Oh my goodness, have you ever had a cherry cheese danish fresh out of the oven? It’s one of those magical pastries that fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma, and trust me, you won’t be able to resist diving in! I remember the first time I made these delightful treats; I was trying to impress some friends for brunch, and I was so nervous! But when I pulled them out of the oven, all golden and puffy, I knew I had a winner. The sweet cream cheese filling combined with that tart cherry topping is just a match made in heaven! You know what’s great? They may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to whip up. So grab your puff pastry, and let’s create something delicious together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy!)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for that sweet touch)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (a splash of flavor)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, gives a beautiful golden finish)
How to Prepare Cherry Cheese Danish
Getting ready to make your cherry cheese danish is almost as exciting as eating it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious pastries in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for getting that perfect golden color!
- Next, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. You want to ensure it’s smooth and not too sticky.
- Cut the pastry into squares, about 4 inches each. Don’t stress if they’re not perfectly even, I promise they’ll still taste amazing!
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts!
- Now, place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture right in the center of each pastry square. Don’t be shy—give it a nice dollop!
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling right on top of the cream cheese. The combination is heavenly!
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure it’s sealed well, so the goodness stays inside.
- Now, brush the tops of your pastries with a beaten egg. This gives them that lovely shiny finish when they bake!
- Pop them into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Oh, you’re going to love the smell!
- Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but they taste even better warm!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in a cherry cheese danish, it’s nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is one danish. Keep in mind these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary slightly depending on what you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 4g
So, while these pastries are definitely a treat, they also pack a delightful punch of flavor and texture! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers!
- The flaky, buttery puff pastry creates a delightful contrast with the creamy filling.
- Sweet and tart cherry topping adds a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- These danishes are versatile; you can swap out the cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries!
- They’re perfect for any occasion—brunch, dessert, or even just a cozy afternoon snack.
- Quick to assemble, you’ll have a batch ready in about 40 minutes!
- They look fancy enough to impress guests but are casual enough for a weekday treat.
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my tried-and-true tips to help you nail these cherry cheese danishes every single time! With just a few little tricks, you can elevate your baking game.
- Keep your puff pastry cold: This is essential for achieving that flaky texture! If your pastry gets too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Don’t overfill: It can be tempting to pile on the cream cheese and cherries, but trust me, a spoonful is just right. Overfilling can lead to messy spills while baking!
- Egg wash magic: For that gorgeous golden color, make sure to brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash right before baking. It makes all the difference in presentation.
- Baking time is key: Keep an eye on your pastries as they bake! Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 15-minute mark. You want them perfectly golden brown, not too dark.
- Serve warm: These danishes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or just slightly cooled. The warm cream cheese filling and cherries are a heavenly combination that you won’t want to miss!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture or swapping the cherry filling for your favorite jam.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just a quick reheat in the oven will bring back that fresh-baked taste!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a cherry cheese danish pro! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!
Variations on Cherry Cheese Danish
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your cherry cheese danish! I love playing around with different flavors and fillings, and trust me, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of my favorite variations to spark your creativity:
- Blueberry Bliss: Swap out the cherry pie filling for fresh or canned blueberries. The sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with the cream cheese!
- Pineapple Paradise: Use crushed pineapple mixed with a bit of sugar for a tropical twist. It’s refreshing and perfect for summer gatherings!
- Chocolate Cherry: Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or sprinkle some mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a decadent touch.
- Apple Cinnamon: Replace the cherry filling with diced apples sautéed in cinnamon and sugar. It gives a cozy, fall vibe that’s simply irresistible!
- Lemon Zest: Stir in some lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture for a delightful citrusy flavor that brightens everything up.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in some chopped nuts—like pecans or walnuts—into the filling for added crunch and a lovely texture contrast!
- Mixed Berry Medley: Combine different berries, like raspberries and strawberries, for a colorful and flavorful filling that’s a feast for the eyes!
Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own! Each variation brings its own unique flair, and I can’t wait for you to experiment and find your favorite combo. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delightful cherry cheese danish, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you can resist!). Storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. Here’s what I recommend:
- Storing: Place any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you live in a very humid area, it’s best to keep them in the fridge to avoid sogginess.
- Freezing: If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the danishes! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore that crispy, flaky texture. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too, but be careful not to overheat them, as they can get chewy!
Following these tips will ensure that your cherry cheese danish remains as scrumptious as the day you baked them. Enjoy those sweet treats, whether fresh or reheated!
Engage with Us
I love hearing from you! If you try my cherry cheese danish recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you make any fun variations? What did your friends and family think? Your feedback not only makes my day, but it also helps fellow bakers get inspired!
If you enjoyed this recipe, consider giving it a rating! It really helps others find these delicious treats. And hey, if you’re active on social media, don’t forget to snap a pic of your cherry cheese danish masterpiece and share it with your friends! Tag me, and let’s spread the love for baking together! I can’t wait to see your creations!
Drucken
Cherry Cheese Danish: 7 Irresistible Tips for Perfection
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious cherry cheese danish pastry filled with sweetened cream cheese and topped with cherry filling.
Zutaten
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for a homemade filling.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 danish
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 28g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: cherry cheese danish, pastry, dessert
