The Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful breakfast pastry featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with smooth cream cheese and sweet cherry preserves. Perfect for special mornings or weekend brunches, this easy-to-make treat combines classic flavors with a visually appealing swirl, making it a favorite for all ages. Using store-bought puff pastry simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy fresh, bakery-style danishes at home with minimal effort.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into four equal squares.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, then add a tablespoon of cherry preserves on top of the cream cheese.
- Fold the corners of each square toward the center, slightly overlapping, and press lightly to seal.
- Transfer the danishes to the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg to give a glossy finish.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g
History and Origins of Danish Pastries
Danish pastries, often simply called “Danishes,” have an intriguing history rooted in the fusion of culinary traditions. Though popularly associated with Denmark, their origins trace back to Austrian bakers who introduced laminated dough techniques to Denmark in the 19th century. Over time, Danish bakers adapted these techniques and added their own local ingredients and flavors, giving birth to the flaky, buttery pastries we know today. The Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a modern take on this classic, blending creamy cheese filling with fruit preserves for a sweet, satisfying breakfast treat.
The Role of Puff Pastry in This Recipe
Puff pastry is central to the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish, providing its signature flaky and airy texture. Made by layering butter and dough through a process called laminating, puff pastry creates hundreds of delicate, crispy layers when baked. Using store-bought puff pastry significantly simplifies the recipe without sacrificing quality, making it accessible for home bakers. Its buttery richness perfectly complements the creamy cheese and sweet cherry filling, creating a balanced flavor and texture contrast.
Cream Cheese: Flavor and Texture Contribution
Cream cheese is essential in this Danish for adding richness and a smooth, slightly tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cherries. The creamy filling not only enhances taste but also adds moisture, keeping the pastry soft inside while the outside remains crisp. This balance is what makes the danish irresistible, as the soft cream cheese filling melts slightly with each bite, complementing the flakiness of the crust.
Cherry Preserves: A Sweet and Tart Element
Cherry preserves bring a bright, fruity note that perfectly complements the rich cream cheese and buttery pastry. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar and pastry, preventing the dessert from feeling overly sweet. The vibrant red color also adds a beautiful visual appeal, making the danish eye-catching and inviting. Using preserves instead of fresh cherries ensures a consistent flavor and texture, which holds up well during baking.
Simple Yet Elegant Presentation
One of the appealing features of this recipe is its elegant yet simple presentation. The folded corners and layered fillings create a visually appealing swirl that looks professional without requiring advanced pastry skills. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a finishing touch that enhances the overall aesthetic and introduces a light sweetness on top. This makes the danish perfect for occasions where presentation matters, such as brunches, holidays, or casual gatherings.
Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions
Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes are versatile and suitable for various occasions. They make a delightful breakfast treat paired with fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning. They also work well as part of a brunch spread alongside other pastries, eggs, and fresh juices. For festive occasions, consider serving them warm with a drizzle of glaze or fresh whipped cream to elevate their indulgence. Their balance of sweetness and richness makes them appealing both to kids and adults.
Variations and Flavor Twists
While this recipe focuses on cherry and cream cheese, it’s highly adaptable. Substituting cherry preserves with other fruit flavors like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot can add different fruity notes. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling introduces warm spice undertones perfect for cooler months. For a more decadent version, you could swirl in some chocolate chips or top with sliced almonds before baking to add crunch and richness.
Storage and Freshness Tips
Storing Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes properly is key to maintaining their freshness and texture. Ideally, they should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though it’s best to reheat before serving to refresh the flakiness. They also freeze well—wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in a warm oven to restore their original texture and flavor.
Nutritional Considerations
While undeniably delicious, Cherry Cream Cheese Danishes are a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. They are relatively high in fat and sugar due to the puff pastry and sweet fillings. However, they do provide some protein from the cream cheese and can be a satisfying indulgence to kickstart a day or as an occasional dessert. Pairing them with fresh fruit or yogurt can help balance the meal by adding fiber and nutrients.
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Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Baking
Achieving the ideal flaky texture requires some attention to detail when baking puff pastry. It’s important to keep the pastry cold before baking to prevent the butter from melting prematurely, which can flatten the layers. Avoid over-handling the dough, as excess warmth from hands can affect flakiness. Brushing with egg wash not only gives a beautiful golden sheen but also helps seal the pastry folds. Finally, baking on the middle rack of the oven ensures even heat distribution for consistent puffing.
Conclusion
The Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with a creamy, tangy filling and sweet, fruity cherry preserves. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible for home bakers, while its elegant presentation elevates any breakfast or brunch. Versatile and easy to customize, this danish offers endless opportunities for flavor variations and adaptations. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated later, it’s a comforting treat that brings a touch of bakery charm to your kitchen table.