Description
This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling and a luscious cherry topping. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful dessert, these danishes are simple to assemble and bake to golden perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Danish:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Cut the puff pastry sheet into 4 equal squares. Make small cuts at each corner of each square to create flaps that can be folded over the filling later.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble the Danishes: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Top the cream cheese with a spoonful of cherry pie filling, ensuring it’s centered for balanced filling.
- Fold and Seal: Lightly dampen the edges of the pastry with water to help seal. Fold the corners of each puff pastry square toward the center, overlapping slightly to create a neat pocket that encloses the filling.
- Bake: Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes after baking. Once slightly cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish and added sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Use cold puff pastry for the best puff and rise during baking.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with blueberry or raspberry preserves if preferred.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- These danishes can be frozen before baking; simply bake directly from frozen for a few extra minutes.
