
Sweet Cherry Cream Cheese Danish: A Perfect Pastry for Any Occasion
Introduction
If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant pastry to impress your friends and family, these Sweet Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes are the perfect choice! With buttery, flaky puff pastry, a rich and creamy cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping, this dessert offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these danishes are sure to wow your guests. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make with store-bought puff pastry, making it a quick solution for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves or cherry jam
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out to smooth out any creases, then cut it into squares or rectangles (about 4-5 pieces per sheet).
- Score the Edges: Using a knife, score a border around each pastry square, about 1/2 inch from the edges. This will help the edges puff up beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. This mixture will form the rich cream cheese base of your danish filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
- Fill the Pastry: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square.
- Add Cherry Jam: Spoon a teaspoon of cherry preserves or jam on top of the cream cheese mixture. The cherry topping adds a sweet and fruity contrast to the creamy filling.
- Shape the Danishes: Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry inward toward the center, leaving the middle exposed with the filling and jam.
Step 4: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
- Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the edges of each pastry to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake the Danishes: Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Cool and Garnish: Once the danishes have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful and sweet finish. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Success
- Puff Pastry Handling: Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to bake to ensure it puffs up properly. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Flavor Variations: If cherries aren’t your favorite, try substituting with raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry jam for a new twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream cheese filling and fruit topping in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble and bake the danishes fresh for the best results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a great way to make a delicious, bakery-quality treat with minimal effort.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tangy cream cheese filling, sweet fruit topping, and buttery puff pastry combine to create a satisfying and delicious pastry.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the filling and topping, making this recipe adaptable to your preferences.
Conclusion
These Sweet Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes are perfect for any occasion where you want to indulge in a delicious, flaky pastry. With their smooth cream cheese filling, sweet cherry topping, and golden, puffed-up pastry, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these danishes are a delightful treat. Try this easy recipe and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits!