Cherry Cream Cheese Danish
Bakery-Worthy Puff Pastry Danishes at Home
Introduction
Flaky, golden, and oozing with sweet cream cheese and cherry filling—this Cherry Cream Cheese Danish recipe is your shortcut to bakery-level indulgence. Made with store-bought puff pastry and just a handful of ingredients, these danishes are as easy as they are impressive. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want to wow without the work.
Why I Love This Recipe
These danishes look like they came from a fancy pastry case, but they’re secretly so simple. Puff pastry brings that irresistible flake, while the cream cheese layer adds richness that balances the tart cherry topping. A touch of egg wash gives that picture-perfect golden finish. You can make them ahead, bake them fresh, or even freeze extras for future cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into squares (about 9 per sheet for minis or 4 for larger danishes).
4. Fill and Fold
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into the center of each square. Add a small dollop of cherry pie filling on top.
Fold in two opposite corners to meet in the center and pinch gently, creating a “diamond” shape. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake
Place pastries on the baking sheet, spacing slightly apart. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Let cool before serving.
Tips for Success
- Keep puff pastry cold for best results—chill shaped danishes before baking if they’ve warmed up.
- Don’t overfill—a heaping spoonful of each filling is plenty to avoid spillage.
- Want extra shine? Brush cooled pastries with a simple glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk).
- Use other fillings like blueberry or lemon curd for a twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These danishes are perfect on their own, but even better when paired with:
- A steaming cup of coffee or Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
- A light, creamy treat like Pumpkin Delight
- A platter of Cake Mix Cookies for a bake sale vibe
- Or take dessert to the next level with Brownie Bombs
- For a creamy chilled dessert alternative, try No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store baked danishes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.
- Freezer: Freeze before baking. Assemble danishes, freeze on a tray, then store in bags. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself to a bakery-style moment at home, these Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes are a flaky, creamy, fruity dream. Easy to make and hard to resist, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
If you bake a batch, tag @ChefManiac to show us your puff pastry masterpiece! And don’t forget to follow us for more flaky, creamy, fruit-topped fun.
Keep it sweet,
Jason Griffith – ChefManiac.com
