Description
These delightful Cherry Cheese Danishes combine creamy cheese filling with luscious cherry pie filling encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe makes 18 golden, fruit-filled pastries that are sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Filling
- 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
Puff Pastry & Toppings
- 2 sheets puff pastry (1 box), thawed
- Flour (for dusting)
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth. Add the egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond or vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture until ready to assemble.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth edges. Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares, for a total of 18 squares.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place puff pastry squares on prepared baking sheets, spaced evenly. Using the back of a spoon or fingers, press the center of each square to create a slight indentation for filling. Add about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into the center of each square, followed by a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Add the Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake the Danishes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract according to your preference.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Chilling the cheese filling helps it hold shape during baking.
- Serve these danishes warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
