Cherry Danish

Cherry danishes on a wire rack
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Whip up this irresistible Cherry Danish with cream cheese and watch everyone’s eyes light up! Itโ€™s a sweet indulgence thatโ€™s both quick and easy. Plus, it’s crafted with flaky puff pastry, luscious cherry pie filling, and decadently sweetened cream cheese.  A surefire hit for any treat!

vertical up close images of cherry danish with icing on baking sheet

This post is sponsored by Northwest Cherries.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cheese Danish

  • Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday pantry staples along with homemade cherry pie filling.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Can be served as a delightful breakfast, a sweet snack, or the perfect end to a meal.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Its combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet cherries is irresistible to most.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable with different types of fruit fillings to suit your taste or season. You can even use our Apple Pie Filling recipe and use it in place of the cherry pie filling or in addition to!
ingredients for cherry danish recipe using puff pastry

Ingredients

For the cream cheese filling

  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract
  • Egg
  • Frozen puff pastry sheet
  • Cherry Pie Filling using Northwest Cherries

For the glaze

  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Lemon juice

How to Make A Homemade Cherry Danish

wooden spoon with spoonful of homemade cherry pie filling

Make the Cherry Pie Filling: Start by washing and pitting the cherries. Next, in a saucepan, combine the cherries, cornstarch, sugar and lemon juice. Over medium-low heat, allow to come to a light boil.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool. You can place in a mason jar and stick into the refrigerator to cool, while you are working on the remainder of the recipe. 

mixer blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and almond extract in a glass bowl

Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and almond extract in a bowl. Add the egg to the mixture and combine. Set aside.

overhead shot of cherry danish made with puff pastry on baking sheet previous to baking with parchment paper

Make the Danish: Roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface into 12 x 12-inch squares. Cut each sheet into 6 squares and create a 1-inch border around each. Place squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush borders with egg wash. Add a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and 1 tbsp of cherry mixture to each square.

Bake at 400ยฐF for 15 minutes.

whisk drizzling icing over glass bowl

Make the Glaze: Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice for the glaze. Drizzle glaze over cooled pastries.

cherry danish cooling on baking rack drizzled with icing

How to Store Cherry Danish

  • You can store your homemade cherry danishes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • If you want to store them longer, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
close up vertical shot of bite taken out of cherry danish made with puff pastry

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Cherry Danish

  • Make sure to use cold cream cheese when making the filling, as it will hold its shape better and prevent it from oozing out of the pastries.
  • If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it and use extra vanilla extract instead.
  • To make mini cherry danishes, cut the puff pastry sheets into smaller squares and adjust the amount of filling accordingly.
  • If you want a sweeter glaze, you can add more powdered sugar or use a flavored syrup like cherry or almond instead of lemon juice.
  • Serve these danishes warm for the best flavor and texture. You can reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes before serving.
up close vertical shot of cherry danish puff pastry showing layers

FAQs about Cherry Danish

Q: Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries after thawing and draining excess liquid. However, we suggest using fresh cherries.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out of the pastries?

A: Make sure to seal the edges of the pastry dough tightly and use cold cream cheese for the filling.

Q: Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the pastries and store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before baking.

Q: Can I freeze these danishes?

A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled pastries before baking. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bring to room temperature before baking.

Q: Can I use a different type of pastry dough?

A: Yes, you can use homemade dough or store bought crescent roll dough for this recipe. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while they are baking.

cherry cheese danish on parchment paper on baking sheet topped with icing

Why We Love & Trust Northwest Cherries

Founded in 1947, the Northwest Cherry Growers is a growers’ organization used to increase awareness and consumption. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development and research of cherries from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana orchards.

Their passion and commitment to their cherry growers allows them to collectively spread awareness of seasonality, health benefits, and the importance of consumption. They truly believe that cherries are more than a treat. They boast an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals making them a true superfruit. To learn more, visit nwcherries.com.

More Great Cherry Recipes

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Cherry Danish

Whip up this irresistibleย Cherry Danishย with cream cheese and watch everyoneโ€™s eyes light up! Itโ€™s a sweet indulgence thatโ€™s both quick and easy, crafted with flaky puff pastry, lusciousย cherry pie filling, and decadently sweetened cream cheese.ย  A surefire hit for any treat!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings12 servings

Ingredients 

  • Ingredients for the cream cheese filling
  • 8 oz package cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 1 egg
  • 1 package frozen puff pastry sheet
  • Ingredients for the cherry filling
  • 2 cups Northwest Cherries pitted
  • 1 Tbsp corn starch
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • Ingredients for the glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice

Instructions 

  • Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and almond extract in a bowl. Add the egg to the mixture and combine.
  • Gather the Cherry Filling: Use the cherry pie filling recipe and make a batch.
  • Make the Danish: Roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface to 12 x 12-inch squares. Cut each sheet into 6 squares and create a 1-inch border around each. Place squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush borders with egg wash. Add a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and 1 tbsp of cherry mixture to each square.
  • Bake at 400ยฐF for 15 minutes.
  • Make the Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice for the glaze. Drizzle glaze over cooled pastries.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 294
Keyword: Cherry Danish
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About Lori

Lori Taylor is the Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms. For ten years she sold fresh produce to over 300 grocery stores throughout the United States, and today she is fully focused on working with the produce supply chain, media, and government to increase fresh produce access & consumption in the US and around the globe. Connect with Lori on LinkedIn.

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