If you’re looking for a delightful, buttery treat that feels fancy but comes together with ease, you’ve got to try this Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe. It perfectly balances flaky puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and bright, tangy cherry pie filling for a breakfast or dessert that will impress everyone at the table. It’s one of those recipes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and once you master it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you crave something special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, straightforward ingredients is your first step to creating a show-stopping pastry. Each one brings its own magic: the puff pastry gives you that golden, flaky crust, the cream cheese adds richness and tang, and the cherry pie filling bursts with vibrant color and sweetness. These familiar items come together effortlessly to create a pastry that tastes like it was made by a seasoned baker.
- 17.3 oz thawed puff pastry: The buttery base that puffs up gorgeously in the oven for a light, flaky pastry.
- 21 oz canned cherry pie filling: Provides sweet, juicy cherries that add vibrant flavor and beautiful color.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy, tangy layer to balance the sweetness and enhance texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering it.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture, elevating the overall flavor.
- 1 large egg: Used for the egg wash that helps create a shiny, golden crust.
- 2 tsp water: Mixed with the egg to thin it for easy brushing on the pastry edges.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For dusting the pastries once baked for a pretty, sweet finish.
- 2 tsp whole milk: Optional addition to the powdered sugar if you want to make a glaze drizzle.
How to Make Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Thaw and Prepare Puff Pastry
Begin by removing the puff pastry from the freezer and letting it thaw at room temperature. This ensures it’s pliable and easy to work with, which is essential for achieving those perfect, flaky layers in your final pastry.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip this together with a hand or stand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will be the rich filling that contrasts beautifully with the bright cherry topping.
Step 3: Prepare Your Workspace and Cut the Pastry
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and proper baking. Lightly flour your workspace and lay out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it out slightly into a 9×11 inch rectangle to even out the thickness. Cut the pastry into six even triangles and repeat with the second sheet for a total of 12 triangles. Don’t forget to gently score a border around each triangle and poke the center with a fork to guide the puffing process.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish Pastries
Place the pastry triangles on the baking sheets, then spoon about two tablespoons of cream cheese filling into the center of each. Top generously with about two tablespoons of the cherry pie filling, creating a delightful little pocket of flavor on each piece.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Pop the assembled pastries into the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This chilling step helps the pastry maintain its shape and puff up beautifully, giving you that classic Danish look with a golden, crisp border.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400℉. Mix one egg with two teaspoons of water and gently brush this egg wash on the edges of each pastry to achieve a glossy, golden finish during baking. Bake until golden brown and puffed, then let them cool slightly before finishing touches.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven and cooled just a bit, dust your danishes with powdered sugar for that picture-perfect look. If you’d like, whisk powdered sugar and milk into a glaze and drizzle it over the top for some extra sweetness and flair. Serve these warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pastries with a sprinkle of sliced almonds or a few fresh cherries on top for a beautiful, textured touch. A drizzle of honey or a light dusting of cinnamon can also add an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Cherry Danish Pastry with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte to complement the sweetness. For brunch, fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait creates a balanced and inviting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the danishes on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant brunch display, or place them on individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint. Wrapping each pastry in parchment and tying with a ribbon also makes a charming gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling fresh so you can enjoy your danishes without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled pastries by placing them on a tray first, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for fresh, puffed pastries anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat stored danishes in a preheated oven at 350℉ for 5-10 minutes to revive their flaky texture and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If using fresh cherries, cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken before assembling your danishes, ensuring you don’t have a watery filling.
Is puff pastry gluten-free?
Traditional puff pastry contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free, but you can find gluten-free puff pastry options at specialty stores or make your own if needed.
Can this recipe be adapted for other fruit fillings?
Yes! Blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie fillings all work wonderfully and can be swapped in depending on your taste or what’s in your pantry.
Why do I need to chill the assembled danishes before baking?
Chilling helps the puff pastry stay firm, which results in a better rise and a more defined border around the filling when baked.
How long do these pastries keep fresh after baking?
They are best enjoyed within two days when stored properly, but if you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.
Final Thoughts
Making the Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe is such a rewarding experience, from the buttery, flaky crust to the creamy and fruity filling. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’ll love how impressively delicious and surprisingly simple it is to create these pastries at home.
Print
Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cherry Danish Pastry recipe is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with ready-to-use puff pastry, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and luscious cherry pie filling, these pastries are simple to assemble and bake to golden perfection. A light egg wash ensures a glossy crust, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. Serve warm or chilled for a deliciously flaky and fruity indulgence.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 17.3 oz thawed puff pastry (1 pack)
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 21 oz canned cherry pie filling (1 can)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp water
Finishing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp whole milk (for optional icing drizzle)
Instructions
- Thaw the Puff Pastry: If the puff pastry is frozen, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature to make it pliable for assembly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside for later use.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, preferably 9×13 inch sheets or larger, to prevent sticking during baking.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lightly dust your workspace with flour. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry and roll it out slightly into a 9×11 inch rectangle. This step is optional if you prefer a smaller pastry size.
- Cut Pastry Triangles: Using the folded lines as a guide, cut the pastry into 6 equal triangles. Repeat this process with the second pastry sheet to create a total of 12 triangles. Score a 1/4-inch border around the edge of each triangle without cutting through, and poke a few holes in the center with a fork to help the border puff up higher than the center during baking.
- Assemble the Pastries: Place the 12 pastry triangles onto the prepared baking sheets. Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture, spreading about 2 tablespoons in the center of each triangle. Then, top each cream cheese portion with approximately 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling.
- Chill the Pastries: Refrigerate the assembled pastries for at least 15 minutes. Chilling helps the pastry layers rise more and creates a puffier and more attractive final product.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking these pastries.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush this wash onto the outer border of each pastry using a pastry brush to give the crust a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Bake the Pastries: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the pastries until they are puffed and golden, typically about 15-20 minutes.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the baked pastries from the oven and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then dust them with powdered sugar and optionally drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and whole milk for extra sweetness.
- Serve: Enjoy the cherry danishes warm or chilled according to your preference.
Notes
- Chilling the assembled pastries before baking is crucial for a puffier and flakier crust.
- You can use other fruit pie fillings instead of cherry for variety.
- If puff pastry is frozen, ensure it is fully thawed to prevent tearing during rolling and cutting.
- For extra sweetness, make a simple icing by mixing powdered sugar with whole milk and drizzle over cooled pastries.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
