Flaky Cherry Cream Cheese Pastry

Craving a bakery-quality treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home? Look no further than this delightful Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, golden-brown, and incredibly flaky pastry, perfect for any occasion. Imagine crisp layers of puff pastry cradling a luscious, almond-infused sweet cream cheese filling, generously topped with vibrant cherry pie filling. A sprinkle of sliced almonds and a delicate almond glaze complete this irresistible dessert, making it an impressive yet effortless homemade masterpiece. Thanks to readily available store-bought puff pastry sheets and canned cherry pie filling, you can achieve gourmet results without the extensive time commitment of traditional baking. This semi-homemade approach ensures a delectable outcome every time, leaving you more time to savor the moment.

If you’re a fan of flaky pastries and fruit-and-cream cheese combinations, this Cherry Danish recipe is bound to become a new favorite. Its rich almond flavor harmonizes beautifully with the tartness of the cherries, creating a balanced sweetness that’s not overpowering. This versatile pastry is an ideal centerpiece for holiday brunches, such as Christmas morning, Easter, or Mother’s Day, but it’s also simple enough for a casual weekend treat. Serve it warm from the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and the pastry to shine, or at room temperature alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. Due to its inherent richness and sweetness, cutting the danish into smaller, manageable pieces is highly recommended, allowing everyone to enjoy a perfect bite of this luxurious cream cheese danish.

While some traditional danish pastry recipes involve a lengthy process of yeast fermentation and intricate lamination to create their signature layers, this recipe cleverly bypasses the fuss. We embrace the convenience of store-bought puff pastry dough, which, while not identical to a traditional yeast-leavened danish, bakes up into an incredibly buttery, flaky, and rich pastry in a fraction of the time. This quick puff pastry braid delivers a satisfying crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals its more complex counterparts, proving that impressive baking doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen. For those feeling ambitious, you can certainly try your hand at homemade rough puff pastry, but the beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility and speed.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Danish Recipe

This Cream Cheese Cherry Danish isn’t just another pastry; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Here’s why this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire:

• Effortlessly Semi-Homemade: The genius of this recipe lies in its smart use of convenience. By starting with two fantastic store-bought staples – frozen puff pastry sheets and cherry pie filling – you significantly cut down on prep time. This means you get to enjoy the rewarding process of assembling a beautiful pastry without the stress of making dough from scratch or perfecting a fruit filling. It’s mostly about combining wonderful flavors and letting your oven do the hard work, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute entertaining.
• Irresistible Cherry Almond Flavor Profile: The combination of cherry and almond is a timeless classic for a reason. This danish features a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling delicately flavored with almond extract, which acts as a perfect counterpoint to the bright, juicy sweetness of the cherry pie filling. The addition of sliced almonds on top not only provides a delightful crunch but also intensifies the nutty aroma and taste, creating a harmonious blend of tart, sweet, and creamy textures that is utterly addictive.
• Golden, Buttery Puff Pastry Perfection: Who can resist the allure of perfectly baked puff pastry? Its countless thin layers rise and crisp up in the oven, transforming into a golden, flaky crust that shatters with every bite. Using high-quality store-bought puff pastry saves you hours of work while still delivering that luxurious, buttery texture that defines a great danish. It’s far simpler than tackling traditional yeast-leavened danish dough, and the result is consistently flaky, rich, and utterly satisfying.
• Endless Customization Options: The core framework of this cream cheese danish with puff pastry is incredibly adaptable. While the cherry almond combination is divine, it serves as an excellent canvas for your culinary creativity. You can easily swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings, allowing for countless variations and seasonal riffs. This flexibility makes it a recipe you can enjoy all year round, adapting it to whatever fruits are in season or simply what you’re in the mood for.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Creating this spectacular cherry cheese danish requires just a few key components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• Puff Pastry: The cornerstone of this danish! You’ll need one sheet of high-quality store-bought puff pastry. Ensure it’s thawed according to package directions but still cold enough to handle. For an extra touch, you can also use a homemade rough puff pastry for an even richer flavor and texture.
• Cherry Pie Filling: This provides the vibrant fruit layer. Canned cherry pie filling is perfectly convenient and effective for this recipe. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can easily make your own cherry pie filling from fresh or frozen cherries, adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
• Cream Cheese: Crucial for the rich and tangy filling. Opt for full-fat, brick-style cream cheese, such as the Philadelphia brand, and make sure it’s softened to room temperature. This ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture that spreads beautifully.
• Almond Extract: This enhances the classic cherry-almond flavor pairing. A small amount goes a long way in adding a warm, nutty depth to the cream cheese filling and the final glaze.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Used in both the cream cheese filling for sweetness and the finishing glaze for a smooth, pourable consistency. Its fine texture ensures no graininess in the final product.
• Large Egg: Whisked to create an egg wash, which is brushed over the puff pastry before baking. This gives the danish a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish and helps the sliced almonds adhere.
• Sliced Almonds: Sprinkled over the danish before baking, they add a wonderful textural crunch and amplify the almond flavor, contributing to a more professional, artisanal look.
• Milk (for glaze): A tiny bit of milk is combined with powdered sugar and almond extract to create the sweet, drizzle-able glaze that crowns the baked danish. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise quantities and detailed measurements of each ingredient.

Delicious Substitutions and Creative Variations

One of the best aspects of this Cream Cheese Cherry Danish recipe is its incredible versatility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors! Here are some fantastic ways to customize your puff pastry danish:

• Fresh Fruit Filling: For a lighter, fresher taste, substitute the canned cherry pie filling with fresh berries. Simply macerate fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries with a little sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice, then spoon them over the cream cheese mixture. You might need to add a touch of cornstarch to thicken the fresh fruit juices if they are too watery.
• Blueberry Bliss: Swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry pie filling. The rich, sweet blueberries pair wonderfully with the almond cream cheese and flaky pastry, creating a classic combination that’s always a hit.
• Sweet Strawberry Sensation: Use strawberry pie filling in place of cherry for a summery twist. The sweetness of strawberries complements the cream cheese beautifully. Consider adding a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese for an extra pop of flavor.
• Apple Pie Perfection: For a comforting, autumnal flavor, create an apple version using apple pie filling. A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of apple pie spice in the cream cheese mixture would elevate this variation even further, making it a perfect fall breakfast treat.
• Tropical Twist: Try using pineapple or peach pie filling for a more exotic flavor profile. A hint of coconut extract in the cream cheese could make these truly special.
• Crescent Roll Dough Alternative: If you’re looking for an even softer, doughier pastry texture, you can swap out the puff pastry for refrigerated crescent roll dough. Simply unroll the dough, pinch seams together to form a rectangle, and proceed with the filling and braiding steps. Note that the texture will be less flaky and more bread-like, but still incredibly delicious.
• Nut-Free Option: If you or your guests have a nut allergy, simply omit the almond extract and sliced almonds. You can replace the almond extract with vanilla extract for a classic cream cheese danish, or try a citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a bright flavor. Instead of sliced almonds, consider a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of coarse sugar for texture.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Cherry Danish

Making this impressive Cream Cheese Cherry Danish is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to create a beautiful, delicious pastry:

Step One: Prepare the Puff Pastry. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface or directly on the parchment paper, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet. Aim for a slightly elongated rectangle, about ⅛-inch thick, ensuring it’s evenly rolled for consistent baking. Carefully transfer the rolled pastry onto the prepared sheet pan.

Step Two: Shape the Pastry Base. To create the ‘braid’ effect, you’ll need to cut the pastry. At one short end of the rectangle, make two small triangular cuts, leaving a central strip approximately 3 inches wide. On the opposite short end, simply trim off the corners to mirror the width of the central strip you just created. Along both long sides of the pastry, leave a wide strip in the middle. These cuts create the foundation for our braided danish, as shown in the photo.

Step Three: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract. Using a rubber spatula or an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This ensures a creamy, consistent texture for your danish filling.

Step Four: Fill the Pastry. Carefully spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly down the center strip of your puff pastry, leaving a small border on each side for braiding. Next, gently spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Try to get mostly cherries and minimize the amount of thickened sauce to prevent the danish from becoming too wet and potentially leaking during baking.

Hot tip! When adding the cherry pie filling, try to scoop out more of the whole cherries and leave behind some of the excess thickened sauce. This helps prevent the pastry from becoming soggy and ensures a cleaner bake.

Step Five: Cut the Braiding Strips. Now for the braid! On one of the long sides of the pastry, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut diagonal strips, each approximately 1 cm (½ inch) wide. Make sure these cuts go almost up to the edge of the filling but don’t cut through it, leaving about a centimeter border. Repeat this process on the opposite long side, ensuring your cuts are roughly parallel to each other.

Step Six: Braid the Pastry. Starting from one end of the pastry, take the first strip from one side and fold it diagonally over the filling. Then, take the corresponding strip from the opposite side and fold it over, overlapping the previous strip slightly. Continue this alternating pattern, criss-crossing the strips over the filling all the way up the pastry, creating a beautiful braided effect. Gently tuck the end strips under to seal.

Step Seven: Egg Wash and Almond Topping. In a small bowl, whisk the large egg until well combined. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the braided danish with the egg wash. This will give it a beautiful golden sheen. Immediately after, sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the egg-washed pastry. The egg wash will help the almonds adhere during baking.

Step Eight: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the sheet pan with the danish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is gorgeously golden brown, significantly puffed up, and the filling is bubbly. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. Once baked, remove the danish from the oven and let it cool on the sheet pan for at least 15 minutes.

Step Nine: Prepare the Almond Glaze. While the danish is cooling, prepare the finishing glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining powdered sugar, milk, and the second measure of almond extract. Mix until completely smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a few drops at a time, until desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step Ten: Glaze, Slice, and Serve. Once the pastry has cooled slightly (at least 15 minutes, but still slightly warm is fine), drizzle the prepared almond glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Then, using a large, sharp chef’s knife, cut the pastry into 1-inch thick slices. Serve your beautiful Cream Cheese Cherry Danish slightly warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade bakery treat!

Hot tip! For perfectly clean slices that don’t squish the filling, use a large chef’s knife. Press down firmly and rock the knife back and forth slightly rather than dragging it. This helps cut through the flaky layers and creamy filling without tearing.

Expert Tips for the Best Cherry Danish

Achieving a bakery-worthy danish at home is easier with these pro tips:

• Don’t Overfill: While tempting, resist the urge to pile too much filling onto the pastry. An overfilled danish can lead to leakage during baking, causing the filling to burn and making the pastry soggy. Stick to the recommended quantities.
• Mind the Gap: When cutting the diagonal strips, ensure you leave a border of about 1 centimeter (½ inch) on either side of the filling. Cutting too close increases the risk of the delicious cream cheese and cherry mixture oozing out during baking, which can burn and create a mess.
• Chill if Needed: Puff pastry performs best when cold. If your kitchen is warm or you’ve been handling the dough for a while and it starts to feel soft or sticky, pop the entire assembled (but unbaked) danish into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This helps the butter in the pastry firm up, leading to flakier layers.
• Bake Until Deep Golden Brown: Don’t underbake your danish! It’s crucial for the pastry to bake until it reaches a deep, rich golden brown color. This ensures the layers are fully cooked, crisp, and flaky, and the bottom is not soggy. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
• Patience with the Glaze: Always allow the baked danish to cool for at least 15 minutes, or ideally until just warm, before drizzling on the almond glaze. Applying glaze to a hot pastry will cause it to melt and run off, resulting in a less appealing, thin coating. A slightly cooled pastry allows the glaze to set beautifully.
• Use a Sharp Knife: For clean, professional-looking slices, a very sharp chef’s knife is your best friend. Press down firmly and use a gentle rocking motion rather than dragging the knife, which can tear the delicate pastry layers.
• Don’t Be Afraid of Imperfections: Remember, homemade treats have character! If your braid isn’t perfect or a little filling leaks, it will still taste absolutely delicious. Embrace the charm of homemade baking.

Serving Your Delicious Cherry Danish

This Cream Cheese Cherry Danish is more than just a pastry; it’s a versatile delight that can elevate any meal or gathering. Here are some ideas for serving it:

• The Ultimate Brunch Centerpiece: This danish is practically made for brunch. Its beautiful braided appearance and vibrant cherry color make it a stunning focal point for any brunch spread. Pair it with savory breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a quiche, along with fresh fruit and mimosas, for a truly memorable meal.
• Perfect with Coffee or Tea: For a simpler treat, enjoy a slice (or two!) with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a cozy evening indulgence. The almond flavor beautifully complements a dark roast coffee or a robust Earl Grey tea.
• Holiday Feasts: Impress your guests during holiday celebrations like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. It’s a fuss-free dessert that looks incredibly fancy, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities.
• Dessert Extravaganza: While often considered a breakfast item, its richness and sweetness make it a fantastic dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent touch.
• Sweet Snack Any Time: It’s perfect for satisfying those mid-day sweet cravings. Keep a few slices on hand for an easy grab-and-go snack that feels far more special than your average pastry.
• A Thoughtful Gift: Wrap individual slices or the whole danish in pretty packaging and share it with friends, family, or neighbors. Homemade pastries make wonderful gifts for any occasion.

Whether served warm and fresh from the oven, allowing the flaky layers to shine, or at room temperature, this danish promises a delightful experience. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures are sure to please any palate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Danish

Got questions about making or enjoying your Cream Cheese Cherry Danish? We’ve got answers!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Cream Cheese Cherry Danish is undoubtedly at its peak freshness and flakiness on the day it’s baked. The crispness of the puff pastry, combined with the creamy filling and vibrant cherries, is best enjoyed shortly after it comes out of the oven. For this reason, we highly recommend savoring it the same day you prepare it.

However, if you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence with such a delicious pastry!), here’s how to properly store and reheat your danish:

• Room Temperature Storage: For up to one day, you can store the cherry danish loosely covered at room temperature. A pastry dome or a plate covered with plastic wrap will work well. Any longer than a day, and the pastry will start to lose its desirable texture, and the cream cheese filling will need refrigeration.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store it for more than a day, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, place the danish in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will keep well for 2-3 days this way. Note that the pastry will soften considerably in the refrigerator.
• Reheating for Freshness: To revive the flaky texture and warm up the filling, reheating is a great option.
  • Oven: Place slices of danish on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 400℉ (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry re-crisps. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Toaster Oven: A toaster oven is perfect for individual slices. Heat at 400℉ (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp and warm.
  • Air Fryer: For a quick re-crisping, place slices in an air fryer basket and heat at 350℉ (175°C) for 2-4 minutes, checking frequently.

  Ensure you only reheat slices as needed, as repeated reheating can dry out the pastry. The glaze may melt slightly during reheating, but the flavor will remain fantastic.

More Delicious Breakfast & Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed making this easy Cream Cheese Cherry Danish, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful recipes that bring bakery-level goodness right to your kitchen. Explore these other fantastic options perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert:

Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry

By Callan Wenner

This Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry is a surprisingly simple yet incredibly impressive homemade treat! It features golden-brown, flaky puff pastry generously filled with a sweet, almond-flavored cream cheese mixture and luscious cherry pie filling. Topped with crunchy sliced almonds and a delicate almond glaze, this cherry cheese danish recipe is remarkably easy to create, thanks to the convenience of store-bought puff pastry and pie filling.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Rest time: 10 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Danish

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 232 kcal per serving (estimate)

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