Easy Cherry Danish
When it comes to delightful pastries, few can rival the charm of a homemade Danish. The combination of flaky pastry and sweet fruit filling creates a treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. This Easy Cherry Danish recipe is a breeze to make, featuring a luscious cream cheese filling and topped with vibrant cherry filling. With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, flaky pastry. The Easy Cherry Danish captures that magic effortlessly. What I love most is how adaptable it is to different fruit fillings, but cherry holds a special place in my heart. The cream cheese adds a rich tang, while the cherry fruit filling provides that perfect sweetness. Plus, using store-bought puff pastry makes it incredibly quick and simple, allowing even novice bakers to create something spectacular.
Gather These Ingredients
To make this Easy Cherry Danish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 2 cups Lucky Leaf cherry fruit filling
- Sliced almonds, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream, for brushing
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing!
Setup & Equipment
Before you dive into the baking process, here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl – for the cream cheese filling
- Whisk – to combine ingredients smoothly
- Baking sheet – lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Rolling pin – to roll out the puff pastry if needed
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for cutting the pastry
- Pastry brush – for applying the heavy cream
Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable!
Easy Cherry Danish Cooking Guide
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of creating this delightful Easy Cherry Danish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pastry rises beautifully and gets that golden-brown color.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients until smooth and creamy. Set it aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If needed, gently roll them out with a rolling pin to ensure they are even and about 1/8-inch thick. Cut each sheet into four squares, making eight squares in total.
Step 4: Assemble the Danish
On each pastry square, place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Top this with a generous spoonful of the Lucky Leaf cherry fruit filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastry to burst.
Step 5: Fold and Seal
To create the Danish shape, fold the corners of each square toward the center, pinching them together to seal. You can also fold the edges over to create a more rustic look. Place each assembled Danish on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Brush with Heavy Cream
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each Danish with the heavy cream. This will give them a beautiful sheen and enhance the golden color.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the Easy Cherry Danish in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary based on your oven.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Before serving, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for an added crunch and a touch of elegance. Enjoy your Easy Cherry Danish warm or at room temperature!
Better Choices & Swaps
If you’re looking to make some adjustments or simply want to try different flavors, consider these options:
- Fruit Filling: Swap out the cherry filling for other options like blueberry, raspberry, or even a mixed berry filling.
- Cheese Filling: Use mascarpone cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile in the cream cheese layer.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of almonds, try chopped walnuts, pecans, or leave them out entirely.
- Sweetener: Replace granulated sugar with powdered sugar for a different texture in the filling.
If You’re Curious
Here are some interesting tidbits about this Easy Cherry Danish recipe:
- Puff pastry is a versatile dough that can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. It’s made by layering dough and butter to create a flaky texture.
- The combination of cream cheese and fruit filling is classic in many cultures, often seen in danishes, tarts, and cheesecakes.
- Lucky Leaf cherry fruit filling is a convenient option that saves time without sacrificing flavor. You can also make your own filling using fresh cherries!
- This Easy Cherry Danish is perfect for special occasions, weekend brunches, or even as a delightful treat to accompany your coffee.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
If you want to prepare ahead, these Easy Cherry Danishes can be frozen! Here’s how:
- Assemble the Danishes but do not bake them. Instead, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking as directed.
Ask the Chef
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have the time and skill, homemade puff pastry will elevate your Easy Cherry Danish to the next level. Just ensure it’s chilled when you work with it.
What can I serve with this Easy Cherry Danish?
This pastry pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s also delightful served alongside a light salad for brunch.
How can I tell when the Danish is done baking?
The Easy Cherry Danish is done when it’s puffed up and golden brown. You can also gently tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, it’s likely ready!
Can I make this Danish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry, which is now available at many grocery stores. Just ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Wrap-Up
The Easy Cherry Danish is a delightful pastry that brings joy to any occasion. Its flaky layers, creamy filling, and sweet cherry goodness make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from casual breakfasts to elegant brunches. Whether you choose to make it exactly as outlined or put your own twist on it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to share this treat with loved ones, as it’s an experience best enjoyed together. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Easy Cherry Danish!
Easy Cherry Danish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Unroll puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Roll out gently to 1/8-inch thick and cut into eight squares.
- On each square, place about a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and top with cherry filling.
- Fold the corners of each square toward the center and pinch to seal. Place on a baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with heavy cream for a golden sheen.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with sliced almonds before serving.
Notes
- For a different fruit filling, try blueberry, raspberry, or mixed berry.
- Substitute mascarpone or ricotta for the cream cheese in the filling.
- You can freeze unbaked danishes for up to 2 months.
