Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mini cherry cheese danishes! They’re like little bites of heaven that are super easy to whip up. Just imagine flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy and sweet cream cheese mixture, topped with luscious cherry pie filling. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a delightful dessert! Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Plus, they bake up in just 20 minutes, so you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven in no time. You’re going to love them!
Ingredients List
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed): You can find this in the freezer section. Just make sure to let it thaw according to the package instructions before you start rolling it out!
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): I like to take this out of the fridge about 30 minutes before using it. That way, it mixes up beautifully and becomes super creamy!
- 1/4 cup sugar: This adds just the right sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: This little splash of flavor makes all the difference! It really enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling: You can use store-bought or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous! It’ll give your danishes that lovely fruity topping.
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash): This gives your pastries that gorgeous golden color when they bake. Just whisk it up before brushing it on!
How to Prepare Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Prepping the Pastry
Alright, let’s get started with the puff pastry! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when our danishes are ready to bake. Then, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection here; just try to get it even! Next, cut the pastry into squares—about 3 to 4 inches each works perfectly. You’ll get about 12 squares, which is just enough to satisfy your cravings!
Making the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that delicious filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy spatula works just as well. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy—trust me, that’s the secret to perfectly sweet danishes! You want to make sure there are no lumps, so keep mixing until it’s velvety smooth. This is where the magic begins!
Assembling the Danishes
Time to put it all together! Grab your pastry squares and place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture right in the center of each one. Then, top that with a spoonful of cherry pie filling—don’t be shy! Next, fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, creating a little pocket for all that yummy goodness. They don’t have to be perfect; a rustic look adds charm. Once they’re all folded, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking Process
Now, before we pop those beauties in the oven, brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them that gorgeous golden color we all love! Bake the danishes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. When they’re ready, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy every flaky, creamy, cherry-filled bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can have these delicious mini danishes ready in just 35 minutes!
- Delightful flavor: The combination of creamy cheese and sweet cherry filling is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a festive brunch, or a sweet treat after dinner, these danishes fit right in.
- Impressive presentation: They look so elegant and fancy, but they’re super easy to make—your friends and family will be amazed!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap the cherry filling for your favorite fruit or jam for a personal twist.
- Kid-friendly: These pastries are always a hit with kids, making them a great addition to any family gathering.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble them right before baking for quick access to fresh pastries.
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s ensure your mini cherry cheese danishes turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you avoid any kitchen mishaps:
- Keep the puff pastry cold: Make sure your puff pastry is well-chilled before rolling it out. If it gets too warm, it won’t puff up as beautifully. If you notice it getting soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the cream cheese and cherry filling, but trust me, a spoonful is just right! Overfilling can cause them to burst open while baking, and we want those delicious pockets intact!
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your danishes as they bake. You want them to be golden brown and puffed up, but not burnt. If they’re browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to switch up the filling! Try blueberry or raspberry pie filling, or even a mix of fruits for a fun twist. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for a little extra flavor kick.
- Let them cool: I know it’s hard to resist the smell, but letting them cool for a few minutes before serving really helps the filling set a bit and makes them easier to handle.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful mini cherry cheese danishes that everyone will love! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional facts for these mini cherry cheese danishes! Each danish is a delightful treat, and here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. If you swap out the cherry filling or use a different type of cream cheese, the nutrition will change a bit. But hey, it’s all about enjoying these delicious pastries in moderation, right? So go ahead, treat yourself to these scrumptious bites and savor every moment!
FAQ Section
Can I use different fruit fillings for the mini cherry cheese danishes?
Absolutely! While cherry filling is delicious, you can easily swap it out for blueberry, raspberry, or even peach pie filling. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the danishes. This makes the process even quicker when you’re ready to bake!
How do I store leftover mini cherry cheese danishes?
To keep them fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 2-3 days, but trust me, they usually don’t last that long because they’re so addictive!
Can I freeze mini cherry cheese danishes?
Yes, you can! If you want to prep ahead, freeze them before baking. Just assemble the danishes, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my puff pastry is too soft to work with?
No worries! If your puff pastry starts to get too soft while you’re working with it, just pop it back in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. Chilled pastry is much easier to handle, and it puffs up better in the oven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those delightful mini cherry cheese danishes fresh and tasty! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you store them, so they don’t get soggy!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the danishes on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and that flaky texture is back! If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit chewy.
For the ultimate indulgence, consider serving them warm with a drizzle of icing or a dollop of whipped cream. Trust me, it’s a game changer! Enjoy your mini cherry cheese danishes fresh, and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes: 5 Easy Steps to Blissful Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini cherry cheese danishes are delightful pastries filled with cream cheese and cherry topping.
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares toward the center.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries for a different flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mini cherry cheese danishes
