Easy Cherry Cheese Danish in 30 Minutes Recipe
This Easy Cherry Cheese Danish recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and a luscious cherry topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick breakfast treat or an elegant dessert. The optional glaze and sliced almonds add a lovely finishing touch for extra flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 Danishes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Toppings
- 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)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 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)
Glaze
- ½ cup Powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons Milk (adjust to desired glaze consistency)
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and almond extract (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Cut and Score Puff Pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. Cut each sheet into squares of your desired size for individual Danishes. Lightly score the edges of each square to help the pastry puff and hold its shape during baking.
- Add Filling, Cherry Topping, and Egg Wash: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling or fresh cherry compote mixed with lemon juice if using. Brush the edges of each square lightly with the beaten egg to create a golden puff during baking.
- Chill Pastries Before Baking (Optional): Place the assembled pastries in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to help the puff pastry maintain its shape and improve flakiness when baked.
- Bake Until Golden and Puffed: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the Danishes on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.
- Make Glaze and Top with Almonds: While the Danishes bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. After removing the Danishes from the oven and slightly cooling, drizzle the glaze over each pastry and sprinkle with sliced almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Nutrition information is approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Chilling the pastries before baking is optional but helps improve the puff pastry texture.
- Use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling for a fresher taste.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, adjust the powdered sugar and milk amounts accordingly.
Keywords: Cherry Cheese Danish, puff pastry dessert, cream cheese filling, quick breakfast pastry, cherry dessert
