Craving that bakery-fresh taste without the bakery price or fuss? This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish recipe delivers pure bliss with minimal effort, perfect for a delightful breakfast or an elegant afternoon snack.
Key Ingredients for Easy Cherry Cheese Danish
- 2 sheets (17.3 oz total) frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended for brightness)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (from a can or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- 1 tablespoon milk or water, for egg wash
How to Make Easy Cherry Cheese Danish
This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish recipe is incredibly simple, taking just minutes to assemble for a truly satisfying treat. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry embracing a warm, creamy cheese filling and sweet, tart cherry topping. This delightful Danish is ready in about 35 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Gently unfold each thawed sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. If the pastry is very cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes until it’s pliable but not sticky.
- Score the Pastry: Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of each puff pastry sheet. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry. This border will help create the “frame” for your filling.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer or a whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add Enrichments: Beat in the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until the mixture is creamy and thoroughly incorporated. This filling is the luscious heart of your Danish, providing a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet cherries.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture within the scored border of each puff pastry sheet. Leave the scored border untouched, as this will puff up and become a beautiful, golden crust.
- Add the Cherry Topping: Spoon about 1/2 cup of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture on each pastry sheet. You can spread it out evenly or create a slightly rustic swirl for visual appeal. Don’t overfill, or the filling might bubble out too much during baking.
- Create the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining beaten egg (or a new egg if you used it all in the filling) with 1 tablespoon of milk or water. This egg wash is crucial for achieving that beautiful, glossy golden-brown crust.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Gently brush the scored borders of the puff pastry with the egg wash. This will ensure they turn a lovely golden color as they bake.
- Bake the Danishes: Carefully transfer the prepared baking sheets to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling is set. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary.
- Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, lightly dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish
You’ll absolutely adore this Easy Cherry Cheese Danish for its delightful balance of textures and flavors. The star here is undoubtedly the incredibly flaky and buttery puff pastry, which transforms from a simple sheet into a golden, airy masterpiece surrounding a luscious, creamy cream cheese filling. Unlike more complicated pastries that require hours of chilling and folding, this recipe leverages store-bought puff pastry for ultimate convenience, saving you time and money while delivering a gourmet-quality dessert. The burst of sweet, slightly tart cherry filling ties it all together beautifully, creating a flavor profile that rivals any expensive bakery treat, making it a perfect sweet indulgence without the guilt.
This Danish is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience of pure, unadulterated joy that’s remarkably accessible for any home baker. Whether you’re looking for a special weekend breakfast, a charming addition to your brunch spread, or a sophisticated treat to impress guests, this Easy Cherry Cheese Danish is your answer. Think of it as your personal shortcut to that authentic Danish pastry shop delight, but made with love in your own kitchen. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and whip up this irresistible treat today; your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Once cooled completely, store any leftover Easy Cherry Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Refrigeration will help maintain the freshness of the cream cheese filling.
- Reheating: For a warm, just-baked experience, you can reheat these danishes.
- Oven: Place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through.
- Toaster Oven: This is also a great option for individual reheating.
- Microwave (use with caution): While not ideal for puff pastry as it can make it soggy, you can microwave for very short intervals (10-15 seconds) if you’re in a hurry.
- Freezing: These danishes freeze beautifully!
- Before Baking (Unbaked): Assemble the danishes completely as per the instructions, but do not brush with egg wash or bake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. To bake, thaw completely at room temperature, brush with egg wash, and bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
- After Baking (Baked): Allow the baked danishes to cool completely. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat using the oven method described above.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish is a testament to how simple ingredients and a little puff pastry magic can create something truly special. We encourage you to give this delightful recipe a try; it’s the perfect way to bring a touch of homemade bakery charm to your day.
Easy Cherry Cheese Danish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Gently unfold each thawed sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. If the pastry is very cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few more minutes until it’s pliable but not sticky.2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of each puff pastry sheet. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry. This border will help create the “frame” for your filling.2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer or a whisk until smooth and well combined.8 oz cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Beat in the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until the mixture is creamy and thoroughly incorporated.1 large egg, beaten, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture within the scored border of each puff pastry sheet. Leave the scored border untouched, as this will puff up and become a beautiful, golden crust.2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- Spoon about 1/2 cup of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture on each pastry sheet. You can spread it out evenly or create a slightly rustic swirl for visual appeal. Don’t overfill, or the filling might bubble out too much during baking.1 cup cherry pie filling
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining beaten egg (or a new egg if you used it all in the filling) with 1 tablespoon of milk or water.1 tablespoon milk or water, for egg wash
- Gently brush the scored borders of the puff pastry with the egg wash. This will ensure they turn a lovely golden color as they bake.2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- Carefully transfer the prepared baking sheets to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling is set.
- Once baked, remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, lightly dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance just before serving.1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for dusting