Cherry Danish Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the delightful flaky layers of this classic Cherry Danish, filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and topped with luscious cherry filling. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting surface)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1 cup cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry. Cut it into 8 equal squares.
3. Step 3: Using a knife, lightly score a smaller square inside each piece about ½ inch from the edge without cutting all the way through. This will create a raised border when baked.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.
6. Step 6: Top the cream cheese filling with 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling or cherry compote.
7. Step 7: Beat the whole egg with 1 tablespoon milk to make an egg wash. Brush the outer edges of each pastry square with the egg wash.
8. Step 8: Bake the danishes for 18–22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
10. Step 10 (Optional): To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly cooled danishes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier filling, add a touch more lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Substitute cherry pie filling with fresh berries or apricot preserves for a different flavor twist.
• Make sure the puff pastry is cold but thawed properly to achieve the best puff and flakiness.
• Brush the pastry edges carefully with egg wash to enhance browning and help the border hold shape.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) to restore flakiness and warmth before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but it’s best to cook them down into a compote with a little sugar and lemon juice to ensure the filling is flavorful and not too runny.

Is it necessary to score the pastry edges?

Scoring the edges helps create a raised border that holds the filling neatly inside as the pastry puffs up, improving both appearance and structure.

Cherry Danish Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 142 reviews

This Cherry Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer and topped with luscious cherry pie filling. Finished with a delicate vanilla glaze, these pastries make for a delightful homemade breakfast treat or dessert that’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 cherry danishes 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting surface)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Cherry Topping

• 1 cup cherry pie filling or homemade cherry compote

Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk

Vanilla Glaze (Optional)

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut the puff pastry into 8 equal squares. Using a knife, gently score a smaller square inside each piece about ½ inch from the edge without cutting through to create a raised border once baked.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice if using. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
4. Assemble the Danishes: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Then, add 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer. Carefully brush the outer edges of each square with the prepared egg wash (made by whisking 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk) to promote browning and shine.
5. Bake: Place the assembled pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and cooked through. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the pastries to cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack.
6. Add the Glaze (Optional): While the danishes cool, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled pastries for added sweetness and a glossy finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure the puff pastry is well thawed but still cold for easier handling.
• Do not cut through the edges when scoring the pastry to maintain a raised border effect during baking.
• The lemon juice in the cream cheese filling brightens the flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
• The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweetness and presentation appeal.
• You can use homemade cherry compote or store-bought cherry pie filling based on preference and availability.

Keywords: Cherry Danish, puff pastry, cream cheese filling, cherry pie filling, breakfast pastry, homemade danish, vanilla glaze