Sweet Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Biting into a luscious cherry cream cheese Danish that melts softly in your mouth.

Sweet mornings deserve something special and unexpected.

Flaky pastry layers embrace rich, tangy cream cheese and vibrant cherries in perfect harmony.

Delicate ingredients dance together, creating a breakfast treat that feels like pure indulgence.

Delightful textures and flavors promise a moment of pure culinary joy.

Weekend brunch just got incredibly delicious.

You’ll want to share these irresistible danishes with loved ones.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable bite.

Why Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Is A Sweet Treat

• Effortless Gourmet Delight: This cherry cream cheese Danish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality pastry with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy the perfect contrast between flaky, crispy puff pastry and creamy, smooth cream cheese filling, complemented by bursts of sweet cherry goodness.
• Quick Breakfast Showstopper: Prepare these elegant pastries in just 25 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or unexpected guests who'll be impressed by your baking prowess.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cherry filling with other fruit preserves, creating individual portions or one large shareable Danish that suits different preferences and occasions.

Ingredients For Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, flaky base for the Danish, provides light and airy texture. All-butter puff pastry recommended for best flavor.
• Flour: Light dusting to prevent pastry from sticking during preparation.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base for the filling, adds creamy tang. Room temperature cream cheese blends easier.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling. White sugar works best for smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to the filling. Pure vanilla extract preferred over imitation.
• Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy notes that enhance the cream cheese flavor. Fresh lemon zest provides most vibrant taste.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, fruity center that adds color and flavor. Canned or homemade filling works well.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze. Sifted for best results.
• Milk: Helps thin glaze and create smooth consistency.

• Egg: Creates golden, shiny exterior when brushed on pastry. Large eggs work best.
• Whole Milk: Used with egg for wash to enhance pastry's appearance.

How To Prepare Cherry Cream Cheese Danish At Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

Sprinkle some flour on your work surface. Gently unroll the puff pastry sheet. For individual treats, slice the pastry into four equal squares. If you’re feeling fancy, keep it whole for a show-stopping large Danish.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest

Blend everything until silky smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Danish

• Place a generous dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square
• Top with a spoonful of luscious cherry pie filling
• Gently fold the pastry edges inward, creating a rustic border

• Spread cream cheese filling down the center of the pastry
• Leave about 2 inches of space on each side
• Lavish the surface with cherry pie filling
• Fold the edges over to create an elegant braided look

Step 5: Give It a Golden Glow

Whisk together an egg and milk. Lovingly brush the pastry edges with this magical mixture to create a beautiful golden finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your Danish onto the prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully puffed and golden-brown pastry that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch (Optional)

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Once the Danish has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy!

Tips For The Best Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

• Customize Your Filling: Swap cherry pie filling with fresh berries or other fruit preserves for a personalized twist on the classic Danish.
• Perfect Pastry Technique: Roll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
• Egg Wash Magic: Brush pastry edges with egg wash for a professional-looking golden sheen that adds richness and shine.
• Glaze Like a Pro: Adjust glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or milk for a thinner drizzle.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare Danish up to the point of baking, then refrigerate overnight for a stress-free breakfast or brunch option.

Storing And Reheating Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Made Easy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Danish in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Carefully layer pastries between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm pastries at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and soft.
• Freeze Option: Wrap individual Danish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Best Enjoyed Fresh: Danish taste most delicious when consumed within 24 hours of baking. Crisp texture and vibrant flavors are most pronounced when just made.

What To Pair With Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this sweet cherry danish with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that balances the pastry's sweetness with its robust, smooth flavor profile.
• Uncork a Dessert Wine Delight: Select a chilled moscato or late-harvest riesling to complement the cherry's fruity notes and enhance the cream cheese's creamy texture.
• Elevate with Breakfast Harmony: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad with berries and mint to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the decadent danish.
• Create a Morning Tea Moment: Brew a light chamomile or vanilla-infused black tea that will softly highlight the pastry's delicate flavors without overwhelming the subtle cherry and cream cheese combination.

Try These Versions Of Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

• Blueberry Blast: Swap cherry pie filling with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a tangy summer-inspired Danish that bursts with bright fruit flavor.
• Chocolate Cream Dream: Replace cherry filling with chocolate ganache and add a layer of nutella between the cream cheese and pastry for an indulgent chocolate lover's version.
• Almond Apricot Classic: Substitute cherry with apricot preserves and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a sophisticated, nutty variation that adds elegant crunch.
• Peach Raspberry Fusion: Combine diced fresh peaches and raspberry preserves for a vibrant, colorful Danish that brings together two complementary summer fruits in one irresistible pastry.

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish FAQ Help

• What type of pastry works best for this Danish?

Puff pastry is ideal because it creates light, flaky layers that rise beautifully and provide a delicate, crisp texture when baked.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

While pie filling is recommended for consistent results, you can use fresh pitted cherries. Just cook them first with a little sugar to create a syrupy consistency that won’t make the pastry soggy.

• How do I prevent my Danish from getting soggy?

Always use room temperature cream cheese, don’t overload the filling, and ensure your puff pastry is cold when assembling. This helps maintain the pastry’s crisp structure during baking.

• Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Absolutely! Reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling, choose a less sweet cherry pie filling, or skip the optional glaze to control the overall sweetness level.

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet pastry dreams come alive with this Cherry Cream Cheese Danish, blending delicate layers of buttery dough and rich, tangy filling. Delightful cherry swirls and creamy cheese create a breakfast treat that promises pure indulgence you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry Base:

• 1 sheet (8 ounces/225 grams) puff pastry, thawed

Filling Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 grams) cherry pie filling
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

Egg Wash and Glaze:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by gathering all necessary tools and preheating the oven to 400F (200C), ensuring a parchment-lined baking sheet is ready for the pastries.
2. Gently unfold the puff pastry on a lightly dusted surface, carefully stretching and smoothing out any creases, then slice into four symmetrical squares or maintain the entire sheet for a rustic presentation.
3. Craft the luxurious cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, incorporating vanilla extract and delicate lemon zest until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Construct the Danish by strategically positioning a generous cream cheese dollop in the center of each pastry square, then crown with a vibrant spoonful of cherry pie filling, artfully folding the pastry’s corners inward to create an elegant border that captures the luscious filling.
5. Enhance the pastry’s appearance by whisking an egg with milk, then delicately brushing the exposed edges to promote a rich, golden-brown exterior during baking.
6. Carefully slide the assembled pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing them to transform in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they rise majestically and develop a gorgeous amber-toned crust.
7. Optional final touch involves creating a decadent glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then elegantly drizzling over the slightly cooled Danish to provide a sweet, glistening finish.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily and blends perfectly.
• Chill the pastry briefly after assembly to help maintain its shape and create extra flaky layers during baking.
• Use fresh lemon zest for a bright, vibrant flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and enhances the cherry’s sweetness.
• For a gluten-free version, swap puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use almond flour-based pastry dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 278
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 192 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg