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Easy Cherry Cheese Danish

Easy Cherry Cheese Danish

  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free puff pastry is used)

Description

This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish is a delightful, flaky pastry filled with creamy cream cheese and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, it combines simple ingredients and quick preparation to create a bakery-quality treat that’s both versatile and visually appealing.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Base

  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1/2 cup cherry pie filling

Finishing

  • 1 egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting or glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by thawing the puff pastry according to the package instructions. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  2. Roll and Cut the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry into four equal squares, about 4 inches wide each.
  3. Assemble the Danish: Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Then, add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
  4. Shape the Danish: Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, pinching the edges slightly to hold the shape but leaving some filling visible on top for an open-top look.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops and edges of each Danish with the egg wash to encourage browning. Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden and puffed.
  6. Optional Glaze and Serve: Allow the Danish to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an added touch of sweetness. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Keep ingredients chilled: Cold puff pastry and cream cheese create flakier layers and a firm filling.
  • Don’t overfill: Use about one tablespoon or less of filling per pastry square to prevent leakage during baking.
  • Use fresh fruit filling if possible: Homemade cherry compote heated gently improves flavor compared to canned versions.
  • Brush with egg wash for shine: This helps achieve a golden, glossy crust that looks professional.
  • Bake on parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Danish
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: thirty-five grams
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: cherry cheese danish, easy danish recipe, puff pastry dessert, cream cheese pastry, cherry pastry, breakfast pastry

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Find it online: https://paradisedishes.com/easy-cherry-cheese-danish/