Cream Cheese Cherry Danish

Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry is one of those magical treats that brings back memories of cozy mornings and sweet aromas wafting from the kitchen. The golden, flaky layers of puff pastry combined with the rich cream cheese filling and luscious cherry topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice ready to explore the world of baking, this recipe is a fantastic way to impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert! So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this delightful journey together. You’ll find that creating this homemade pastry is not just a task; it’s a fun experience that will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy!

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Why This Recipe Works

The science behind puff pastry: achieving the perfect flakiness

Puff pastry is truly a marvel of baking. Its flakiness comes from layers of butter and dough that create steam as they bake. This steam lifts the pastry, resulting in those dreamy, airy layers. To achieve the perfect puff, make sure to keep your butter cold and roll out the dough evenly. A little patience goes a long way!

How cream cheese adds richness and balance

Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that elevates this Danish. Its creamy texture provides richness that melds beautifully with the cherries. Plus, it balances the sweetness with a slightly tangy flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

The magic of almond extract in enhancing flavors

Almond extract adds a unique depth to the filling and glaze, bringing all the flavors together. It’s just a hint, yet it transforms the overall taste. This little addition makes the cream cheese and cherry combination shine!

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry

A delightful combination of flavors and textures

Imagine biting into a buttery, flaky pastry that breaks apart to reveal a creamy filling and sweet cherries. It’s heaven! The contrast between the crunchy top and the soft filling makes each bite enjoyable.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, this Danish fits any occasion. It’s light enough for breakfast, yet sweet enough for dessert—perfect for satisfying everyone’s cravings.

Simple yet impressive for any occasion

Don’t worry if you feel a bit apprehensive at first. This recipe may look fancy, but it’s quite straightforward. Trust me; you’ll impress guests with your baking skills without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, homemade or frozen
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (for filling)
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (for filling)
• ¾ cup cherry pie filling
• 1 large egg, whisked (for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (for glaze)

Preparing the Puff Pastry

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉. While that’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Take your puff pastry and lightly roll it out to shape it into a rectangle. This should be slightly larger than your original sheet, which gives you a little more surface area to work with. Next, transfer it to your prepared baking sheet.

Cut the Pastry

Now, it’s time to cut! From one short end of the pastry, slice out two small triangles, leaving a 3-inch section untouched in the center. On the opposite end, you’ll want to trim the corners to match the center of the other side. This creates a fun design!

Making the Filling

Combine the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps. This is the heart of your Danish!

Spread the Filling and Add Cherries

Spread this creamy mixture down the length of the pastry, being careful to leave the edges clear. Then, spoon the cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer. Don’t be afraid to be generous with those cherries!

Assembling the Danish

Cut the Strips

On each long side of the pastry, make diagonal cuts about an inch apart. Be sure to stop just before reaching the filling so you don’t cut through it. This will create strips to fold over later.

Fold the Strips Over the Filling

Starting from one end, fold the bottom strips over the filling. Then alternate with strips from the other side, creating a braided effect over the creamy cherries. This step adds a lovely visual touch!

Baking and Finishing

Brush and Top

Grab that whisked egg and brush it over the surface of your Danish. This helps achieve a beautiful golden color. Then, sprinkle sliced almonds generously on top for both crunch and flavor.

Bake to Perfection

Slide your Danish into the oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up and golden brown. Once it’s out, let it cool for about 15 minutes on a wire rack. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Glazing the Danish

Prepare the Almond Glaze

While your Danish cools, whip up the glaze. In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract until it’s smooth and drippy. This lovely glaze will finish your Danish beautifully.

Drizzle the Glaze

Once the Danish is cool, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top. Let it flow elegantly over the pastry, covering those almond slices for an irresistible finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Danish warm or at room temperature.
• Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience.
• Fresh fruit on the side adds a lovely refreshing contrast.

Tips for Success

• For better flakiness, ensure your puff pastry remains cold throughout your preparation.
• Avoid overfilling to prevent any mess while baking.
• For an added twist, consider using fresh cherries in place of pie filling.

Variations

• Feel free to switch things up with different fruit fillings like blueberry or apple.
• Want something sweeter? Toss in chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture.
• For a bit of zest, add some lemon peel to the mix for a bright flavor.

Storage Tips

• Keep leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
• For extended storage, refrigerate or freeze, then reheat before serving to enjoy them warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Danish and freeze it before baking. Just brush it with egg wash before baking after it thaws.

2. What can I use instead of almond extract?
Vanilla extract is a great alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mascarpone is a delicious option for a richer filling.

4. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free puff pastry.

5. How can I make the cherry filling from scratch?
Simply cook pitted cherries with sugar and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened, then let cool before using.

This Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry isn’t just about delighting your taste buds; it evokes warm feelings of home and shared moments. Each bite brings a flavorful memory, making your baking experience not just a task, but a joyful moment to savor. Dive into the world of pastry making, and enjoy crafting this beautiful treat—it’s sure to be a favorite in your kitchen!

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