Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, decadent treat that brings a wave of nostalgia, look no further than the mouthwatering Cherry Cream Cheese Danish. This delightful pastry marries flaky, golden puff pastry with a rich and creamy filling, topped with sweet cherry pie filling that dances on your palate. Each bite is a journey through layers of flavor and texture, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy mornings. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and incredibly simple to whip up, making it a perfect choice for both special occasions and everyday indulgences.
Imagine the aroma of sweet cherries mixed with the buttery scent of baking pastry wafting through your home; it’s enough to make your heart skip a beat!
Are You Craving a Decadent Morning Treat?
Have you ever found yourself wishing for that one perfect pastry to enjoy with your morning coffee? A flaky, warm treat that elevates your day from ordinary to extraordinary? Picture this: fresh-pulled Cherry Cream Cheese Danish, its silky cream cheese filling just waiting to spill forth with every bite, melding seamlessly with that tangy cherry layer. Wouldn’t you just love to share that moment with loved ones or even indulge on your own?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a dream come true! It’s not just about the indulgence; it’s also incredibly easy to make. With minimal ingredients and simple prep steps, you can create a bakery-quality pastry right in your own kitchen. This Danish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack. It’s sure to wow your guests and even become a new family favorite, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
To create this delightful Cherry Cream Cheese Danish, you will need the following ingredients:
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2 sheets frozen puff pastry sheets: These are the foundation of your pastry, providing that indulgent flakiness we all love.
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This creamy filling will deliver rich texture and flavor, making every bite feel like a hug.
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the cream cheese without overpowering it.
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1 teaspoon almond extract: This subtle but delightful flavor adds depth and elevates the overall taste.
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1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling: The star of the show, offering a burst of fruity goodness that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
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1 large egg, room temperature: This will be used for egg wash, giving your Danish that irresistible golden crust.
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1 tablespoon water: To mix with the egg for the wash.
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Confectioners’ sugar for dusting: A light sprinkle of this sweet powder brings the final touch of elegance.
Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Timing
In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes that look as good as they taste! The fast preparation time means you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen, making this recipe a fantastic choice for brunch gatherings or last-minute dessert cravings. However, when savoring this decadent pastry, there’s a luxurious feeling that lingers, allowing you to unwind and indulge with every bite.
Step-by-Step
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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Lay the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into 6 equal-sized rectangles. You will have a total of 12 rectangles, about 4 1/2 x 3 inches in size.
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Arrange the puff pastries evenly onto the lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each pastry.
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Use a fork to poke a few holes into the middle of each pastry sheet, leaving about a 1/2 inch perimeter around the edge.
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In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract until fully combined.
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Spread 1 heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry.
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Top the cream cheese mixture with 2 heaping tablespoons of cherry pie filling—visualize the vibrant red cherries nestled on a creamy backdrop.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this mixture onto the outside edges of each pastry to help them achieve that beautiful golden brown.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is golden and flakey.
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Remove from the oven and dust with confectioners’ sugar, transforming each piece into a showstopper.
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Set aside to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the deliciously gooey moments with family or friends!
Nutritional Information
Each Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is more than just a treat; it’s a delightful indulgence in moderation. A typical serving can be around 250 calories, but the pleasure it brings justifies the occasional indulgence!
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to reduce sugar or dairy? You can easily make swaps to create a lighter version of this pastry:
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For a low-sugar option, substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like monk fruit or stevia.
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Use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version, and ensure your puff pastry is also free from animal products.
These alternatives offer a delicious compromise without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This indulgent Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is versatile enough to shine in various settings.
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Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an exquisite dessert.
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Bring it out on holidays as a festive addition to your dessert table.
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Enjoy it with your morning coffee or a comforting cup of tea—it’s perfect for any occasion!
Common Mistakes
Even the best bakers can face challenges. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
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Overbaking: Watch your Danishes closely. They should be golden brown but not burnt.
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Texture issues: Ensure your cream cheese is softened; otherwise, you may end up with lumps instead of a silky filling.
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Messes: Don’t overstuff the pastries—too much filling can lead to leaks and a messy oven.
Be mindful of these tips to achieve the perfect Cherry Cream Cheese Danish every time!
Storing Tips
If you’ve managed to have leftovers (which is rare!), storing them correctly will keep them fresh:
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Freezing portions: You can freeze unbaked pastries. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
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Reheating instructions: When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden and heated through.
The pastries can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tempting Readers to Bake It ASAP
With its irresistible charm and easy preparation, the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a must-try recipe. Whether you’re preparing for a brunch with friends, wishing to surprise your family, or simply craving something sweet, this pastry will bring joy to your table. So, why wait?
Get your ingredients ready, channel your inner baker, and create a beautiful batch that will leave everyone coming back for more.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes! You can certainly use fresh or frozen cherries; just make sure to sweeten them to mimic the flavor of the pie filling.
2. Can I prepare the cream cheese filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pastries.
3. How can I avoid a soggy bottom on my Danish?
Poking holes in the pastry and pre-baking can help prevent a soggy bottom. Baking on a preheated baking sheet also contributes to a flakier texture.
4. What should I do if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract on hand, vanilla extract would make a lovely substitute!
5. Can I customize the filling?
Of course! Feel free to try different fillings like blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate for a unique twist.
Now that you’re bursting with culinary inspiration, grab those ingredients and elevate your kitchen game with a luxurious Cherry Cream Cheese Danish that everyone will adore!
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful pastry marrying flaky puff pastry with a creamy filling, topped with sweet cherry pie filling.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry sheets
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lay the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each into 6 rectangles.
- Arrange the puff pastries on the lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each.
- Poke a few holes into the middle of each pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch perimeter.
- In a bowl, stir together cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract until combined.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry.
- Top with 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg and water. Brush onto the edges of each pastry.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden and flaky.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute sugar with a natural alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
