Delicious Cherry Cheese Danish

This cherry cheese danish recipe has transformed my weekend breakfasts into special moments that are both indulgent and easy to prepare. With a creamy filling balanced by sweet cherry pie topping and flaky puff pastry, this recipe delivers a bakery quality treat in under an hour. The total prep time is about 35 minutes, and bake time ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, making it a manageable choice even for busy mornings or casual brunches.

I first tried this cherry cheese danish on a leisurely Sunday and was surprised by how light and flaky the puff pastry turned out, with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that my family still asks for. Baking the danishes fresh provides a warm, bakery style experience at home, which makes weekend breakfasts feel special and indulgent. It has since become a trusted recipe I turn to for casual brunches and celebratory mornings.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 4 ounces of softened cream cheese: Creates a smooth tangy filling that melts beautifully in the oven; use full fat for best texture or substitute with dairy free alternatives for dietary needs
• 1 quarter cup of granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering; can reduce slightly for less sweet versions
• 1 egg yolk: Binds filling and adds richness and velvety texture
• 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese: Lightens cream cheese mixture for less dense filling with a subtle milky flavor
• Half teaspoon almond or vanilla extract: Adds fragrant notes enhancing fruit and cheese flavor combination
• Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all flavors more distinctly
• Half tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest: Brightens filling with fresh citrus hints
• 2 sheets of store bought puff pastry: Offers buttery flaky base; thaw but keep cold to maintain flakiness
• 1 can of cherry pie filling: Provides glossy juicy sweet topping with whole cherries for texture
• 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash): Helps pastry edges develop a golden crisp crust
• Flour for dusting: Prevents puff pastry from sticking during rolling

How to Make Cherry Cheese Danish

Smoothing and Flavoring the Cream Cheese Mixture:

First soften cream cheese to room temperature for easy blending. Using an electric mixer beat cream cheese and sugar until fully combined and smooth. Add egg yolk ricotta cheese almond extract salt and lemon zest. Mix on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until filling is creamy fluffy. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing pastry to help filling set and spread easily.

Rolling and Cutting the Puff Pastry Hearts:

Lightly dust countertop with flour and roll each sheet of thawed puff pastry into approximately 10 by 10 inch square. Keep pastry cold so butter layers remain intact for maximum flakiness. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as possible. Transfer gently to baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick smaller heart shape inside edges with fork to allow steam escape and encourage higher border rise trapping filling in center.

Assembling the Danishes with Filling and Cherry Topping:

Spoon approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture onto center of each puff pastry heart spreading evenly and leaving edges clear. Top each with 1 tablespoon cherry pie filling including 4 to 5 whole cherries if possible for texture and visual appeal. Brush edges with egg and water wash to help develop shiny golden crust.

Chilling and Baking for Flaky Golden Danishes:

Place assembled danishes in refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking to firm filling preventing spills. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place rack in center position. Bake danishes for 15 to 20 minutes or until puff pastry is golden brown puffed and crisp. Watch carefully near end to avoid overbaking that dries filling and pastry.

My family loves gathering on weekend mornings when the house fills with the scent of freshly baked cherry cheese danish. Discovering the ricotta addition was a game changer for filling texture became a favorite secret to share. These moments are as special as the recipe itself combining comfort and creativity effortlessly.

Smart Swaps and Variations for Cherry Cheese Danish

You can swap canned cherry pie filling for fresh cherry compote created by simmering cherries sugar and lemon juice until thickened for a fresher seasonal taste. Replace store bought puff pastry with homemade croissant dough for a flakier richer buttery variation though it demands more time and skill. For dairy free diets plant based cream cheese and vegan puff pastry work well. To reduce sugar use less sugar in filling or opt for no sugar added cherry pie filling. Seasonal fruit alternatives like blueberry or raspberry fillings provide flavor diversity without changing technique.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Cheese Danish

Store cherry cheese danish in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage place in airtight containers or freezer safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated danishes in a conventional oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and pastry crisps again. Frozen danishes require overnight thawing in fridge before reheating similarly. You may also prepare danishes ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time on serving day.

What to Serve with Cherry Cheese Danish

Cherry cheese danish pairs excellently with a cup of rich black coffee or lightly sweetened tea offering a balanced breakfast experience. Fresh green salads or fruit salads add refreshing contrast perfect for brunch buffets or special gatherings. For festive occasions dust danishes with powdered sugar or drizzle a light vanilla glaze enhancing sweetness and presentation. Portion one danish per person is a generous breakfast serving scalable for larger groups.

Nutritional Benefits of Cherry Cheese Danish

This cherry cheese danish offers a satisfying balance of protein primarily from cream cheese and egg yolk with around 7 grams per serving. Calories are moderate with fats mainly sourced from quality butter in puff pastry and cream cheese contributing to rich flavor. Cherries provide antioxidants and a natural source of vitamins while lemon zest adds fresh citrus oils supporting digestion. The pastry is vegetarian friendly and adaptable for dairy free or gluten free diets through mindful ingredient choices.

Recipe Success Tips for Cherry Cheese Danish

Keep puff pastry cold while handling to maintain its layered structure critical for flaky texture everyone desires. Avoid overfilling danishes to prevent leaking and soggy edges that diminish presentation and taste. If pastry browns too quickly tent a foil sheet halfway through baking to protect edges. For uneven puff pastry rise prick centers with fork to control steam release ensuring even puff. Use sharp knife or cookie cutter to produce clean edges that rise uniformly.

This easy cherry cheese danish has quickly become the perfect weekend indulgence combining rich creamy filling with tender flaky pastry. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family does feel free to share which variations you try first.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of cheese is used in this dish?

Softened cream cheese combined with ricotta cheese creates a creamy and rich filling, complemented by a touch of almond extract and lemon zest for added flavor.

→ How do I prevent the filling from spilling out during baking?

Chilling the assembled pastries in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking helps the filling set and prevents it from running off during cooking.

→ Can I substitute the cherry pie filling?

Yes, other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry can be used to create variations while maintaining the pastry's texture and flavor balance.

→ What is the best way to shape the puff pastry?

Rolling out the thawed but cold puff pastry and using a heart-shaped cutter helps create charming individual portions with edges that puff up around the filling.

→ How long should the pastries bake?

Bake the pastries at 350℉ for about 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry turns golden brown and crisp.

→ Is almond extract necessary in the filling?

Almond extract adds a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the fullness of the cheese and cherry flavors, but vanilla extract can be used as a milder alternative.