Flaky Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe That’s Simply Heavenly

Crafting the perfect cherry cheese danish requires patience and a dash of culinary magic.

Buttery layers of pastry hide creamy cheese and vibrant fruit inside.

Professional bakers know these delicate pastries demand careful technique.

Delightful aromas will fill your kitchen as golden-brown edges crisp beautifully.

Soft cream cheese mingles with tart cherries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Home cooks can master this elegant breakfast classic with simple ingredients and careful steps.

Slice into this delectable danish and savor every luxurious bite.

FAQs

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

This danish is surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers. The key steps are simple: unroll puff pastry, mix cream cheese filling, add cherries, and fold the corners. Most home cooks can make these with basic kitchen skills.

• What type of cherries work best?

Tart cherry preserves or sweet cherry pie filling both work great. Pre-made pie filling is convenient, while homemade preserves offer a more authentic flavor. Choose based on your preference and what’s available.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the danish up to the point of folding and keep them refrigerated for several hours before baking. This makes them perfect for breakfast or brunch prep. Just brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve.

• Do I need special equipment?

No special equipment is needed. A mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools are sufficient. A hand mixer helps with the cream cheese filling, but you can also mix by hand.

Cherry Cheese Danish Flaky Sweet Sensation

• Swap cherry preserves with other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry, or experiment with different flavor combinations to match your mood and pantry ingredients.
• Perfect for brunch gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or unexpected company, these danishes look professionally made but take minimal effort to prepare.
• Ready in under an hour, this recipe delivers maximum flavor and visual appeal with minimal preparation time, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.

What You Need for Cherry Cheese Danish

• Puff Pastry: A delicate, buttery dough that creates a light and flaky texture for the Danish.

• Cream Cheese: A smooth, rich base that provides creamy texture and tangy flavor to the filling.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the filling.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the filling and adds richness to the cream cheese mixture.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps thicken the cream cheese filling.

• Cherry Preserves or Pie Filling: Adds a fruity, sweet component that complements the creamy filling.
• Egg (for brushing): Creates a golden, shiny finish on the pastry surface.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that adds extra sweetness and decorative touch.

How to Bake Cherry Cheese Danish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Gently unroll the puff pastry and slice it into charming squares or rectangles.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Egg yolk
• Flour

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Build Your Danish Masterpiece

Arrange each pastry square on the prepared baking sheet.

Generously spread the cream cheese mixture right in the center of each square.

Crown the cream cheese with a dollop of cherry preserves or pie filling.

Step 4: Wrap and Seal the Treasure

Gently fold the pastry corners over the luscious filling.

Pinch the edges carefully to create a tight seal.

Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a gorgeous golden glow.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry rises to a beautiful golden color and looks wonderfully puffy.

Step 6: Cool and Dress Up

Let the Danish cool down for a few moments.

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Cheese Danish

• Ensure your puff pastry is cold and straight from the refrigerator to maintain its flaky texture and avoid a wet, dense base.
• Use a light hand when spreading cream cheese and cherry preserves to prevent overflow and maintain clean, neat edges during baking.
• Apply egg wash evenly with a pastry brush, covering the entire exposed pastry surface for a professional, glossy finish.
• Swap cherry preserves with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apricot for diverse flavor profiles and seasonal adaptations.

Storing and Reheating Cherry Cheese Danish

• Store cooled Danish in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together and maintain freshness.
• Place Danish in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll keep well for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm Danish at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and lose its flaky texture.
• If eating within 24 hours, leave Danish uncovered at room temperature to preserve their crisp edges and prevent condensation.

Ideal Pairings for Cherry Cheese Danish

• Pair Creamy Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling that complements the cherry's tartness and matches the Danish's rich, creamy texture.
• Enhance Flavor with Coffee: Brew a medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle chocolate notes that balances the pastry's sweetness and cuts through the cream cheese richness.
• Create Contrast with Sparkling Beverage: Choose a chilled prosecco or sparkling rosé to provide a crisp, effervescent counterpoint to the dense, buttery Danish pastry.
• Elevate with Herbal Tea: Steep a chamomile or lavender tea that offers a delicate, floral undertone which softens the Danish's sweet and tangy profile.

Variations on Cherry Cheese Danish

• Gluten-Free Danish: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours like rice or almond flour.
• Vegan Cherry Cheese Danish: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream cheese, use plant-based egg replacer, and choose dairy-free puff pastry.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free cherry preserves, and reduce overall sweetness.
• Almond Cherry Danish: Add sliced almonds on top of the filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor, using almond extract in the cream cheese mixture for enhanced taste.

Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent cherry cheese danish brings European bakery charm straight to kitchen counters with golden, flaky pastry cradling luscious cream cheese and tangy cherry filling. Sweet and rich layers promise delightful moments you’ll savor with morning coffee or afternoon treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1/3 cup cherry preserves or pie filling

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Gently unroll the puff pastry and slice into symmetrical rectangular or square sections.
3. Create a luxurious cream cheese mixture by blending cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and flour until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Position each pastry section on the prepared baking sheet, leaving adequate spacing between pieces.
5. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry section, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Delicately layer cherry preserves or pie filling atop the cream cheese base, creating an appetizing visual contrast.
7. Artfully fold the pastry corners toward the center, gently pressing and pinching edges to securely encase the filling.
8. Brush the exterior with beaten egg, which will create a lustrous, golden-brown finish during baking.
9. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until pastries transform into puffy, golden delicacies.
10. Remove from oven and allow Danish to cool momentarily, allowing flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.
11. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet presentation before serving.

Notes

• Swap pastry types easily by using homemade or store-bought puff pastry, ensuring consistent flakiness and texture.
• Adjust filling sweetness by modifying sugar levels or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for dietary preferences.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating the baking sheet or using a pizza stone to create a crisp, golden base.
• Experiment with fruit variations like blueberry, raspberry, or apricot preserves to customize flavor profiles and add personal creativity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg