Love pastries that look fancy but are deceptively simple to make? This cherry danish recipe is the ultimate treat! With buttery layers of puff pastry, a creamy cheese filling, and sweet-tart cherry topping, it's the perfect dessert you can throw together in just 30 minutes. Whether you're new to baking or a pro in the kitchen, this recipe is for sure going to be on repeat!
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If you've never tasted a cherry danish before, you're in for a treat!
This classic danish pastry is made by layering buttery and flaky puff pastry with a cream cheese filling and topped with delicious cherries. The combination of sweet and tart flavors and contrasting textures makes this pastry a must-have treat!
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Now, if you've never made a pastry from scratch before, don't worry. This recipe is super easy and beginner-friendly. You'll be surprised at how simple it is to make your own cherry danish at home!
The cherry cheese danish is great for any occasion, but it really shines during festive seasons like Christmas and Easter.
The bright red cherries and golden puff pastry make it a hit on brunch tables and dessert spreads. It's also a great choice for a weekday breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
And, if you're already a fan of simple, quick desserts, you might recognize the similarities between this treat and my crowd-favorite apple galette. Pair the cheese and cherry danish with this easy oatmilk latte recipe for the coziest pairing!
Why you'll love this recipe
- So easy to make - ready in just 30 minutes!
- Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
- Use any type of jam or fruit filling you have on hand - great for using any leftovers.
- Deliciously sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Can be made ahead of time!
Key ingredients
The best part about this cherry cheese danish is that it doesn't need many ingredients. Here's a closer look at some of the key ingredients:
Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and easy while offering that signature flaky texture. It's buttery, tender, and bakes up beautifully golden and crispy.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the star of the filling. It adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cherries and makes the danish even more delicious.
Cherry Pie Filling: This gives the pastry a pop of fruity sweetness and a bright splash of color. Give the filling a stir before using it to spread the cherries evenly and pack flavor into every bite.
Heather's helpful hints
- Score a ½-inch border around the pastry and poke the center with a fork. This way, the edges puff up while the middle stays flat.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, but leave the edges clear for those perfectly crispy borders.
- Grab a pizza cutter to slice your puff pastry-it's fast, easy, and super neat!
Step-by-step instructions
The entire recipe is below and can be printed to save for later. But, before you get there, let's walk through it step-by-step so you understand what you're doing beforehand.
Step 1
Using a hand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 2
Lay out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into six rectangles. Spread this mixture onto the pastry centers, staying inside the scored borders.
Step 3
Spoon cherry pie filling on top with sliced almonds.
Step 4
Brush the puff pastry borders with an egg wash. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and puffed.
Variations and Substitutions
- If you don't have cherry pie filling, you can substitute it with other fruit fillings such as a peach compote or raspberry jam.
- For a fun twist, try sprinkling some cinnamon sugar or nutmeg on top of the pastries before baking. This will add a warm and cozy flavor to the cherry filling.
- Try out different shapes and sizes for your puff pastry, like hearts, circles, or twists. It'll make your desserts look more fun and add a little extra excitement to the whole experience.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry (like Schar's and Sweet Lorens) or make your own with a gluten-free flour blend.
Make ahead and storage
Make Ahead: Assemble the pastries a few hours before baking and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it makes the pastry soggy.
Meal ideas
This cherry and cheese danish works perfectly for breakfast or for dessert.
To start your day, enjoy a warmed-up cherry danish with a cup of coffee, like this Dutch Bros copycat recipe, the Golden Eagle. A chai latte or hot tea is also a great pairing for this fruity pastry.
To turn it into a heartier meal, pair the sweet danish with a savory turkey and sage danish!
For dessert, serve the danish warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the cherry danish to add an extra touch of sweetness.
Recipe
Cherry Cheese Danish
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 1 egg yolk separated
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds optional
Instructions
- Prep the Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each into six rectangles (12 total). Score a ½-inch border around each rectangle, cutting halfway through. Use a fork to prick the center to prevent excessive puffing.
- Assemble the Base: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spread the mixture evenly over the center of each pastry, avoiding the border. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, gently spreading it out.
- Egg Wash: Transfer the pastry rectangles to a baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart. Whisk the egg and milk, then brush the mixture over the pastry borders.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Transfer pastries to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Notes and Tips
- Prep the Filling and Dough: Stir the cherry pie filling to mix up the cherries because they all sink to the bottom. Score the bottom of the Danish to help the sides separate from the middle.
- Cut and Transfer with Ease: Use a pizza cutter to slice along the dough seams and a bench scraper to transfer Danishes intact.
- Baking & Sweetness: Bake for 18-20 minutes. Add a glaze if desired, but it's already quite sweet.
- Flavor Options: Swap vanilla for almond extract or use both for extra flavor depth.
- Reheating Tips: For crispiness, reheat in the oven or air fryer (3-5 minutes); otherwise, it may get soggy in the microwave.
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Homemade filling will add a personal touch and allow you to control the sweetness. I like to follow this recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction when making my own cherry pie filling.
There are so many fun ways to use it up! Why not try my super-tasty cherry coffee cake? It's a buttery, sweet treat that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to make sure nothing goes to waste while enjoying your cherry filling in a whole new (and delicious) way!
Make sure the pastries are fully baked and allow them to cool on a wire rack. This helps prevent any trapped moisture that might make them soggy.
Yes! Freeze after baking by wrapping each pastry in plastic wrap. Reheat in the oven to bring back the flakiness.
Sarah says
I’ve tried making Danishes a few times, but this recipe really nailed it for me. Scoring the edges before baking made such a big difference—definitely the secret to getting that beautiful, puffy border. The texture turned out just right, and the flavor was spot on without being too sweet. This one’s a keeper for sure!
Heather says
Thanks for the kind message, Sarah! I am so glad this recipe worked out for you. I found that scoring the edges was my secret to success with this recipe... took me a couple times to figure it out!