Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite pastry—the cherry cheese danish! Every time I bite into one, it’s like a little piece of heaven. The flaky, buttery puff pastry combined with that creamy, sweet cream cheese filling and the burst of tart cherry flavor makes my taste buds dance! I remember the first time I made these beauties; I was trying to impress some friends and, boy, did they love them! The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and seeing their faces light up as they took their first bites was priceless. Trust me, you’ll want to whip these up for breakfast, dessert, or just because! They’re so easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
- 1 package puff pastry: Look for the frozen kind in your grocery store. It usually comes rolled up and ready to go—just thaw it before using!
- 8 oz cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This sweetener adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract if you can; it really enhances the flavor of the filling.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling: You can use store-bought cherry pie filling for ease or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 egg (for egg wash): This will give your danishes that beautiful golden color when baked. Just whisk it up before brushing!
How to Prepare Cherry Cheese Danish
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making your cherry cheese danish! I promise, it’s easier than it looks, and you’ll be so proud of the deliciousness you’re creating!
Prepping the Pastry
First, you’ll want to roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface. It’s important to keep it even, so try to roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness. This will help ensure that your danishes bake up nicely without being too doughy. Once you’ve got it rolled out, cut the pastry into squares—about 4×4 inches works perfectly. Don’t stress if they’re not perfectly shaped; rustic is charming!
Making the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. I like to use a hand mixer for this—just mix it until it’s completely smooth. You want that luscious consistency that’ll spread easily on your pastry squares. Trust me, taking the time to get it smooth will make your danishes extra special!
Assembling the Danish
Time to get assembling! Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Then, add a spoonful of cherry pie filling right on top. Now, fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, creating a little pocket. Make sure to pinch the corners together well to seal them; you don’t want any filling escaping during baking! Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden color.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange your assembled danishes on the sheet, giving them a little space to puff up. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen starts smelling like a bakery and the tops are all crispy and inviting. Ooh, I can almost taste them already!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This cherry cheese danish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute treat for breakfast or dessert!
- Delightful Flavors: The combination of creamy cheese, sweet powdered sugar, and tart cherry pie filling creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
- Versatile Filling Options: Don’t feel limited to cherries! You can swap in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate for a fun twist.
- Impressive Presentation: These danishes look fancy enough to impress guests, but they’re easy enough for a cozy night in.
- Perfectly Flaky Pastry: The puff pastry bakes up light and flaky, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these sweet treats! It’s a fun recipe to make together, and they’ll enjoy helping with the filling.
- Great for Meal Prep: Bake a batch and store them for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Tips for Success
Want to take your cherry cheese danish to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips that have helped me perfect this recipe!
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This makes it so much easier to achieve that silky-smooth texture that’ll spread like a dream on your pastry.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up on the cream cheese and cherry filling because they’re so delicious, but trust me—less is more here! Overfilling can cause the danishes to burst open while baking, so stick to a generous spoonful instead.
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry works best when it’s cold, so if it starts to get too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. This helps maintain that flaky texture we all love!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also helps prevent the danishes from sticking. Nobody wants a beautiful danish ruined by being stuck to the pan!
- Brush with Egg Wash: Don’t skip the egg wash! This simple step will give your danishes that gorgeous golden color and a lovely sheen, making them look as good as they taste.
- Let Them Cool: After baking, let your danishes cool for a few minutes before devouring. This allows the filling to set a bit and makes them easier to handle.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating the most scrumptious cherry cheese danishes that will wow anyone who tries them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious cherry cheese danish, you might find yourself with a few leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them so they stay fresh and tasty.
- Storing: Make sure the danishes are completely cooled before storing. Place them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them!
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label them, so you know what you’ve got!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen danishes, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm, flaky treat, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will heat them through and help restore that delightful flaky texture.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your cherry cheese danishes at any time, ensuring they taste just as good as when they were freshly baked!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s packed into each scrumptious cherry cheese danish? Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
This charming little pastry is a delightful treat, perfect for indulging every now and then. Enjoy every bite, and remember, it’s all about balance in life!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry is my favorite, you can substitute it with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even peach. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed, depending on the fruit you choose!
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I often prepare the filling and assemble the danishes the night before. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How do I adjust baking times for different ovens?
Every oven is a bit different, so it’s good to keep an eye on your danishes as they bake. If you know your oven runs hot, you might want to check them a few minutes earlier. They’re done when they’re golden brown and puffed up beautifully!
What if my puff pastry gets too warm to work with?
No worries at all! If your puff pastry starts to feel too soft while you’re working, just pop it back in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. Keeping it cold will help you achieve that lovely flaky texture we all love!
Can I freeze the baked danishes?
Yes, you can! Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
How do I know when my danishes are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling slightly. Plus, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine—so trust your nose!
Cherry Cheese Danish: 7 Steps to Heavenly Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious pastry filled with sweet cherry and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a danish.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool and serve.
Notes
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can substitute cherry filling with other fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cherry cheese danish
