Cherry Danish Pastries are the ultimate indulgence for pastry lovers—flaky, golden, and bursting with a sweet combination of cream cheese and cherry filling. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cup of coffee, or looking for a sweet treat to end the day, these pastries are sure to impress. The simple yet delightful combination of buttery puff pastry, creamy filling, and tangy cherry topping is a crowd-pleaser that can be made in just 35 minutes. This easy-to-make dessert will become your go-to whenever you’re craving a bakery-style treat at home.
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Cherry Danish Pastries
Cherry Danish Pastries are the ultimate indulgence for pastry lovers—flaky, golden, and bursting with a sweet combination of cream cheese and cherry filling. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cup of coffee, or looking for a sweet treat to end the day, these pastries are sure to impress
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup cherry pie filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the pastries bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.
2️⃣ Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the puff pastry into 4 equal squares. Make sure the edges are neatly trimmed for an even appearance.
3️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese filling will provide a rich, sweet base for the pastries.
4️⃣ Assemble the Pastries:
Spoon a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Top the cream cheese with a tablespoon of cherry pie filling. The combination of sweet cream cheese and tart cherries creates a deliciously balanced flavor.
5️⃣ Fold the Pastry:
Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, overlapping slightly to enclose the filling. This creates a beautiful, rustic shape and locks in the creamy filling and juicy cherries.
6️⃣ Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the pastries with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness and crunch. The egg wash helps the pastries puff up nicely during baking.
7️⃣ Bake:
Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. The pastry will expand beautifully, and the filling will soften to perfection. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
8️⃣ Serve:
Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. These treats are best enjoyed while still warm, but they also make a great make-ahead breakfast or snack.
Notes
- Puff Pastry: You can substitute the puff pastry with a sheet of phyllo dough if you prefer a lighter, crisper texture. Just be sure to layer it carefully and brush each layer with melted butter for the best result.
- Cream Cheese: For a tangier flavor, substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or ricotta. These cheeses have a slightly different texture but will still give you a creamy, delicious filling.
- Cherry Pie Filling: If you don’t have cherry pie filling, fresh or frozen cherries can be used. Simply simmer the cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
- Variations: Try adding a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top for an added twist. You can also use other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or peach to customize these pastries to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup cherry pie filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Directions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the pastries bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.
2️⃣ Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the puff pastry into 4 equal squares. Make sure the edges are neatly trimmed for an even appearance.
3️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese filling will provide a rich, sweet base for the pastries.
4️⃣ Assemble the Pastries:
Spoon a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Top the cream cheese with a tablespoon of cherry pie filling. The combination of sweet cream cheese and tart cherries creates a deliciously balanced flavor.
5️⃣ Fold the Pastry:
Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, overlapping slightly to enclose the filling. This creates a beautiful, rustic shape and locks in the creamy filling and juicy cherries.
6️⃣ Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the pastries with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness and crunch. The egg wash helps the pastries puff up nicely during baking.
7️⃣ Bake:
Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. The pastry will expand beautifully, and the filling will soften to perfection. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
8️⃣ Serve:
Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. These treats are best enjoyed while still warm, but they also make a great make-ahead breakfast or snack.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Puff Pastry: You can substitute the puff pastry with a sheet of phyllo dough if you prefer a lighter, crisper texture. Just be sure to layer it carefully and brush each layer with melted butter for the best result.
- Cream Cheese: For a tangier flavor, substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or ricotta. These cheeses have a slightly different texture but will still give you a creamy, delicious filling.
- Cherry Pie Filling: If you don’t have cherry pie filling, fresh or frozen cherries can be used. Simply simmer the cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
- Variations: Try adding a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top for an added twist. You can also use other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or peach to customize these pastries to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Danish Pastries are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as part of a breakfast spread with coffee or tea. They also make a great dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top or dust with powdered sugar for a sophisticated finish.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Danish Pastries
The combination of buttery puff pastry, creamy cream cheese filling, and tangy cherries makes each bite of these pastries pure bliss. The contrast of textures—from the flaky, golden exterior to the smooth, soft filling—is irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a little homemade luxury, these Cherry Danish Pastries are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a delightful batch of Cherry Danish Pastries today. You deserve it!