Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish (Bakery-Style & Flaky)

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a classic pastry made with buttery, flaky layers of dough filled with smooth sweetened cream cheese and topped with juicy cherry filling. This elegant yet easy dessert looks impressive but can be made at home using puff pastry. It’s perfect for weekend breakfasts, tea time, or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 cup cherry pie filling
  or fresh cherries (pitted) cooked with
  2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For Finishing:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

• Optional glaze:
  1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
   In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Pastry
   Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry slightly to smooth the seams. Cut into squares or rectangles depending on your desired shape.

4. Assemble the Danish
   Place the pastry pieces on the prepared tray. Score a small border around the edges (without cutting through). Spoon cream cheese filling into the center, spreading gently. Top with cherry filling.

5. Brush with Egg Wash
   Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg. This helps create a golden, shiny finish.

6. Bake
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

7. Cool and Glaze
   Remove from oven and cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Other Fruit Options: Blueberry, strawberry, apple, or peach filling.

• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.

• Homemade Filling: Fresh cherries give the best flavor when in season.

• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.

• Serving Warm: Best enjoyed slightly warm.

Storage

Store Cherry Cream Cheese Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.