Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is an easy and flaky puff pastry dessert topped with a luscious cream cheese layer and sweet cherry pie filling. Baked to a golden brown perfection, this treat is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee. If you love simple pastry recipes, you might also enjoy trying my Easy Strawberry Napoleon!
What is a Danish?
A Danish pastry is a buttery, flaky treat typically filled with fruits, jams, or nuts. This cherry cream cheese danish has a similar appeal but is even easier to prepare. It makes for a delicious breakfast pastry or dessert, and you can adapt it with your favorite fruit fillings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: You’ll need two sheets of store-bought puff pastry, thawed per the package instructions. If you prefer, you can make homemade puff pastry (just omit cinnamon for this recipe).
Almond Extract: This adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cherries well. If you’re allergic or prefer a different taste, vanilla extract can be used instead.
Cherry Pie Filling: A 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling works perfectly, but you can also use homemade pie filling if you prefer.
Can I Use Other Pie Fillings?
Yes! This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry. The puff pastry base pairs wonderfully with a variety of fruit flavors.
How to Store Cherry Danish
These are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re made. However, if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Note that the puff pastry will lose its crispy texture after refrigeration. To reheat, warm them in an oven or air fryer to regain some of the crispiness.
Air Fryer Method
You can make these cherry danishes in an air fryer if you’re okay with working in batches. Set the air fryer to 325°F (163°C). Assemble the danishes per the instructions and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and puffy.
Ingredients
Pastries
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 8 ounces (230 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 can (21 ounces / 600 g) cherry pie filling
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water
Topping
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastries: On a lightly floured surface, lay out the puff pastry sheets and cut each into 6 equal rectangles. This will give you a total of 12 rectangles, each approximately 4½ x 3 inches (11.5 x 7.5 cm).
- Poke the Pastries: Arrange the puff pastry rectangles evenly on the lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the center of each pastry, leaving about a ½-inch (1.25 cm) perimeter around the edges. This helps the edges puff while keeping the center flat for the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and almond extract until fully combined.
- Add the Fillings: Spread 1 heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Then, top with 2 heaping tablespoons of cherry pie filling.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the edges of each pastry to give them a golden color when baked.
- Bake: Bake the danishes for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries puff up and turn golden brown.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish.
Enjoy these cherry cream cheese danishes slightly warm or at room temperature!
This Cherry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to impress!
