Scrumptious Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Crafting a delectable cherry cheese danish requires precision and passion for baking.

Sweet cherries nestled between layers of buttery pastry create a mesmerizing treat.

Cream cheese provides rich, velvety smoothness that complements the fruity filling.

Delicate flaky edges hint at the culinary magic waiting inside each bite.

Bakers love how simple ingredients transform into an elegant breakfast pastry.

Simple steps lead you toward a mouthwatering masterpiece that impresses everyone at the table.

Fall in love with this irresistible danish that promises pure morning delight.

Why Cherry Cheese Danish Impresses

• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Versatile dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for brunches, potlucks, or casual family gatherings.
• Time-Saving Magic: Utilizes ready-made puff pastry and minimal preparation steps, allowing you to create professional-looking danishes in under an hour.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines creamy cheese filling with sweet cherry topping, delivering a perfect balance of tangy and fruity notes in every bite.

Cherry Cheese Danish: What’s Inside

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, flaky foundation for the danish with buttery layers that create a crisp texture. Best when all-butter and fresh.
• Flour: Light dusting helps prevent pastry from sticking during preparation.

• Cream Cheese, Ricotta Cheese: Rich, creamy base for the danish filling with smooth, tangy flavor. Full-fat varieties recommended for best taste.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cheese's tanginess.
• Egg Yolk: Provides richness and helps bind the filling together.
• Almond Extract: Adds subtle nutty flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the filling.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, fruity topping that adds vibrant color and classic danish character.
• Egg Wash: Creates golden, glossy finish on the pastry surface. Helps seal edges and provides attractive sheen.

Cherry Cheese Danish Baking in Simple Steps

Step 1: Whip Creamy Cheese Mixture

Grab a medium bowl and blend softened cream cheese with sugar using an electric mixer until silky smooth.

Add egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond extract, salt, and lemon zest.

Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Cover and refrigerate the mixture while preparing other components.

Step 2: Prepare Pastry Canvas

Warm up the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Sprinkle flour on your work surface.

Gently roll out puff pastry sheets to smooth edges.

Slice each sheet into 9 equal squares, creating 18 total pastry squares.

Step 3: Shape and Fill Danish Treats

Position pastry squares on prepared baking sheets with even spacing.

Use a spoon or fingertips to press a gentle center indentation on each square.

Dollop cheese mixture into the center of each square.

Crown the cheese filling with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Step 4: Create Golden Glaze

Delicately brush pastry edges with egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide baking sheets into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastries puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Transfer danishes to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Cherry Cheese Danish: Flaky Success Suggestions

• Use fresh, premium cream cheese and ricotta for a rich, creamy filling that elevates the danish's taste and texture.
• Refrigerate the filling before assembling to help it set and prevent spreading during baking, ensuring clean, precise danish edges.
• Gently press the center of each pastry square to create a well, which helps contain the filling and prevents overflow during baking.
• Apply the egg wash evenly to the pastry edges for a beautiful, glossy golden-brown finish that looks professionally baked.
• Experiment with different fruit preserves like blueberry or apricot instead of cherry to create unique flavor variations of this classic danish.

Store Cherry Cheese Danish Leftovers

• Store leftover danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen danishes will keep for 2 months. Label the bag with the date.
• Warm danishes at 325°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy pastry texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.
• Let frozen danishes thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Enjoy within 2 hours for best taste and texture.

Snacks That Fit with Cherry Cheese Danish

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling to complement the sweet and tangy cherry notes, cutting through the rich, creamy cheese filling with its bright acidity.
• Flavor-Boosting Beverage: Brew a light vanilla-infused cold brew coffee that enhances the almond extract's warmth and provides a smooth counterpoint to the pastry's buttery layers.
• Harmonizing Accompaniment: Serve a small scoop of lavender honey ice cream alongside the danish, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding an elegant floral undertone to the dessert.
• Textural Contrast Partner: Add candied almonds on the side to introduce a satisfying crunch that balances the soft, pillowy texture of the cheese danish and echoes the almond extract's subtle flavor.

Cherry Danish Dessert Style Spins

• Gluten-Free Danish: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours like rice or almond flour.
• Vegan Cherry Cheese Danish: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream cheese, use plant-based egg replacer, and substitute ricotta with silken tofu or almond-based cheese.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cherry filling, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Fruit Alternatives: Substitute cherry filling with blueberry, raspberry, or apricot preserves for different flavor profiles while maintaining the classic danish structure.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of fruit filling?

Yes, you can easily swap cherry pie filling with other fruit preserves like blueberry, raspberry, or apricot to create varied flavor profiles.

• Is it necessary to use ricotta cheese in the filling?

Ricotta adds richness and texture, but you can substitute it with mascarpone or additional cream cheese if needed. The key is maintaining a creamy consistency.

• How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Ensure your cream cheese mixture isn’t too wet and avoid overloading the pastry squares with filling. Always use cold puff pastry and work quickly to maintain its flakiness.

• Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Prepare the cheese filling and pastry squares in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and fresh.

Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Danish pastry “cherry cheese danish” marries sweet cherries with rich cream cheese in a buttery, flaky embrace. Crisp golden layers and tangy fruit create a perfect breakfast or dessert that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cheese Filling:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest

Pastry and Topping:

• 2 sheets puff pastry (1 box), thawed
• Flour (for dusting)
• 1 can cherry pie filling

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

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Instructions

1. Craft the creamy cheese mixture by whipping softened cream cheese with sugar until velvety smooth. Incorporate egg yolk, ricotta, almond extract, salt, and lemon zest, ensuring a uniform consistency. Chill the filling in the refrigerator to set the flavors.
2. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Dust a work surface with flour and gently roll out puff pastry sheets to smooth their edges. Slice each sheet into nine precise squares, creating a total of 18 delicate pastry bases.
3. Arrange the pastry squares on prepared baking sheets, maintaining even spacing. Delicately press the center of each square to form a shallow well for filling. Spoon the chilled cheese mixture into the center of each square, creating a creamy foundation.
4. Crown each cheese-filled square with a generous dollop of cherry pie filling, allowing the vibrant fruit to peek through the creamy base. Tenderly brush the pastry edges with egg wash, ensuring a lustrous golden finish.
5. Slide the danishes into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the pastry to transform into a puffy, golden-brown masterpiece. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly, letting the flavors meld and settle.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese is crucial for a smooth, lump-free filling. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apricot preserves for variety and personal taste.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat alternatives and use a low-sugar pie filling to cut calories.
• Ensure puff pastry is cold when handling to maintain its flaky texture and prevent sticking during preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg