Sweet Cherry Cheese Danish

A classic breakfast treat featuring buttery layers of puff pastry filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with sweet cherries. The delicate flaky exterior gives way to a rich, creamy center while vibrant red cherries add both visual appeal and delightful flavor. These eye-catching Danish pastries bring bakery-quality indulgence to your home kitchen with surprisingly simple preparation.

These Danish pastries have become a cherished weekend tradition in many homes. The forgiving nature of store-bought puff pastry combined with a foolproof cream cheese filling makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Their stunning presentation and delicious taste never fail to impress guests gathered around the breakfast table.

Essential Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheets: The foundation that creates perfect flaky layers
• Cream cheese: Provides rich, tangy filling that balances the sweetness
• Cherry pie filling: Adds fruity sweetness and beautiful color
• Almond extract: Enhances the cherry flavor with subtle nutty notes
• Powdered sugar: Creates smooth, lump-free glaze
• Egg wash: Ensures golden brown, shiny crust

Preparation Method

Initial Setup:

Thaw puff pastry according to package directions, about 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F with rack centered. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold pastry on floured surface, gently pressing creases.

Make the Filling:

Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Mix in egg yolk and almond extract until light and fluffy. Prepare egg wash by beating egg with water. Score pastry sheet to mark serving portions.

Assembly:

Place pastry on prepared sheet. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving border. Create slight wells for cherry filling. Add cherries evenly across surface. Brush edges with egg wash.

Baking:

Bake 15 minutes, rotate pan, continue 5-10 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool on sheet 10 minutes before transferring to rack.

Finishing:

Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Transfer to piping bag or plastic bag with corner snipped. Drizzle glaze over cooled pastries.

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These pastries connect to cherished memories of summer fruit harvests and family baking traditions. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet cherries creates a treat that's both nostalgic and elegant, perfect for making new memories around the breakfast table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Danish pastries with savory breakfast dishes like egg dishes or frittatas. Fresh fruit salad provides a bright contrast. For special occasions, serve alongside mimosas for an elegant brunch experience.

Recipe Variations

Try adding orange zest to the filling for citrus notes. Substitute seasonal berries or peaches for the cherries. Layer with marzipan for extra almond flavor. Mix ricotta into the cream cheese for a lighter filling texture.

Storage Tips

Store cooled pastries in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore crispness. Freeze unglazed pastries wrapped individually, thawing overnight before reheating. Avoid microwave reheating.

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These cherry cream cheese Danish pastries elevate everyday breakfasts into special occasions. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an impressive yet achievable treat that brings joy to any morning gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I use another kind of fruit filling for making these?

Definitely! While cherries are a classic choice, feel free to switch it up with blueberry, strawberry, peach, or apple filling for a different flavor.

→ What’s the best way to keep leftover Sweet Cherry Cheese Danish fresh?

Store leftover pastries in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. You can eat them chilled or warm them up lightly in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I prep these danishes ahead of time?

Sure thing! Assemble the danishes without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just brush with egg and bake. You might need to bake them for a minute or two longer.

→ Do I have to use almond flavoring in the filling?

Nope! Vanilla extract works just as well, especially if you have a nut allergy or just prefer a different flavor. It’ll still taste amazing!

→ Is it possible to freeze these danishes?

Yes! After baking and letting the pastries fully cool, wrap each one in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in a 350°F oven straight from frozen for 10-15 minutes.