Oh, let me tell you about the magic of a cherry cheese danish! There’s just something so delightful about that flaky, buttery pastry paired with the creamy, sweet filling and vibrant cherries. It’s a perfect combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I had one at a charming little café, and I was completely hooked! The way the cream cheese melds with the cherry filling is pure bliss. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll be the star of brunch or any family gathering. Seriously, you won’t want to share these little treasures!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best cherry cheese danish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed) – This will be the flaky base of your danish. Make sure to let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for the best results.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – Use full-fat cream cheese for that rich, creamy filling. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften it perfectly.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cream cheese. If you want it even sweeter, feel free to adjust the amount a little!
- 1 cup cherry pie filling – You can use store-bought for convenience, but fresh cherries cooked down with a little sugar and cornstarch would elevate this pastry even more.
- 1 egg (beaten) – This will give your pastries that beautiful golden glaze when they bake. Just whisk it up in a small bowl.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cream cheese filling. Trust me, it makes a difference!
There you have it! Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating something truly special. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Cherry Cheese Danish
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this cherry cheese danish to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll have these delicious pastries baking away in no time.
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure your danishes bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Roll out the puff pastry: On a floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick, which will give you those beautiful layers.
- Cut into squares: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the rolled pastry into squares, about 4×4 inches each. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; a little rustic charm is always fun!
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth—this creamy mixture is the heart of your danish!
- Assemble the pastries: Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Then, top it with a spoonful of cherry pie filling. You can adjust the amount based on how fruity you like them!
- Fold and seal: Carefully fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a little pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal them well—this keeps all that delicious filling inside!
- Brush with egg: Take your beaten egg and brush it over the tops of your assembled danishes. This will give them that lovely golden color as they bake. Just a light coat is all you need!
- Bake: Place the danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. The smell will be heavenly!
- Cool before serving: Once they’re out of the oven, let the danishes cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. They’re best enjoyed warm but give them a moment to set before diving in.
And there you have it! Your cherry cheese danish is ready to impress. Just picture serving these beauties at brunch or as a tasty treat during the day. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these delicious pastries in no time!
- Easy Steps: The straightforward assembly process means even beginner bakers can feel like pros when making this cherry cheese danish.
- Delightful Flavors: The combination of creamy cheese and sweet cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. You’ll be craving more!
- Versatile Serving: These danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack throughout the day. They’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
- Impressive Presentation: With their golden, flaky crust and vibrant filling, these pastries are sure to wow your friends and family.
Tips for Success
To make sure your cherry cheese danish turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips to share! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Don’t skip the thawing: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling it out. If it’s still a bit frozen, it can crack or be difficult to work with. Give it plenty of time in the fridge!
- Keep everything cold: When handling the pastry, keep it cold to ensure it puffs up beautifully in the oven. If it starts to warm up, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
- Seal the edges well: Make sure to pinch the edges of your danishes firmly to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking. This keeps all that delicious cream cheese and cherry goodness inside!
- Experiment with fillings: While cherry pie filling is fantastic, feel free to try different fruits! Blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of fruits can add a fun twist to your danish.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your danishes as they bake. They should be golden brown and puffed up, so don’t be afraid to pull them out a minute early if they look just right!
- Serve warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve your danishes warm right out of the oven. They’re truly a treat when they’re fresh and toasty!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful cherry cheese danish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about my cherry cheese danish recipe is how easy it is to switch things up! Here are some fun variations you can try to keep things exciting:
- Different Fruit Fillings: While cherry pie filling is a classic, you can use any fruit you love! Try blueberry, raspberry, or even peach for a sweet twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if your fruit is tart!
- Spiced Cream Cheese: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, cozy flavor. You can also mix in some lemon or orange zest for a burst of citrusy brightness!
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the cream cheese filling for added texture. It gives a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the baked danishes. This rich addition will elevate your danish to a whole new level of indulgence!
- Savory Option: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the cherry filling for sautéed spinach and feta. It’s a delicious savory danish that works great as an appetizer or brunch dish!
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! The possibilities are endless, and you’ll have so much fun experimenting with different flavors. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these delightful cherry cheese danishes and have some leftovers? No worries! Storing them properly is key to keeping that flaky goodness intact.
To store, simply let your danishes cool completely at room temperature first. Once they’re cooled, place them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy or stale. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed fresh!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the danishes! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Now, for reheating, the best way to bring back that glorious flaky texture is to pop them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the danishes on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. You can also use an air fryer if you have one—just a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) will do the trick!
Microwaving is an option too, but it tends to make them a bit soggy, so I’d recommend it as a last resort. If you do go that route, just warm them for about 20-30 seconds at a time, checking to avoid overheating.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last crumb of your cherry cheese danish! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, if you’re wondering about the nutritional values of your delightful cherry cheese danish, here’s what you can expect! Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These pastries are a delicious treat, and while they may not be the healthiest option, they’re perfect for an occasional indulgence. Enjoy every bite, and remember that balance is key in any diet! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Using fresh cherries cooked down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch can elevate your cherry cheese danish to new heights. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness to your liking!
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry on hand, you can try using crescent roll dough or even phyllo dough. They’ll give you a different texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
How do I know when my danishes are done baking?
Keep an eye on them as they bake! They should be puffed up and golden brown. If they’re starting to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the danishes a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This makes for an easy breakfast or brunch treat!
What’s the best way to enjoy these danishes?
I recommend enjoying them warm right out of the oven for the best flavor and texture! You can also sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top or drizzle with icing for a sweet touch.
Call to Action
I can’t wait for you to try making this cherry cheese danish! Once you do, please come back and let me know how it turned out for you. Did it become a new favorite? I’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, and any twists you added to the recipe! And if you enjoyed this delightful pastry, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media. Let’s spread the joy of baking together! Happy baking, and I hope your kitchen is filled with the sweet aroma of cherries and cream cheese soon!
Print
Cherry Cheese Danish: 5 Irresistible Ways to Indulge
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet pastry filled with cream cheese and cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Cut into squares.
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture on each square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top.
- Fold corners of the pastry over the filling.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for a homemade filling.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cherry cheese danish, pastry, dessert
