Cherry Cheese Danish brings to life a delightful treat that exudes sweetness and comfort in every bite. This delicious pastry combines a flaky, golden crust with a creamy filling and tart cherry topping that’s sure to bring back fond memories of cozy mornings. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee or sharing it at a family gathering, this cherry cheese danish recipe is a perfect choice. With a step-by-step guide laid out for you, it’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Cherry Cheese Danish not only for its delightful flavors but also for its simplicity. This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses only a few ingredients—making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or last-minute dessert needs. The gooey, creamy filling coupled with the crisp pastry is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
You’ll need a few simple yet indulgent ingredients to whip up this Cherry Cheese Danish. Start with a sheet of puff pastry, whether store-bought or homemade, which brings that airy, flaky texture we love. The creamy filling consists of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream — this combination offers a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavors wonderfully. Of course, the star of the show is the cherry pie filling, bursting with juicy, tart cherries. To add that final touch, you’ll need an egg for an egg wash and a splash of milk to create a golden sheen on the pastry.
Step-by-Step Directions
To start, preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet until it’s nice and smooth, then cut it into squares or rectangles. To form a delightful border, score a line about 1/2 inch from the edges of each cut piece.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream until the mixture is velvety and smooth. Spoon a generous amount of this cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, then crown it with a dollop of cherry pie filling for that signature tartness.
Next, brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash (beaten egg combined with a little milk) to give your pastry a gloriously golden color in the oven. Place the prepared pastries in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until they are beautifully golden and crispy. Finally, allow them to cool slightly before serving warm and enjoying the delightful mix of flavors.
Tips & Tricks
For an added depth of flavor, consider mixing a pinch of almond extract into the cream cheese filling. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest to enhance the tartness of the cherry pie filling. If you want to make these Cherry Cheese Danishes ahead of time, prepare the filling and assemble the pastries, then refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. This will not only save you time but also allow the flavors to meld wonderfully.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Cherry Cheese Danishes are best served warm, ideally with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They make great additions to a brunch spread, pairing beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a light salad. Consider serving them alongside other pastries or desserts for a sweet table, perfect for special occasions like baby showers, holiday gatherings, or birthday celebrations.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cherry Cheese Danish usually contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the pastries you cut. They are a delicious treat, but moderation is key as they are rich in sugars and fats from the cream cheese and pastry. Balance your diet by enjoying these pastries occasionally and complementing them with fresh fruit or other healthier options.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your leftover Cherry Cheese Danishes, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you may consider freezing the unbaked pastries. Assemble them without the egg wash, freeze, and then bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For variations, try other fruit fillings such as blueberry or apple, or even mix in some chocolate chips for a sweeter twist!
Conclusion
Cherry Cheese Danish is an irresistible treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Its combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fruity topping makes it a delightful addition to any meal or occasion. I encourage you to try making this recipe and experiment with your own variations. Once you’ve tasted the deliciousness that emerges from your oven, don’t forget to share your experience!
FAQs
Can I make these Cherry Cheese Danishes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pastries and then refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give you that fresh, flaky texture that many love.What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will maintain the creaminess of the filling.How do I ensure the pastries don’t get soggy?
Make sure the cherry pie filling is not overly wet. You can also bake the pastries directly from the freezer if they were stored prior.What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with various fruit fillings like raspberry or blueberry, or even make a chocolate version using chocolate pudding or Nutella!
Cherry Cheese Danish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Cheese Danish features a flaky pastry filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with tart cherry filling, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface and cut it into squares or rectangles.
- Score a line about 1/2 inch from the edges of each cut piece to form a border.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Spoon the creamy filling into the center of each pastry square and top with cherry pie filling.
- Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash made of beaten egg and milk.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Consider adding almond extract to the filling or lemon zest for extra flavor. Refrigerate assembled pastries before baking for ease.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
