely flowing glaze that isnt too runny or stiff

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Not applicable here

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Open the thawed puff pastry sheets and let them relax if they seem stiff. Cut each sheet into six equal rectangles making twelve pieces in total.

Create the Border:

Score a halfinch border around each rectangle carefully without cutting all the way through. This encourages the edges to puff up while keeping the center flat. Prick the inner pastry area with a fork multiple times to release steam during baking and avoid excessive rising in the filling area.

Arrange the Pastries:

Place the pastry pieces on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them so they can expand while baking.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a bowl combine cream cheese sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla. Beat with a mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy about one to two minutes to ensure no lumps remain.

Assemble the Pastries:

Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto each pastry’s center and spread gently within the scored border. Make sure not to touch the border edges so they keep puffing independently.

Prepare the Egg Wash:

Whisk together the egg and water. Brush this carefully along the scored edges of the pastry to create a glossy golden finish when baked.

Bake the Pastries:

Place the trays in the oven preheated to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit (two hundred Celsius) in the middle rack position. Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes until the pastries are crisp and golden with puffed edges.

Add the Cherry Topping:

Once out of the oven and still warm gently spoon cherry pie filling over the cream cheese center. Avoid pouring over the puffed borders to keep them crisp.

Prepare the Glaze:

Whisk the powdered sugar heavy cream and remaining vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed by adding more cream or powdered sugar until it drizzles nicely without running off the sides.

Drizzle the Glaze:

After the pastries have cooled completely drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag in a playful zigzag pattern. Allow the glaze to set briefly before serving.

My favorite part is that perfect balance between flaky pastry and creamy filling with that pop of tart cherry. This recipe reminds me of weekend mornings spent baking with my family filling the kitchen with buttery warmth and the scent of vanilla.

Storage Tips

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container on the counter for a day or two. To keep the pastry crisp avoid refrigeration as it tends to make puff pastry soggy. You can refresh them in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving to regain the crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream cheese can be swapped for mascarpone for a richer slightly sweeter filling. Cherry pie filling may be replaced with fresh cherries cooked down slightly with sugar if you prefer a less processed topping. If you cannot find puff pastry you might experiment with homemade pastry but expect a more involved process.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these danishes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a cozy brunch vibe. They also pair well with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if enjoying as a dessert.

Allow the glaze to set briefly before serving and enjoy warm or at room temperature. They make a lovely addition to any brunch or afternoon treat.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of pastry is best for these danishes?

Using store-bought frozen puff pastry makes preparation easy and ensures flaky, buttery layers.

→ How should the cream cheese filling be prepared?

Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy for a perfect filling texture.

→ Can fresh cherries be used instead of canned pie filling?

Fresh cherries can be used if cooked down with sugar to create a thick topping, offering a natural cherry flavor.

→ How do you prevent the pastry from puffing unevenly?

Score a ½-inch border around each pastry rectangle and prick the center with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

→ What is the purpose of the egg wash?

Brushing the edges with egg wash creates a golden brown, shiny finish that enhances the pastry's appearance and texture.

→ How is the glaze made for these danishes?

The glaze is made by whisking powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable, then drizzled over cooled pastries.