Cherry Cheese Danish:

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry and creamy, sweet cheese filling. These Cherry Cheese Danishes quickly became a family favorite in my house. When I first made them, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to prepare, and they disappeared in no time. My kids loved the pop of sweetness from the cherry topping, while my husband appreciated the richness of the cream cheese and ricotta filling. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a decadent snack, and they’re sure to impress guests at any gathering. If you’re craving a quick and indulgent treat that looks as impressive as it tastes, this Cherry Cheese Danish recipe is a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheese Danish

These Cherry Cheese Danishes are the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and flaky. What makes them so special is the contrast between the puff pastry’s crisp, buttery layers and the smooth, rich cheese filling. The cherry topping adds a burst of sweetness, making each bite a delicious treat that satisfies any dessert craving. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch, indulge in a special breakfast, or simply enjoy a cozy snack, these Danishes are the way to go.

Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Quick and Easy: Using store-bought puff pastry makes the recipe easy to assemble without compromising on flavor or texture.
• Flaky and Buttery: The puff pastry bakes up perfectly golden, light, and crisp, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Creamy Filling: The smooth cream cheese and ricotta filling is rich and creamy, making it the ideal base for the sweet cherry topping.
• Versatile: You can customize the topping or filling with other fruits or flavorings to make it your own.
• Impressive: Even though this recipe is easy to make, the finished product looks beautiful and will wow anyone who tries them.

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Ingredients

For the Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
• Pinch of salt
• ½ tablespoon lemon zest

For the Pastry:

• 2 sheets puff pastry (1 box), thawed
• Flour (for dusting)

For the Topping:

• 1 can cherry pie filling

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond extract, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
3. Cover and refrigerate the cheese mixture until you’re ready to assemble the danishes.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth the edges.
4. Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares (you should have 18 squares total).

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

1. Arrange the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
2. Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, press down gently in the center of each square to form a slight indentation. This will hold the cheese filling.
3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into the center of each square.
4. Top the cheese filling with a small spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Step 4: Add the Egg Wash

1. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water) to create a golden, glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Danishes

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the danishes to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Danish)

• Serving Size: 1 Danish
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 18 Danishes

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How to Serve

These Cherry Cheese Danishes are perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served in several ways:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious morning treat.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a mid-day snack with a glass of milk or a latte.
• For Dessert: They’re the perfect end to a meal, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• For Parties or Gatherings: Serve them on a platter for a simple yet elegant party dessert. They’re sure to disappear quickly!

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Additional Tips

1. Make-Ahead: The cheese filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. Customize the Topping: If you don’t have cherry pie filling, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of fresh berries.
3. Perfect Puff Pastry: Be sure not to skip the step of dusting your work surface with flour when rolling out the puff pastry. This helps prevent sticking and ensures that your pastries bake evenly.
4. Golden Finish: The egg wash not only gives the pastries a beautiful golden color, but it also enhances the texture. Don’t skip this step for that perfect glossy finish.
5. Leftovers: If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To reheat, bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of fruit topping?
Yes! While cherries are classic, you can use blueberries, raspberries, or even fresh fruit like sliced apples or peaches.

2. How can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese filling the day before and assemble the danishes just before baking. They’re best fresh, but can be stored for a couple of days at room temperature.

3. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or even more cream cheese.

4. Do I have to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry gives the danishes their flaky texture, but you could use crescent roll dough if needed, though the texture will be slightly different.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat in a warm oven for 5-7 minutes.

6. Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to a month.

7. Can I use a store-bought cherry pie filling?
Yes, store-bought cherry pie filling works perfectly for this recipe, saving you time.

8. How can I make the pastries even more decadent?
Try drizzling a little powdered sugar glaze over the cooled danishes for an extra sweet finish.

9. Can I add more almond extract?
Yes, you can increase the almond extract to 1 teaspoon for a more pronounced flavor, but be careful not to overpower the filling.

10. Can I make these danishes gluten-free?
Unfortunately, puff pastry contains gluten, but you can find gluten-free puff pastry at some specialty grocery stores, or you could make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.

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These Cherry Cheese Danishes are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly delicious—perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence. Enjoy!

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