Sweet Cherry Danish with Cream Cheese: A Heavenly Homemade Recipe

Sweet cream cheese dancing inside flaky pastry defines the irresistible cherry Danish—a delectable treat that upgrades ordinary mornings into extraordinary culinary moments.

Buttery layers promise golden, crisp edges that crackle with each delightful bite.

Tender pastry envelops rich, velvety filling in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Tangy cream cheese perfectly balances the bright, sweet cherry notes, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

European baking traditions shine through in this elegant, yet approachable breakfast pastry that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Delicate swirls of fruity filling peek through soft, pillowy dough, promising a sensory experience that elevates your breakfast routine.

You’ll want to savor every heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth morsel.

Cherry Danish with Sweet Cream Cheese Filling

• Craft a Stunning Showstopper: This Danish transforms simple ingredients into a visually impressive pastry that looks like it's straight from a professional bakery, making you feel like a master baker with minimal effort.
• Indulge in Delightful Contrasts: Experience the perfect balance of creamy, smooth cream cheese filling against the crisp, flaky pastry, while juicy cherries add a burst of sweet-tart excitement in every single bite.
• Create a Stress-Free Dessert: The straightforward braiding technique and simple ingredient list make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice bakers to produce a restaurant-quality treat in just about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients for Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery foundation for the danish with light and flaky texture, best when frozen and high-quality.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps prevent sticking when rolling out the pastry.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base for the danish filling, room temperature for easy mixing.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Egg Yolk: Provides richness and helps bind the filling, use fresh large eggs.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to enhance the filling.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the filling with a subtle citrus note.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cherries: Fresh or frozen sweet fruit that adds tartness and color to the danish.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for finishing.
• Milk: Thins out the powdered sugar for drizzling consistency.
• Egg Yolk (for brushing): Creates golden, shiny exterior when baked.

How to Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Remove frozen puff pastry from freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. Keep pastry folded to prevent breaking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice
• Salt

Beat cream cheese and sugar on low speed until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Roll Out Pastry

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unfold pastry and dust with flour. Roll out carefully to create an even surface.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese Mixture

Spread cream cheese filling down the center of pastry, creating a 3-inch wide strip lengthwise.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cherries

Evenly distribute fresh or frozen cherries over the cream cheese filling.

Step 6: Create Decorative Strips

Using a pizza cutter or sharp kitchen scissors, cut pastry sides into 1-inch wide strips. Leave about 1 inch of uncut space near the filling.

Step 7: Braid the Pastry

Alternately fold strips over the filling, creating a braided pattern. Allow cherries to peek through the openings.

Step 8: Egg Wash

Brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg yolk to create a golden, shiny finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake Danish for 25 minutes until pastry turns golden brown and filling is set.

Step 10: Prepare Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk

Whisk together until smooth and well blended.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Allow Danish to cool completely. Drizzle glaze over the top. Slice and serve at room temperature.

Tips for Flaky Cherry Danish

• Thaw Pastry Carefully: Let frozen puff pastry rest at room temperature for exactly 30 minutes to prevent cracking and ensure smooth handling.
• Smooth Cream Cheese Mix: Beat ingredients on low speed to create a silky, lump-free filling that spreads easily across the pastry.
• Perfect Pastry Cutting: Use a sharp pizza cutter or clean kitchen scissors to create even, precise strips for a professional-looking braided design.
• Egg Wash Technique: Brush pastry with beaten egg yolk for a golden, glossy finish that adds beautiful color and shine to the Danish.
• Cooling is Key: Allow the Danish to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a crisp, clean decoration.

Storing and Reheating Cherry Danish

• Refrigeration: Carefully wrap the Danish in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Seal the pastry in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 weeks without losing quality.
• Reheating: Warm the Danish in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Danish

• Brew a Morning Coffee Companion: Pair this cherry danish with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements the sweet cream cheese and bright cherry flavors, cutting through the pastry's richness.
• Craft a Sparkling Beverage Match: Serve alongside a chilled glass of prosecco or sparkling rosé, which adds a celebratory touch and balances the dessert's sweetness with its crisp, effervescent profile.
• Design a Tea Time Harmony: Select a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea to enhance the danish's buttery pastry and provide a subtle, aromatic counterpoint to the fruity cherry filling.
• Create a Dessert Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a small glass of sweet Moscato d'Asti, whose light, fruity notes will beautifully echo the cherries and complement the creamy cheese texture.

Cherry Danish Flavor Variations

• Berry Bliss Danish: Swap cherries with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that bursts with summer freshness.
• Nutty Chocolate Danish: Sprinkle chopped almonds and dark chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling before braiding, creating a rich and crunchy texture that complements the creamy base.
• Tropical Paradise Danish: Replace cherries with diced mango and passion fruit, adding a bright and exotic twist to the classic cream cheese danish that transports taste buds to a sunny destination.
• Savory Herb Danish: Transform the sweet recipe into a savory version by mixing herbs like thyme and rosemary into the cream cheese, then topping with caramelized onions and roasted garlic for a sophisticated breakfast or brunch option.

Cherry Danish with Sweet Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Danish pastries from Denmark bring pure comfort to your breakfast table. Creamy cheese filling nestled in buttery, flaky layers creates a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 21 ounces (595 grams) original country cherry, 1 can, drained

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
• ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 pinch salt

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 large egg yolk, for brushing on the danish
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Gently remove the frozen pastry from its packaging and allow it to soften at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, keeping it folded to prevent structural damage.
2. In a mixing bowl, gently combine cream cheese and sugar using low-speed electric mixer until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Incorporate egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt into the cream cheese mixture, continuing to blend until perfectly uniform and silky.
4. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, then delicately unfold the pastry and lightly dust with flour before carefully rolling it out.
5. Create a generous central strip of cream cheese filling down the pastry’s length, leaving adequate margins on both sides.
6. Distribute fresh cherries evenly across the cream cheese filling, ensuring balanced coverage.
7. Using a precise kitchen tool, make strategic diagonal cuts along both pastry edges, maintaining a small border near the filling.
8. Artfully weave the pastry strips across the filling, alternating sides to create an elegant braided appearance with glimpses of cherries.
9. Delicately brush the exposed pastry surface with beaten egg yolk to enhance golden browning.
10. Position the danish in a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for approximately 25 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown complexion.
11. While the pastry cools, prepare a delicate glaze by whisking powdered sugar and milk until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
12. Once the danish has reached room temperature, drizzle the glaze generously across the surface, allowing it to set before serving.

Notes

• Pastry Thawing Trick: Let frozen puff pastry sit at room temperature for precisely 30 minutes to prevent breakage and ensure easy handling.
• Cream Cheese Mixture Magic: Blend ingredients slowly to achieve a silky-smooth texture that will melt in your mouth.
• Strategic Fruit Placement: Distribute cherries evenly across the cream cheese filling for balanced flavor in every bite.
• Braiding Technique: Create an elegant look by cutting side strips and folding them alternately over the filling, exposing vibrant fruit.
• Egg Wash Brilliance: Brush the pastry with beaten egg yolk to achieve a stunning golden-brown exterior with professional-looking shine.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow the Danish to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent melting and ensure a perfect sweet finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg