Name: Easy Cherry Cheese Danish in 30 Minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Puff pastry sheets, thawed (usually contains 2 sheets); 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 cup Cherry pie filling or fresh cherry compote; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (optional, mixed with cherry topping); ¼ cup Sliced almonds (optional garnish); 8 oz Cream cheese, full-fat, softened; ⅓ cup Granulated sugar; 1 Egg yolk; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (optional, adds brightness); 1 pinch Salt; 1 teaspoon Almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor); ½ cup Powdered sugar; 1-2 teaspoons Milk (adjust to desired glaze consistency); ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract

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Introduction

This easy Cherry Cheese Danish recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a creamy cream cheese mixture and topped with luscious cherry filling, then finished with a simple glaze and almonds for a delightful crunch.

The image shows a close-up of a square-shaped pastry with thick, flaky layers of golden-brown dough forming the base and edges. Inside this puff pastry, there is a creamy white layer that holds four glossy, dark red cherries, each positioned in a small circular indentation. The pastry has a shiny, slightly glazed texture with visible layers and crisp edges. The background consists of more of these pastries slightly blurred, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box puff pastry sheets, thawed (usually contains 2 sheets)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
8 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, adds brightness)
1 pinch salt
1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh compote
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, mixed with cherry topping)
½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1–2 teaspoons milk (adjust to desired glaze consistency)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
¼ cup sliced almonds (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt together until smooth and creamy. If using almond extract, add it here.
Step 2: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into squares, about 4 to 5 inches wide. Lightly score a smaller square inside each pastry square by cutting about ¼ inch deep without cutting all the way through; this helps the edges puff up around the filling.
Step 3: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, spreading it slightly but keeping it inside the scored line. Top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling mixed with lemon juice if using.
Step 4: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish during baking. For best results, you can chill the prepared pastries in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking.
Step 5: Bake the danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
Step 6: While the danishes bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 7: Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cherry compote or fresh pitted cherries cooked down with sugar as a flavorful alternative to canned cherry pie filling.
Substitute almond extract with orange extract for a different citrus twist.
Chill the filled pastries before baking to help maintain defined edges and prevent the filling from spilling over.
For a dairy-free version, try using dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based puff pastry.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a square-shaped pastry with three visible layers; the bottom layer is a golden, flaky crust with many thin, crisp layers, the middle layer is a creamy white filling that looks soft and smooth, and the top layer has three glossy, dark red cherries sitting in small indentations. Each cherry has a shiny, slightly translucent surface that catches the light. The edges of the pastry are golden brown with a slightly crisp texture. The pastries are placed on a white marbled surface, with other similar pastries slightly blurred in the background, focusing on the front piece. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed.

Can I use frozen puff pastry without thawing?

It’s best to thaw puff pastry fully according to package instructions before using, as unthawed pastry may not puff up properly and can be difficult to handle.