There’s nothing quite like the perfect Cherry Danish. With its flaky, buttery layers, sweet cream cheese filling, and tart cherry topping, this pastry is the ultimate treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The best part? You don’t have to be a professional baker to make your own! With this simple recipe, you’ll have homemade Cherry Danishes that look and taste like they came straight from your favorite bakery.
What You'll Need
Before we start, here's everything you'll need for this recipe.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed, if frozen)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the cream cheese filling:
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the cherry topping:
- ½ cup cherry pie filling
For optional drizzle:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
How to Make Cherry Danish
1. Prepare Your Pastry Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry slightly to even it out. Then, cut the pastry into 4–6 equal squares or rectangles (depending on your preferred size).
2. Shape the Pastry
For a traditional Danish shape, fold or twist the corners of each square toward the center, pressing gently in the middle to secure. Alternatively, you can create a shallow border around the edge by folding over a small strip of pastry. This creates the perfect nook for your fillings! Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the mixture onto the center of each pastry square and spread it slightly, avoiding the edges.
4. Add the Cherry Topping
Spoon a generous dollop of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Arrange the cherries on top for that picture-perfect bakery look.
5. Brush with Egg Wash
To get that golden, shiny finish, brush the edges of the puff pastry with beaten egg.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid over-browning.
7. Add the Finishing Touch
Once the danishes have cooled slightly, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the top. Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle it generously over each Cherry Danish for extra sweetness.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Danish
- Use store-bought pastry for convenience: Puff pastry can be time-consuming to make from scratch, but store-bought is just as good for this recipe.
- Experiment with fillings: Swap out cherries for blueberries, apples, or raspberries to switch things up. The cream cheese layer pairs beautifully with almost any fruit!
- Plan ahead: Thaw your puff pastry in the fridge overnight if frozen. This ensures it’s easy to work with and keeps the buttery layers intact.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade Cherry Danishes are ready to enjoy. Whether you pair them with a steaming cup of coffee in the morning or serve them as an afternoon treat, these pastries are guaranteed to impress friends, family, and even yourself.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—or pop them in the oven for a quick reheat when you’re ready for another bite.
Happy baking! 🍒✨
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