Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible Cherry Cream Cheese Danish! Imagine flaky, golden layers of puff pastry filled with a dreamy, sweet-tangy cream cheese center and topped with glossy cherries. Every bite offers the perfect balance of richness, fruitiness, and just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you need an easy standout for brunch, a cozy afternoon treat, or something special for family gatherings, this recipe delivers both stunning looks and unbeatable flavor. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that’ll have everyone thinking you stopped by the local bakery, not whipped it up at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of basic ingredients come together to create a bakery-worthy treat. Each component brings something essential, making the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish truly shine in taste, texture, and that classic pastry look.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): Delivers those signature flaky layers that make each bite perfectly crisp and airy.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a luxuriously creamy and tangy filling that melts into the pastry.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese just enough, letting the cherry flavor sing.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the filling beautifully.
- Almond extract (optional): Gives an extra depth of flavor with a hint of nuttiness—totally worth it if you love that classic bakery taste.
- Cherry pie filling: Juicy, vibrant cherries add gorgeous color and that signature fruity punch.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on the pastry edges for a glossy, golden finish.
- Powdered sugar for dusting or icing drizzle (optional): Adds a finishing touch of sweetness that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep work sets you up for perfect, even baking and makes cleanup breezy. That parchment also keeps the danish from sticking and helps achieve that beautifully crisp bottom!
Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into six equal rectangles. Here’s a professional touch: score a 1/2-inch border around each rectangle, being careful not to slice all the way through. This scoring method encourages the edges to puff up, creating a little well for the creamy filling and juicy cherries.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Stir with a spoon or hand mixer until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. This simple filling is the heart of a great Cherry Cream Cheese Danish, offering a sweet and tangy contrast to the flaky pastry.
Step 4: Fill the Pastry
Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each scored pastry rectangle. Spread it gently, keeping inside the border—this little restraint means the filling stays put while baking. Next, add a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese. Try to get some whole cherries in each portion for bursts of juicy texture.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash
Take your beaten egg and brush it along the outer borders of each pastry. This step is more than cosmetic—the egg wash gives your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish that signature glossy, golden finish as it bakes. It really makes the whole thing look straight out of a pastry shop!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed, crisp, and deliciously golden brown around the edges. The cream cheese should be set, and you’ll see hints of bubbling cherry peeking through. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers—but these are at their best when still slightly warm.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
Once the danishes are cool enough to handle, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle a quick icing over the top for an extra bakery-style flourish. If you’re in a festive mood, feel free to add both! These finishing touches make the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish even more inviting.
How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
Garnishes
A light snowfall of powdered sugar is classic, but don’t stop there! You can add a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze or sprinkle a few toasted sliced almonds for crunch and elegance. Fresh cherries or a couple of mint leaves on each danish make them extra photogenic for brunch spreads and celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish with a steaming mug of coffee or a chilled glass of milk for the coziest breakfast. For a brunch buffet, surround them with fresh fruit salad, savory eggs, or even a crisp green salad to balance out the sweetness. These pastries also work beautifully with mimosas or cold-brew coffee for a more festive meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to dazzle, stack the danishes artfully on a cake stand or serve individually on vintage plates for an elegant touch. Turn them into a dessert platter by arranging with chocolate truffles and fresh berries. For parties, cut each Cherry Cream Cheese Danish into halves or quarters for easy, shareable finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days. The pastry stays freshest when stored uncovered the first day, then covered to prevent drying out.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? You can freeze baked danishes once they’re completely cool—simply wrap individually in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked flakiness, pop your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish in a 325°F oven or toaster oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps crisp the pastry and warms the filling without making it soggy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven is your best bet for bakery-quality results.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling is a delicious alternative and lets you adjust the sweetness or use fresh, in-season cherries. Just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t run off the pastry during baking.
Can I make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish with other fruit?
Definitely! Try this recipe with blueberry, apple, raspberry, or even peach filling. The method remains the same, and you can customize the flavor to suit your mood or what’s in your pantry.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! Almond extract is optional and just adds a subtle nutty note. Your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish will still taste fantastic with only vanilla extract in the filling.
Can I make these in advance?
You can assemble the danishes ahead of time and refrigerate them (covered) for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best results. Fully baked pastries can also be reheated as detailed above.
Do I have to use puff pastry dough?
Puff pastry creates that signature buttery, flaky texture, but you can experiment with crescent roll dough if you prefer a softer, breadier base. Just note that baking times may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about homemade Cherry Cream Cheese Danish—simple ingredients, stunning results, and a taste that rivals any bakery. Don’t be surprised if these become your go-to for cozy mornings or impressive brunches! Give them a try, share them with loved ones, and get ready for lots of “How did you make these?” moments.
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of cherry and cream cheese with this easy-to-make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish. A perfect treat for breakfast or brunch!
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)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- powdered sugar for dusting or icing drizzle (optional)
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.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Spoon the mixture onto each pastry, top with cherry pie filling.
- Bake: Brush the edges with egg wash and bake for 16–20 minutes until golden.
- Finish: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Experiment with 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.
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