Description
Flaky, golden puff pastry envelopes a luscious cream cheese filling and juicy cherry topping in this easy yet impressive cherry cheese Danish. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet breakfast treat, this recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly with store-bought puff pastry. Bakery-quality results right from your own oven!
Ingredients
For the Danish:
– 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp lemon juice (optional)
– ½ cup cherry pie filling or cherry compote
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional Glaze:
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1–2 tsp milk
– ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 4–6 rectangles or squares.
4. Spoon cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry piece, then top with cherry filling.
5. Fold pastry sides over the filling or cut slits and braid strips for a decorative finish.
6. Whisk egg with 1 tbsp water and brush over the top of each Danish.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Let cool slightly. If using glaze, mix ingredients and drizzle over cooled pastries before serving.
Notes
– Keep puff pastry cold before assembling for best flakiness.
– Substitute raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for cherries if desired.
– To make homemade cherry compote, simmer fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thick.
– These can be prepped ahead and baked fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry cheese danish, puff pastry danish, cream cheese cherry pastry, easy brunch recipes, sweet breakfast ideas