Satisfy your cravings with our delightful Cherry Cheese Danishes, the perfect combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry pie topping. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a decadent breakfast treat, these danishes are sure to impress. Follow our easy recipe to whip up a batch of these irresistible pastries in no time!
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 Egg Yolk
- 1 tablespoon Ricotta Cheese
- ½ teaspoon Almond Extract (or vanilla extract)
- Pinch of Salt
- ½ tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry (1 box)
- 1 can Cherry Pie Filling
- 1 large Egg (plus 1 tablespoon of water)
- Flour (for dusting)
Directions:
- Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to blend softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond extract, salt, and lemon zest. Refrigerate the mixture until ready to assemble the danishes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out thawed puff pastry to a 10×10 square. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts from the pastry. Transfer pastry hearts to prepared baking sheets and prick them with a fork in a heart shape, leaving a 1/2-inch edge around each heart.
- Divide the cream cheese mixture among pastry hearts, spreading evenly. Top each heart with a tablespoon of cherry pie filling, placing about 4-5 cherries on each danish. Brush the edges of pastry hearts with beaten egg.
- Refrigerate danishes for 15 minutes to prevent filling from running. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake danishes for 15-20 minutes or until puff pastry is golden brown.
- Allow danishes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Prep Time: 30 min Cooking Time: 15-20 min Total Time: 45 min Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Freshly Baked: Enjoy the Cherry Cheese Danishes fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture. The warm, flaky pastry and gooey cherry cheese filling are irresistible when served immediately.
- Room Temperature Enjoyment: If not serving immediately, allow the danishes to cool to room temperature before enjoying. This allows the flavors to meld and the pastry to set properly.
- Reheating Instructions: If you have leftovers or prefer to enjoy the danishes warm, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help revive the flakiness of the pastry and the gooeyness of the filling.
- Avoid Microwave Reheating: While it’s possible to reheat the danishes in the microwave, be aware that this may result in soggy pastry. If using the microwave, heat the danishes in short intervals to prevent overheating.
- Store in an Airtight Container: If you have any leftover danishes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps preserve their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
- Individual Wrapping: Consider wrapping each danish individually in plastic wrap before storing them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
- Freezing Option: While it’s best to enjoy the danishes fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage. Wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thawing Frozen Danishes: When ready to enjoy frozen danishes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat them in the oven according to the reheating instructions mentioned above.
- Garnish Before Serving: For a decorative touch, sprinkle the danishes with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze before serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances their presentation.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve the Cherry Cheese Danishes alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch. The combination of warm pastries and a hot beverage is sure to make any morning special.
Variations:
- Blueberry Bliss: Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a delicious twist. The burst of juicy blueberries adds a refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese filling and flaky pastry.
- Mixed Berry Medley: Mix things up by using a combination of cherry, blueberry, and raspberry pie fillings. This variation adds a colorful array of flavors and textures, making each bite a delightful surprise.
- Apple Pie Delight: Swap the cherry pie filling with diced apples tossed in cinnamon and sugar. Cook the apples until tender before spooning them onto the pastry hearts. Top with a sprinkle of streusel for added crunch.
- Strawberry Sensation: Opt for strawberry pie filling to create a sweet and tangy filling. Pair it with a hint of lemon zest in the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing flavor combination reminiscent of strawberry cheesecake.
- Nutty Nutella Twist: For a decadent treat, spread a thin layer of Nutella on the pastry hearts before adding the cream cheese mixture and cherry pie filling. The addition of chocolate-hazelnut spread adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Citrus Burst: Infuse the cream cheese mixture with citrus zest, such as orange or lime, for a bright and zesty twist. Pair it with a tropical fruit pie filling, such as pineapple or mango, for a refreshing and summery variation.
- Almond Joy Inspiration: Incorporate chopped almonds and coconut flakes into the cream cheese filling for a nod to the classic candy bar. Top each Danish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Peachy Perfection: Use peach pie filling in place of cherry for a sweet and fruity variation. Add a dash of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture to complement the flavors of the peaches.
- Raspberry Dream: Replace the cherry pie filling with raspberry pie filling for a tart and tangy twist. Consider adding a dollop of raspberry preserves on top of the cream cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Savory Spin: Experiment with a savory version by omitting the sugar and almond extract from the cream cheese mixture. Instead, fill the pastry hearts with herbed cream cheese and top with sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for a savory Danish option.
FAQs:
- Can I use homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned?
- Yes, you can certainly use homemade cherry pie filling if you prefer. Simply prepare your favorite cherry pie filling recipe and use it as a substitute for the canned filling in this recipe.
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry sheets for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry sheets work perfectly for making these Cherry Cheese Danishes. Just make sure to thaw them according to the package instructions before using.
- Can I make these danishes ahead of time and reheat them later?
- While it’s best to enjoy these danishes fresh, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them later. Simply store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla extract in the cream cheese mixture?
- Yes, almond extract can be used as a delicious alternative to vanilla extract in the cream cheese mixture. It adds a hint of almond flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
- Can I omit the lemon zest from the cream cheese mixture?
- While lemon zest adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the cream cheese mixture, you can omit it if you prefer. The danishes will still be delicious without it.
- Can I freeze the assembled danishes before baking?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled danishes before baking for future use. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can treat yourself to these heavenly Cherry Cheese Danishes. Whether enjoyed as a morning indulgence or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these pastries are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Try making them for your next special occasion or leisurely weekend breakfast!