Cherry Cream Cheese Danish: A Delightful Pastry Recipe

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a delectable treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweet and tart flavor of cherry pie filling, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, you can have these delicious pastries ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this scrumptious treat.

Ingredients

To make Cherry Cream Cheese Danish, you will need the following ingredients:

Pastries

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry sheets, 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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This step ensures that your pastries will bake evenly and won’t stick to the baking sheets.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Lay the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut each sheet into six equal-sized rectangles. This will give you a total of 12 rectangles, each approximately 4½x3 inches in size.

Step 3: Arrange the Pastries

Arrange the puff pastry rectangles evenly on the lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each pastry. This spacing allows the pastries to expand and puff up without sticking to each other.

Step 4: Create the Pastry Base

Use a fork to poke a few holes into the middle of each pastry rectangle, leaving about a ½-inch perimeter around the edge. This technique helps the center of the pastry to remain flat while the edges puff up, creating a perfect base for the filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and almond extract until fully combined. The almond extract adds a delightful nutty flavor that complements the cherry filling beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese Mixture

Spread about one heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Ensure that you keep the mixture within the ½-inch perimeter that you left unpricked earlier.

Step 7: Add the Cherry Filling

Top the cream cheese mixture with about two heaping tablespoons of cherry pie filling. The vibrant red cherries add a burst of color and a delicious sweet-tart flavor to the pastries.

Step 8: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and one tablespoon of water. This egg wash will give the pastries a beautiful golden brown color and a slight sheen when baked.

Step 9: Brush the Pastries with Egg Wash

Using a pastry brush, carefully brush the egg wash onto the outside edges of each pastry rectangle. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the filling.

Step 10: Bake the Pastries

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 11: Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar

Once the pastries are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and dust them with confectioners’ sugar while they are still warm. This final touch adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely presentation.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Allow the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish to cool slightly on the baking sheets before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Thawing Puff Pastry

Ensure that your puff pastry sheets are properly thawed according to the package directions. This typically involves letting them sit at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. Thawed puff pastry should be pliable but still cold to the touch.

Cream Cheese Consistency

For the best results, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for a few seconds to achieve the right consistency. Softened cream cheese will blend smoothly with the sugar and almond extract, creating a creamy filling.

Cherry Pie Filling

When adding the cherry pie filling, try to include as many cherries as possible and avoid adding too much of the syrup. This will prevent the pastries from becoming too soggy and will ensure a balanced flavor.

Egg Wash Application

Be careful when applying the egg wash to avoid getting it on the filling. The egg wash is meant to enhance the color and texture of the puff pastry edges, so focus on brushing it only on the exposed pastry surfaces.

Baking Time

Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to start checking the pastries at the 15-minute mark. They should be golden brown and flaky when done.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

While cherry and cream cheese is a classic combination, you can experiment with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, raspberry, or apple. Each variation offers a unique twist on this delightful pastry.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day.
• Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Snack: Enjoy a Danish as an afternoon treat to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the pastries for up to five days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their flakiness.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of Cherry Cream Cheese Danish can help you enjoy this treat mindfully. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (assuming the recipe makes 12 pastries):

• Calories: Approximately 300-350
• Total Fat: 20-22 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-60 milligrams
• Sodium: 200-250 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: 12-15 grams
• Protein: 4-5 grams

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

The Joy of Baking at Home

Baking Cherry Cream Cheese Danish at home is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the delicious result, but you also have control over the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Here are a few reasons why home baking is so fulfilling:

Quality Ingredients

When you bake at home, you can choose high-quality ingredients without preservatives or artificial additives. This leads to a better-tasting and healthier final product.

Creative Control

Home baking allows you to get creative. You can experiment with different flavors, shapes, and sizes, adapting recipes to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Freshness

There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked pastries. Baking at home ensures that your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is fresh, flaky, and bursting with flavor.

Family Bonding

Baking can be a fun and educational activity to share with family members, especially children. It provides an opportunity to teach valuable cooking skills and create lasting memories together.

Making It Your Own

While the classic Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is already a treat, there are numerous ways to personalize and enhance this recipe:

Different Fillings

• Fruit Variations: Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, or apple pie filling. Each fruit offers a distinct flavor profile that can bring a new twist to the Danish.
• Chocolate: Add a few chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for a decadent chocolate-cherry combination.
• Nutella: Spread a thin layer of Nutella beneath the cream cheese filling for a rich and nutty flavor.

Additional Toppings

• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top of the cherry filling before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled Danish for extra sweetness and visual appeal. To make the glaze, mix 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.

Healthier Options

• Whole Wheat Puff Pastry: For a slightly healthier version, use whole wheat puff pastry if available.
• Reduced Sugar: Use a reduced-sugar or no-sugar-added cherry pie filling to lower the overall sugar content.
• Light Cream Cheese: Substitute regular cream cheese with a light version to reduce fat and calorie content.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even though this recipe is straightforward, here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

Pastry Not Puffing Up

• Frozen Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using. Cold pastry might not puff up properly.
• Docking the Center: Ensure you’re docking (pricking) the center of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up and to create space for the filling.

Soggy Pastry

• Cherry Filling: Drain some of the excess syrup from the cherry pie filling before adding it to the pastry to prevent sogginess.
• Baking Time: Bake the pastries until they are golden brown and flaky. Undercooked pastry can be soggy.

Over-Browning

• Egg Wash: Apply the egg wash carefully. If it pools around the edges, it can cause the pastry to over-brown.
• Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. If your oven runs hot, the pastries might brown too quickly. Use an oven thermometer to check for accuracy.

Enjoying Your Cherry Cream Cheese Danish

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish can be enjoyed in various settings:

Breakfast or Brunch

Serve these pastries as part of a delightful breakfast or brunch spread. Pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a hot cup of coffee or tea for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Dessert

Cherry Cream Cheese Danish makes an elegant and tasty dessert. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Snack

These pastries are perfect for an afternoon snack or a tea-time treat. They’re portable and easy to share, making them ideal for picnics or gatherings.

Gifting

Wrap these pastries in a beautiful box or tin and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift. Friends and family will appreciate the effort and love put into this delicious treat.

Conclusion

The Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a versatile and delicious pastry that is sure to impress. With its flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, a dessert, or a snack, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delightful pastry that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking today – your taste buds will thank you!