Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
If you’ve ever strolled past a bakery counter and felt your mouth water at the sight of glossy, golden cheese danishes studded with cherries, you’re in for a treat today! This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish recipe brings that same irresistible combination of flaky, buttery pastry, creamy filling, and bright cherry flavor straight to your own kitchen — and with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a sweet snack, or a simple dessert, these danishes bring joy to any table. One bite, and you’ll see why this Easy Cherry Cheese Danish has become a go-to favorite for so many home bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be surprised by how short the shopping list is — each ingredient plays a starring role in making these danishes so delicious. From the flaky pastry to the luscious cream cheese center and tangy cherries, this Easy Cherry Cheese Danish is an example of just how magical simple ingredients can be!
- Frozen puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed): The secret to bakery-level flakiness without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the luscious, tangy-sweet filling at the heart of each danish.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the filling with warm, aromatic notes.
- Eggs (2 large, divided): One for the creamy filling and one mixed with water for the glossy egg wash.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 ounces): The star fruit: juicy, ruby-red cherries bursting with tartness and shine.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Whisked into a sweet, silky glaze for finishing.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Helps create the perfect drizzling consistency for the glaze.
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Brings a hint of classic bakery flavor to the final glaze.
How to Make Easy Cherry Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s fully preheated and ready when your pastries are assembled. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep cleanup a breeze and ensure your danishes don’t stick. This way, once everything is prepped, you can go straight from assembly to baking without skipping a beat.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and one beaten egg. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to whip the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy with no lumps. This step is where the magic starts — you’ll see everything transform into a silky, sweet filling that you’ll be tempted to taste (go ahead, you deserve it!).
Step 3: Prepare and Shape the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface to keep things neat. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each sheet into four equal squares. Arrange these on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them out so they have room to puff up in the oven. The pastry already brings that signature flakiness with barely any effort!
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Working with one square at a time, spoon about 2 tablespoons of your cream cheese filling into the center, followed by 1–2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling right on top. Gently fold in the corners of each square toward the center — not all the way, just enough to create a pretty border that holds the filling in place. Pinch lightly so they hold their shape while baking.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk your second egg together with a tablespoon of water to create an easy egg wash. Brush the pastry edges with this mixture, giving them that signature golden, shiny finish. Slide the trays into your hot oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the danishes are puffed and gorgeously golden-brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, let your danishes cool slightly on a wire rack — this helps the pastry stay crisp. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (if using) until you have a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the slightly cooled danishes. It pools into the grooves and sets up into a sweet, glossy finish that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
How to Serve Easy Cherry Cheese Danish
Garnishes
Want to dress up your Easy Cherry Cheese Danish even more? Try a sprinkle of sliced toasted almonds, a dusting of extra powdered sugar, or a few thin shreds of lemon zest. Each adds a lovely pop of flavor and a touch of elegance to your pastries, making them look truly bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
These danishes shine on their own but are wonderful paired with fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt parfait, or even a simple scrambled egg for a more complete breakfast. For dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream – it’s a match made in heaven!
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Easy Cherry Cheese Danish on a vintage cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, or package them individually in parchment and tie with twine for a special breakfast-to-go. For festive gatherings, create a pastry platter mixing these with other fruit danishes. They’re guaranteed to draw a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover Easy Cherry Cheese Danish, stash them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days. Don’t worry — they’ll stay delightfully moist and flavorful!
Freezing
Want to bake ahead? Once cooled completely, wrap danishes individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy that bakery experience all over again.
Reheating
To restore a just-baked texture, pop danishes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes. The pastry crisps up nicely, and the filling warms through beautifully. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps that heavenly crunch alive!
FAQs
Can I use other fruit fillings besides cherry?
Absolutely! This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish is super versatile. Try blueberry, apple, raspberry, or even peach pie filling for a twist — it’s hard to go wrong, so feel free to mix it up with your favorites.
Why do I need to thaw frozen puff pastry first?
Thawed puff pastry is much easier to handle and shape. If it’s too cold, it can crack and break; if it’s too warm, it gets sticky. Make sure it’s cool yet pliable for best results when assembling your danishes.
Can I make these ahead for a brunch party?
You sure can! Assemble your Easy Cherry Cheese Danish the night before, cover tightly, and keep in the fridge. When guests arrive, just bake and glaze for a fresh, impressive treat with minimal morning effort.
Is almond extract necessary in the glaze?
Not at all, though it does add classic bakery flair. If you don’t have it or prefer the glaze without, just skip it. The powdered sugar and milk alone create a perfectly sweet finishing drizzle.
How do I keep my danishes from getting soggy on the bottom?
Let your danishes cool fully on a wire rack, so the steam escapes and the pastry stays crisp. Also, avoid overfilling with cheese or cherry — a couple of tablespoons is plenty for the perfect bite every time.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Easy Cherry Cheese Danish is pure joy, both for your senses and for those lucky enough to share them with you. Give this recipe a try, and before you know it, you’ll have a new crowd-pleasing favorite for breakfasts, brunches, or anytime you want to bring a little extra happiness to your day!
Print
Easy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheese and sweet cherries with these Easy Cherry Cheese Danishes. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these flaky pastries are simple to make and a real treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten
Cherry Filling:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Prepare the Pastry: On a floured surface, cut puff pastry into squares. Place filling in the center, top with cherry pie filling, and fold the corners towards the center.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. Drizzle over cooled danishes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute other pie fillings like blueberry or apple.
- For added richness, sprinkle sugar on pastry edges before baking.
- Best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
