Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe

Here is a complete step-by-step recipe for making a Cherry Cheese Danish using puff pastry. This version is easy to prepare and delivers a flaky crust filled with creamy cheese and sweet cherry topping.

Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe

Ingredients (Makes 6 to 8 pastries)

For the base:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon water

For the cream cheese filling:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

For the topping:

• 1 cup cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry compote)

Optional glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the cream cheese filling

1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.

2. Beat until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.

3. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the puff pastry

1. Lightly flour your work surface.

2. Roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into 6 to 8 equal rectangles or squares.

3. Place the pieces on the lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Step 4: Add filling and topping

1. Use a spoon to make a small well in the center of each pastry, leaving a border around the edges.

2. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each piece.

3. Top the cream cheese with about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling.

Step 5: Apply egg wash

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.

2. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash to help them brown during baking.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.

2. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the glaze (optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled pastries.

Serving

• Serve warm or at room temperature.

• These are best eaten the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.