Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *mini cherry cheese danishes*! They’re simply irresistible—flaky puff pastry enveloping a creamy cheese filling, topped with sweet cherry goodness. Honestly, every bite feels like a warm hug! The best part? They come together so quickly, making them perfect for those last-minute gatherings or just a cozy afternoon treat. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with the most incredible aroma, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. They make any occasion feel special, and trust me, they’ll have your friends and family raving! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!
Ingredients for Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Let’s gather our ingredients! Each one plays a vital role in creating these delicious mini cherry cheese danishes, so here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets – This is the star of the show! Puff pastry gives us that lovely flaky texture we all adore. Make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.
- 8 oz cream cheese – Choose a good quality cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling. I like to let mine sit out for a bit to soften, making it easier to mix.
- 1/4 cup sugar – This will sweeten up our cream cheese mixture just perfectly, balancing it with the tartness of the cherries.
- 1 egg yolk – The egg yolk adds richness to the filling and helps bind everything together. Don’t toss the egg white; it can be used for other recipes!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cheese filling and adds a lovely aroma as they bake.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling – You can use store-bought, but if you’re feeling adventurous, fresh cherries are a treat! This topping is the cherry on top—literally!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be one step closer to indulging in these delightful pastries!
How to Prepare Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your mini cherry cheese danishes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures our danishes bake evenly and turn that perfect golden brown. No one wants soggy pastries, right?
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Next, take your thawed puff pastry sheets and roll them out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness. Then, cut the pastry into squares—about 4 inches on each side works perfectly. You’ll want enough space to hold the delicious filling!
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
Now, let’s whip up that creamy cheese filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy—this is where the magic starts! The texture should be luscious and inviting, just like a dreamy cloud.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastries
Time to bring it all together! Place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture right in the center of each pastry square. Then, add a dollop of cherry pie filling on top of the cheese. I like to go a bit overboard with the cherries because, honestly, who doesn’t love cherries?
Step 5: Fold and Bake
Here comes the fun part! Carefully fold the corners of the pastry squares over the filling towards the center. It doesn’t have to be perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and oh-so-flaky.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, let your mini cherry cheese danishes cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This cooling time is essential to let the flavors settle. Trust me, the aroma will drive you wild! After they’ve cooled slightly, serve them warm and watch everyone fall in love with these delightful pastries!
Why You’ll Love Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
- Quick to prepare—perfect for when you need a delicious treat in a hurry!
- Flaky, buttery puff pastry paired with creamy cheese filling makes for a dreamy bite.
- Sweet cherry topping adds the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Great for gatherings—everyone loves these little pastries, and they’re easy to share!
- Fun to make—get the kids involved in folding the pastry or adding the cherry filling!
- Versatile—switch up the filling with other fruits or flavors to keep things exciting!
- They look adorable on a dessert platter, bringing a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Tips for Success with Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Alright, let’s talk tips! I want you to nail these mini cherry cheese danishes on your first try, so here are my favorite pro tips to ensure your baking adventure is a smashing success:
- Use Fresh Cherries: If you can, opt for fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling. They bring a vibrant flavor and a lovely texture that really elevates your danishes!
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Work with the puff pastry while it’s cold. If it gets too warm, it won’t puff up as beautifully in the oven. If you feel it’s getting soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes!
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up on that creamy cheese and cherry goodness, but don’t overfill the pastry squares. A spoonful of each is just right to keep them from leaking during baking.
- Brush with Egg Wash: For an extra golden and glossy finish, brush the tops of your pastries with a beaten egg before baking. It gives them that beautiful, shiny look that’s so inviting!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix things up! Try adding a pinch of almond extract to the cheese filling or switching out the cherry topping for blueberries or strawberries for a fun twist.
- Serve Warm: These danishes are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. The flavors are at their peak, and the pastry is perfectly flaky!
With these tips in your baking toolkit, you’re all set to create the most delightful mini cherry cheese danishes! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Let’s talk about what makes these mini cherry cheese danishes not just delicious but also a delightful treat in terms of nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of the typical values you can expect per danish:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
These numbers are estimates based on the ingredients used, but they give you a nice overview of what’s in each tasty pastry. Enjoy them as a special treat, and feel great knowing you’re indulging in a little piece of heaven!
FAQ about Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Got questions about these delightful mini cherry cheese danishes? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my answers to help you along the way:
Can I use other fruits instead of cherry?
Absolutely! While cherries are delicious, you can easily swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even mixed berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose!
Do I have to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry is what gives these danishes their flaky texture, but if you can’t find it, you could use crescent roll dough as an alternative. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will be a bit different!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
You can! If you want to save some time, prepare the cheese filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a quick stir before using it to ensure it’s nice and creamy!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover mini cherry cheese danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re still tasty cold, but I recommend warming them up slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel!
Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can! Just freeze them before baking. Place the assembled danishes on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer—no need to thaw!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying these delightful mini cherry cheese danishes, you might have a few left over—if you’re lucky! Here’s how to store them properly so they stay delicious:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the danishes to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Trust me, they’re still tasty cold, but warming them up brings back that fresh-baked flavor!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. If you prefer them crispy, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that flaky texture we all love!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a later day, you can freeze them before baking! Just assemble the danishes, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your mini cherry cheese danishes! Enjoy!
Drucken
Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes: 5 Magical Steps to Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 mini danishes 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Mini cherry cheese danishes are delicious pastries filled with creamy cheese and sweet cherry topping.
Zutaten
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Add a small amount of cherry pie filling on top.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for a homemade filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 danish
- Kalorien: 180
- Zucker: 8g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 19g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: mini cherry cheese danishes, pastries, dessert
