Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought puff pastry for minimal prep and maximum convenience.
Bakery-Worthy: The result looks and tastes like it came from a pastry shop.
Creamy and Fruity: Rich cream cheese filling paired with sweet cherries is a classic combo.
Versatile: Swap the cherry filling for any fruit pie filling or even fresh fruit.
Great for Entertaining: Impressive presentation makes them perfect for brunches or holiday breakfasts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pastries

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Egg Wash

1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon water

Topping

Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Directions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Danishes
Roll out each puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into squares (about 4 to 6 per sheet). Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, then top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
Fold and Seal (Optional)
You can leave the danishes open-faced or fold the corners slightly toward the center for a more decorative look. Press edges gently if sealing.
Apply Egg Wash
Whisk the egg and water together. Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Cool and Dust
Let cool slightly, then dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 8–12 danishes, depending on cut size
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: About 30–35 minutes

Variations

Fruit Swap: Use blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling instead of cherry.
Add Icing: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of dusting with sugar.
Nutty Finish: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a fresh citrus note.
Mini Danishes: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized treats.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked danishes without the sugar dusting. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 12 hours before baking.

Can I use homemade cherry filling?

Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling will work perfectly if you prefer a less sweet or more natural version.

Do I need to dock the puff pastry?

Not necessary for this style, but if you notice the pastry puffing too much, you can prick it lightly with a fork before filling.

Can I freeze the baked danishes?

Yes, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Can I use puff pastry shells instead of sheets?

Yes, though you may need to adjust the filling quantity and baking time slightly.

What’s a good dairy-free substitute for cream cheese?

Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative; many plant-based versions work well in baking.

Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond?

Yes, vanilla extract is a great alternative if you prefer a milder flavor.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure the cream cheese is thick and avoid overloading with cherry filling. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for even cooking.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free puff pastry if available and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have confectioners’ sugar?

You can make a simple glaze instead with granulated sugar, though powdered sugar gives the classic bakery finish.

Conclusion

Cherry cream cheese danishes are a simple yet elegant pastry that brings a touch of indulgence to any occasion. With minimal prep and bakery-level results, they’re a must-try for home bakers looking to impress with ease. Whether served warm out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat, these danishes are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8-12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes are flaky, golden pastries filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese and cherry pie filling—all made easy with store-bought puff pastry. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a bakery-style finish to this quick and elegant brunch treat.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract until smooth.
Assemble Danishes: Roll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4–6 squares per sheet. Add 1 tbsp cream cheese mixture to the center, then top with cherry pie filling.
Shape (Optional): Leave open-faced or fold corners inward slightly. Gently press edges if sealing.
Apply Egg Wash: Mix egg with water and brush pastry edges for shine and golden color.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Cool and Dust: Let cool slightly. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.