If you adore a recipe that looks like it came straight from a bakery window but takes just minutes in your own kitchen, this Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is about to become your newest obsession. Imagine buttery, flaky puff pastry topped with a luscious cream cheese layer and glistening sweet cherries—each bite delivers the perfect mix of tart, creamy, and crisp. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or a special weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to delight. The best part? You don’t need any fancy skills, just a little bit of time and a love for decadent pastries!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Cherry Cream Cheese Danish, each ingredient is carefully chosen to create that irresistible flavor and texture. The short but mighty ingredient list brings together creamy, fruity, and flaky notes—every item plays a star role in your baking symphony!
- Puff Pastry Sheet (thawed): This is your shortcut to that golden, bakery-style Danish texture, with all the flaky layers you crave.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Classic for the custardy, tangy richness tucked beneath the fruit.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling just enough to balance the cherries and pastry.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, fragrant undertones that tie the filling together.
- Almond Extract (optional): Just a splash can transport your tastebuds straight to a European pastry shop—use it if you like a little extra depth!
- Cherry Pie Filling: Convenient and delicious, giving you that signature ruby-red topping with plenty of luscious fruit.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on the edges, it encourages that irresistible golden shine.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting or icing drizzle, optional): A sweet finish that also adds a touch of elegance and that classic bakery look.
How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s good and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking. Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, then cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Scoring a border about half an inch from the edge of each rectangle (without cutting all the way through) gives that classic Danish look with puffed, golden edges and a lovely “well” for the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Mix until smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed. This filling will turn your pastry luxurious and decadent, with fragrant vanilla and subtle almond notes elevating every bite of Cherry Cream Cheese Danish.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry rectangle, taking care to keep it within the scored border. Then, dollop a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer—don’t be shy, a little extra cherry never hurt anyone! Brushing the edges with the beaten egg will guarantee gleaming, golden-brown perfection once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the assembled pastries on your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 16–20 minutes. You’ll know your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is ready when the pastry is puffed up and gloriously golden, the aroma is irresistible, and the filling is gently set. Let them cool slightly—it’s hard to wait, but the flavor is even better once they’ve rested for a few minutes.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once cooled just enough to handle, dust your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish with a snowy layer of powdered sugar or drizzle over a quick icing made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk. This takes them from simply homemade to truly bakery-worthy, and adds a little extra sweetness that makes every bite swoon-worthy.
How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
Garnishes
The beauty of the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is just how effortlessly it can be dressed up. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always classic, but you can also add a drizzle of vanilla icing, a sprinkle of sliced almonds, or even a few fresh cherries for a burst of color and texture. If you’re feeling fancy, a little grated lemon zest on top is a lovely, bright twist!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish with fresh fruit for a light breakfast spread, or offer alongside a creamy yogurt parfait for contrast. For something a little more decadent, serve with hot coffee or a sweet chai latte—perfect for a leisurely brunch at home.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, arrange your danishes on a cake stand or tiered platter and scatter edible flowers or mint leaves around for a wow-worthy centerpiece. For a fun twist, cut the pastries into bite-sized pieces and stack as a pretty, shareable dessert board with extra fruit, chocolates, or nuts for snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extras (which is rare, honestly!), store your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for up to three days, and you’ll love snagging one for a quick treat or breakfast on the go!
Freezing
To freeze, simply wrap cooled danishes individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last about a month. When you need a last-minute sweet fix, just thaw at room temperature or reheat straight from the freezer for a pastry that tastes freshly baked.
Reheating
For best results, reheat thawed danishes in a 350°F oven for about five minutes—this brings back the crispiness and warms the filling. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make the pastry soggy. If you must, just use a very short burst!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cherry filling is delicious and customizable—just make sure it’s thick and cool before using so it doesn’t run off the pastry or make it soggy.
Can I make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the danishes a few hours ahead and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving. Freshly baked is always best, but making ahead can save you precious morning minutes.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! The pastry will still be wonderful with just vanilla extract. The almond adds a subtle extra note, but it’s totally optional—don’t let it stop you from cravings satisfied.
Can I use other fruit fillings?
Definitely! Blueberry, raspberry, apple, or even apricot pie fillings work beautifully in place of cherry, so feel free to mix things up depending on what you have or what you love.
Why is my puff pastry not rising?
Usually, the culprit is thawing too long or letting the dough get too warm before baking. Puff pastry needs to be cold to rise and flake properly, so work quickly and chill again if it starts to feel soft.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Cherry Cream Cheese Danish recipe for yourself—it’s such a happy, inviting treat that’s perfect for every occasion (or no occasion at all!). With just a few ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a pastry that tastes—and looks—like it came from your favorite bakery. Share them with friends, family, or just savor with a cup of coffee all to yourself. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why this recipe is a keeper.
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of cherry and cream cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry with this easy-to-make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish recipe. Perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a delicious snack!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Cherry Filling:
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg (beaten)
Optional:
- powdered sugar for dusting or icing drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Score a border about 1/2 inch from the edge of each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry, spreading it within the scored border. Top each with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Bake: Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Finish: Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with icing if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use different fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for variety.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
