If you’ve ever wandered past a bakery window and been captivated by the glossy, fruit-topped pastries inside, you’ll love making Cherry Cheese Danish at home! This delightful treat features buttery, flaky layers of puff pastry, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a vibrant cherry topping. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, each bite is a perfect harmony of tangy, sweet, and rich flavors. Whether you serve them for a special brunch or a cozy family breakfast, they’re sure to bring big smiles and plenty of “wow, you made this?” moments!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Cheese Danish recipe calls for simple ingredients that truly shine when combined. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of texture and flavor—so don’t skip or substitute unless you need to!
- Puff pastry sheet: The buttery, flaky base that turns golden and crisp in the oven—pre-made keeps things quick and easy!
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates the luscious, slightly tangy layer that makes each bite rich and creamy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheese filling just enough without overpowering the tanginess.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash, it gives the danish edges a gorgeous, shiny finish.
- Cherry pie filling: Tart, bright cherries provide a pop of color and a fruity burst in every bite.
- Milk: Helps loosen the powdered sugar for a flawless icing drizzle.
- Powdered sugar: Whisked with milk to create the perfect sweet, silky glaze that pulls everything together.
How to Make Cherry Cheese Danish
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking (and make cleanup a breeze!). Make sure your cream cheese is softened and your puff pastry has thawed—this will set you up for perfectly smooth filling and easy-to-roll pastry.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or handheld mixer to beat everything together until the mixture is silky smooth and no lumps remain. This is the luxurious layer that gives Cherry Cheese Danish its signature richness.
Step 3: Shape and Score Your Puff Pastry
Dust your work surface lightly with flour. Gently roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. For those signature danish “frames,” take a sharp knife and score (but don’t cut all the way through) a ½ inch border around each rectangle. This helps the edges puff up and hold in that creamy filling and jewel-like cherries.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
Transfer your pastry rectangles to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each, keeping it inside the scored border for the prettiest result. Top each with a generous teaspoon of cherry pie filling, letting a few cherries peek out for irresistible color.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Brush the outer pastry edges with beaten egg—this gives Cherry Cheese Danish that golden, glossy bakery shine. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until your pastries are puffed and deeply golden. Allow them to cool slightly on a rack before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Glaze for Sweet Perfection
Whisk milk and powdered sugar in a small bowl to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the cooled danishes. Watch it set into sweet ribbons that melt into the warm pastry and make the whole kitchen smell heavenly!
How to Serve Cherry Cheese Danish
Garnishes
Take your Cherry Cheese Danish over the top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a little extra cherry filling, or even fresh cherries for that “I just walked out of a Paris café” flourish. A quick zest of lemon can add a fresh, bright twist too.
Side Dishes
Balance out the flaky richness with fresh fruit—think juicy orange slices or a bowl of mixed berries. For an indulgent brunch, serve alongside hot coffee, a vanilla latte, or a glass of chilled mimosa. A dollop of whipped cream takes it into full-on dessert territory.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve your Cherry Cheese Danish on a marble platter or rustic wooden board. You can also make mini versions using smaller pastry squares. Stack them in a pretty pyramid or arrange in a circle for a gorgeous edible centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for up to three days. The pastry will stay flaky, and the flavor actually deepens overnight!
Freezing
Want to stash a few for later? Let your danishes cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in the oven before glazing.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, simply reheat your Cherry Cheese Danish in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisped. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is the best for preserving the flakiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit filling for this danish?
Absolutely! The Cherry Cheese Danish is a classic, but blueberry, raspberry, apple, or even mixed-berry pie fillings all work beautifully. Just stick to the same amount to prevent overflow.
How do I keep the cream cheese layer from leaking out during baking?
Scoring that border in the puff pastry is key. Make sure not to overload the filling, and press the edges gently to help contain the deliciousness where it belongs.
Can I assemble Cherry Cheese Danish ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the unbaked danishes, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.
Is it necessary to use an egg wash?
Brushing the edges with beaten egg isn’t strictly required, but it does make your Cherry Cheese Danish look extra golden and inviting. Milk or cream can be used in a pinch if you’re out of eggs.
Why is my puff pastry not as puffy or flaky?
This often happens if the pastry gets too warm before baking. Work quickly, and make sure the oven is fully preheated so the pastry “puffs” beautifully on contact with the heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of homemade Cherry Cheese Danish out of your own oven—your kitchen smells incredible, everyone gathers around, and every bite is pure comfort and joy. Don’t be surprised if these become the most-requested treat in your kitchen. Give this gorgeous recipe a try and create your own bakery-worthy magic at home!
Print
Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of cherry and cream cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry with this easy-to-make Cherry Cheese Danish recipe.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 115g (4 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, cut it into rectangles, and score a border around each rectangle.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place the pastry on the baking sheet, add cream cheese mixture, cherry pie filling, and brush the edges with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix milk and powdered sugar, then drizzle over the cooled danishes.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or apple.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate unbaked danishes for up to 1 day.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
