Cherry Cheese Danish has always been my go-to for a special weekend treat. I remember my mom making them for my birthday when I was a kid, and the sweet, tangy aroma filled our entire house. That bright cherry flavor, combined with the unbelievably creamy filling and flaky pastry, just screams celebration! These days, I love how I can whip up an easy cherry cheese danish in under an hour. It’s truly a delightful way to start the day or enjoy a sweet moment anytime. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheese Danish
This delightful cherry cheese pastry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:
- Incredible Taste: A perfect balance of sweet cherries and tangy cream cheese, all wrapped in a flaky pastry.
- Quick Prep: Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will adore this sweet cherry cheese pastry.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and refrigerated dough for an affordable treat.
- Versatile Treat: Wonderful as a breakfast item, a delightful dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack.
- Easy to Make: The simple steps mean anyone can achieve delicious results.
- Light & Flaky Texture: You’ll love the satisfying crispness of the baked dough.
Ingredients for Cherry Cheese Danish
Gathering the right cherry cheese danish ingredients is key to creating this delightful pastry. You’ll need a few simple items that come together beautifully.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – This creates the luscious, tangy center that pairs so well with the fruit.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness for the cream cheese filling.
- 1 large egg – Binds the cream cheese mixture for a smooth, cohesive filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor to the filling.
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls – These are my secret weapon for an easy cherry cheese danish; they provide the perfect flaky dough without the fuss.
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling – The star of the show, offering that bright, sweet-tart cherry flavor.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting) – A final touch of sweetness and pretty presentation.
How to Make Cherry Cheese Danish
Making these delicious pastries is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth it. You’ll have a batch of gorgeous cherry cheese danish puff pastry ready in no time!
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This prevents any sticky messes and helps the danishes bake evenly.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, grab your softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat them together with a whisk or an electric mixer until they’re wonderfully smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Now, add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat again until everything is thoroughly combined. This is what creates your luscious cherry cheese danish filling, so make sure it’s well mixed!
- Step 4: Carefully unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough. You’ll find it’s already separated into 8 triangles, which is super convenient.
- Step 5: Take each crescent roll triangle and spoon about 1 tablespoon of that amazing cream cheese mixture into the center of each one. Don’t overfill, or it might spill out during baking.
- Step 6: Next, add about 1 tablespoon of the cherry pie filling right on top of the cream cheese mixture. The vibrant red color looks so pretty against the white filling.
- Step 7: Now for the shaping! Gently bring the two longer sides of each triangle towards the center, overlapping them slightly to create that classic danish look and to help seal in the delicious filling. Pinch the edges together firmly to make sure everything stays put.
- Step 8: Place your beautifully assembled cherry cheese pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Step 9: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and a lovely golden brown all over. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary.
- Step 10: Once they’re golden, remove them from the oven and let the cherry cheese pastries cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Cheese Danish
Want to elevate your homemade danishes from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a real difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
- Always ensure your cream cheese is truly softened; cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly, which can impact the filling’s texture.
- Don’t overwork the crescent roll dough when shaping. Gentle handling helps maintain the layers that create a flaky texture.
- If you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cherry jam or preserves along with the pie filling.
- Bake these danishes on parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, which is crucial for keeping their shape.
What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Cheese Danish?
The real secret to a perfect flaky cherry cheese danish is using refrigerated crescent roll dough and not overworking it. The layers in the dough bake up beautifully, and the creamy filling adds that irresistible richness.
Can I make Cherry Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble these danishes ahead of time. Prepare them up to the point of baking, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Cheese Danish?
A common mistake is overfilling the danishes, which can cause the filling to ooze out during baking. Also, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.
Best Ways to Serve Cherry Cheese Danish
These delightful pastries are so versatile! I love serving them as a special cherry cheese danish for breakfast alongside a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. They also make a wonderful light dessert after lunch or dinner. For a lovely pairing, try serving them with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. You could even serve them as part of a brunch spread with other sweet and savory items.
Nutrition Facts for Cherry Cheese Danish
When you’re enjoying this delicious treat, it’s helpful to know the nutritional breakdown. Each serving of this delightful cherry cheese pastry offers a satisfying balance of flavors and energy.
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources on nutrition.gov.
How to Store and Reheat Cherry Cheese Danish
Once your delicious cherry cream cheese danish have cooled completely, proper storage is key to maintaining their delightful texture. I usually let them sit on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Once cool, you can store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating is simple! For a quick refresh, pop a danish in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through and slightly crisp again. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but be aware they might lose some of their crispness. Either way, you’ll have a tasty treat ready in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cheese Danish
What is a cherry cheese danish?
A cherry cheese danish is a delightful pastry made with flaky dough, a creamy cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping. It’s a classic breakfast pastry enjoyed in many parts of the world, often featuring a slightly sweet dough that bakes up golden brown and tender.
What is the history of the cherry cheese danish?
The exact cherry cheese danish history is a bit hazy, but Danish pastries, known as “wienerbrød” (Viennese bread), originated in Denmark in the 19th century. Bakers there were inspired by Austrian techniques. While the exact first cherry version is hard to pinpoint, fruit and cheese fillings became popular additions to these buttery, layered pastries. You might also enjoy learning about other apple salad recipes.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh fruit, you can definitely substitute it. You’ll want about 1 cup of fresh, pitted cherries. Toss them with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or flour to help thicken the juices. This creates a wonderful homemade cherry cheese pastry filling.
What are some other popular cherry cheese danish variations?
Besides the classic, some popular cherry cheese danish variations include adding a touch of almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a nutty flavor, or swirling in some raspberry or apricot jam alongside the cherry filling for a mixed-fruit experience. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
Variations of Cherry Cheese Danish You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you’ll love exploring different cherry cheese danish variations. These simple twists can completely change the flavor profile and cater to different tastes or dietary needs.
- Berry Bliss: Swap the cherry pie filling for your favorite berry jam or preserves. A simple cream cheese danish with cherry jam can easily become a mixed berry delight by adding a spoonful of blueberry or raspberry jam alongside the cherry filling.
- Nutty Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle a tablespoon of chopped toasted pecans or almonds over the cream cheese filling before adding the cherries. It adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the sweet and tangy elements.
- Lemon Zest Kick: Brighten up the cream cheese filling by adding the zest of half a lemon. This adds a subtle citrusy note that cuts through the richness and enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those avoiding gluten, try using a gluten-free crescent roll dough or even puff pastry sheets. Ensure your cream cheese and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free for a delicious dairy-free version.
Cherry Cheese Danish: 1 Easy Recipe Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flaky and sweet Cherry Cheese Danish featuring a creamy cream cheese filling and a bright cherry topping, perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This makes your delicious cherry cheese danish filling.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
- In the center of each triangle, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
- Top the cream cheese mixture with about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling.
- Bring the two longer sides of each triangle towards the center, overlapping them slightly to enclose the filling. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the prepared cherry cheese danishes on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let the cherry cheese pastries cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling.
- If you don’t have cherry pie filling, you can use fresh cherries tossed with a little sugar and cornstarch.
- These cherry cheese danishes are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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