Fluffy Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe: A Sweet Morning Delight

Flaky pastry and creamy cheese meld together in this irresistible cherry cheese danish that promises pure breakfast bliss.

Sweet cherries nestled within buttery layers create a delectable morning treat.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and vibrant fruity notes.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this simple yet elegant pastry.

The golden-brown edges and ruby-red cherry filling make this danish a showstopper on any breakfast table.

Whip up this delightful recipe and watch as friends and family eagerly reach for seconds, savoring every delicious moment.

Tips for Flaky Cheese Danish

• Keep puff pastry cold to ensure flaky, crisp texture and easier handling during shaping.
• Drain cherry pie filling excess liquid to prevent soggy danish bottoms and maintain structural integrity.
• Apply egg wash evenly on pastry edges for beautiful golden-brown color and attractive shine.
• Place danishes with enough room between them on baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and even baking.
• Prick pastry carefully to create small vents that prevent excessive puffing and help maintain heart shape.

Fun Danish Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Danish: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free pastry dough, using almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Cheese Danish: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use plant-based egg replacer, and coconut cream instead of ricotta for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free cherry preserves to reduce overall sugar content.
• Tropical Fruit Variation: Replace cherry filling with mango or passion fruit compote for a bright, exotic flavor profile that complements the creamy cheese mixture.

Serving Cherry Danish for Breakfast

• Romantic Date Night Dessert: Serve these heart-shaped danishes as a sweet finale to an intimate dinner, creating a memorable culinary moment for you and your partner.
• Brunch Centerpiece Delight: Arrange the cherry cheese danishes on a beautiful platter with fresh mint leaves, making them a stunning centerpiece for weekend brunches or special gatherings.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these elegant pastries with a light chamomile or Earl Grey tea, offering a delightful treat during relaxed afternoon tea sessions with friends or family.
• Gifting Gourmet Treat: Package the cooled danishes in a charming box with a ribbon, transforming them into a thoughtful homemade gift for loved ones or as a sweet hostess offering.

Storing Cherry Cheese Danish

• Store cooled Cherry Cheese Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently stack pastries with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen pastries will keep for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm danishes in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy texture. Avoid microwave, as it can make puff pastry soggy and less flaky.
• Consume freshly baked danishes within 2 hours for best taste and texture. Allow pastries to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the pastry from sticking to the surface while rolling?

Dust your work surface lightly with flour and keep the puff pastry cold to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.

• Can I use different types of fruit filling?

Yes, you can substitute cherry with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry preserves to create variety.

• Why do I need to refrigerate the cream cheese mixture?

Chilling helps the mixture set and makes it easier to spread evenly on the pastry without becoming runny.

• How do I know the danishes are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown color on the puff pastry edges and a set, slightly puffy appearance as indicators of doneness.

Cherry Cheese Danish: Standout Details

• Craft Quick Delights: These cherry cheese danishes are incredibly simple to make with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Wow Guests Instantly: Stunning heart-shaped pastries create an impressive presentation that looks professionally made, sure to surprise and delight anyone who sees them.
• Versatile Treat Selection: Suitable for multiple occasions like brunches, Valentine's Day, romantic breakfasts, or afternoon tea parties with elegant and delectable results.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Uses basic pantry staples and store-bought puff pastry, allowing home cooks to create gourmet-style desserts without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Cherry Cheese Danish

• Puff Pastry: A delicate, flaky dough that creates a light and airy foundation for the danish.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy base for the danish filling.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the filling and adds richness to the mixture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Contributes a smooth and delicate texture to the filling.
• Almond Extract: Offers a subtle, nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the filling.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the cream cheese mixture.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a sweet and fruity element to the top of the danish.
• Egg (for brushing): Creates a golden, shiny finish on the pastry edges.

Cherry Cheese Danish Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Gather your parchment paper and line two baking sheets.

Take out your puff pastry and let it thaw according to package instructions.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend cream cheese with sugar until smooth.

• Egg yolk
• Ricotta cheese
• Almond extract
• Salt
• Lemon zest

Refrigerate the mixture while you work on the pastry.

Step 3: Shape Delicate Hearts

Sprinkle flour on your work surface.

Roll out the cold puff pastry into a square.

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create beautiful pastry hearts.

Step 4: Craft Pastry Base

Transfer heart-shaped pastries onto prepared baking sheets.

Using a fork, gently prick the pastry in a heart pattern, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Add Delicious Toppings

Carefully spread cream cheese mixture onto each pastry heart (about one heaping tablespoon).

Top with cherry pie filling, adding 4-5 cherries per danish.

Step 6: Prep for Baking

Brush the pastry edges with egg wash.

Place the danishes in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Position your oven rack in the center.

Preheat to 350°F.

Bake the danishes for 15-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Cherry Cheese Danish elevates breakfast with sweet-tart cherries nestled in creamy cheese filling. Flaky pastry layers promise pure morning indulgence, inviting you to savor each buttery, fruity bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Flour for dusting

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Instructions

1. Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Incorporate egg yolk, ricotta, almond extract, salt, and lemon zest. Refrigerate mixture until assembly.
3. On a floured surface, roll out cold puff pastry to a 10×10 square. Cut heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
4. Transfer pastry hearts to prepared baking sheets. Delicately prick each heart with a fork, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Carefully spread one heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture onto each pastry heart. Top with 4-5 cherries from the pie filling.
6. Gently brush pastry edges with egg wash. Chill danishes in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
7. Position oven rack in the center. Preheat to 350°F. Bake danishes for 15-20 minutes until pastry turns golden brown and puffy.

Notes

• Prick the puff pastry with a fork before adding fillings to create steam vents and ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
• Refrigerate the assembled danishes for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape and create a more defined, layered pastry.
• Swap cherry pie filling with other fruit preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot for a personalized twist on the classic danish.
• Use gluten-free puff pastry and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg