Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends or family with a delightful homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen, then this Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Flaky puff pastry envelopes a luscious cream cheese filling topped with juicy cherry pie filling, creating a harmonious blend of texture and flavor that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. The best part? This recipe is straightforward enough for any home baker to master and enjoy time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making this Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe come to life. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flaky crust, creamy center, and sweet topping.

• 17.3 oz thawed puff pastry: Provides the crisp, flaky base that makes each pastry irresistibly light.
• 21 oz canned cherry pie filling: Adds a vibrant burst of sweet and tangy cherry flavor with a glossy finish.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, rich filling that perfectly complements the cherries.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese for balanced flavor without overpowering.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese mixture with comforting warmth and depth.
• 1 large egg: Used both in the filling mix and for brushing to achieve a golden crust.
• 2 tsp water: Mixed with egg to make the perfect egg wash for that beautiful shine.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds a light dusting of sweetness and a pretty finish.
• 2 tsp whole milk: Together with powdered sugar, it’s used to make a delicate glaze optional to drizzle.

How to Make Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by making sure your puff pastry is fully thawed at room temperature. This step is crucial for easy handling and helps the layers puff up beautifully during baking. No one wants to wrestle with frozen dough!

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand or stand mixer until perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will add a velvety texture that contrasts wonderfully with the flaky pastry and tart cherries.

Step 3: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your Danish instead of scrubbing pans later.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Pastry

Lightly flour your workspace, unfold one sheet of puff pastry, and roll it out just a bit to a 9×11 inch rectangle. Using the pastry’s fold lines as a guide, slice each sheet into six triangles for a total of twelve. Scoring a border around each triangle and poking fork holes in the center are simple tricks to give the pastries their signature puffed edges.

Step 5: Assemble the Pastries

Transfer triangles to the baking sheets and layer about two tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each. Then top generously with cherry pie filling. This layering ensures every bite bursts with flavor and creaminess.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

Pop the trays into the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes. This step is a little secret to getting pastries that rise evenly and puff up like they do in bakeries, giving you that impressive presentation at home.

Step 7: Preheat and Brush

Preheat your oven to 400℉ so it’s ready when your pastries come out of the fridge. Prepare an egg wash by whisking together one egg and two teaspoons of water, then gently brush it on the borders of each pastry. This adds a gleaming golden finish.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake pastries until golden and puffed, about 22 minutes. Then let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes on the baking sheets so they set just right before adding final touches.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touches

Dust each Danish generously with powdered sugar and, if you like, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. This extra step elevates the flavor and presentation, making your Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe even more irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a fresh sprig of mint or a few whole cherries atop your Danishes can brighten up the plate and add a pop of color, making your pastries look as good as they taste. A light glaze drizzle also adds a lovely sheen and subtle sweetness.

Side Dishes

This pastry pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. For a complete spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these Danishes into a charming dessert platter by arranging them on a wooden board layered with parchment paper, adding small bowls of additional cherry filling or cream cheese mixture for dipping. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep in mind the pastry is best enjoyed fresh but will still taste delightful within this short time frame.

Freezing

If you want to make this Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe ahead of time, freeze the unbaked pastries on baking sheets until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm pastries in a 350℉ oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pastry soggy and chewy instead of flaky.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delicious alternative, but you’ll want to make a quick compote by cooking them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic the texture and sweetness of canned pie filling.

Is puff pastry the only type of dough I can use?

Puff pastry is ideal for its light, flaky layers, but if you’re in a pinch, you can try crescent roll dough. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but it still makes a tasty Danish.

Can I prepare and assemble these pastries the night before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them overnight. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent drying out, and add the egg wash before baking for the best finish.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe dairy-free, swap cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free puff pastry brand. The overall taste will still be delightful.

What’s the best way to get the puff pastry to rise nicely?

Chilling the pastries before baking and scoring the pastry edges are both essential steps to encourage a good rise and well-defined layers. Also, using an egg wash helps to seal the edges and promote browning.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into a warm, flaky Danish filled with creamy cheese and sweet cherries, and this Easy Cherry Danish Pastry Recipe brings that perfect moment right to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these pastries are guaranteed to delight everyone at your table. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and savor each delicious bite!

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