Cherry Cheese Danish Recipe – Easy and Flaky Puff Pastry Treat

There’s something undeniably charming about pastries, especially when they come with a hint of sweetness and a whole lot of love. These Cherry Cheese Danishes are exactly that kind of treat—they’re warm, flaky, creamy, and fruity, all in one bite. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s brunch, or just a cozy weekend at home, these heart-shaped pastries are guaranteed to win hearts.

What makes this recipe so special is how effortlessly elegant it looks with surprisingly little effort. Using store-bought puff pastry gives you that beautiful golden, buttery crunch without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Then you have the cream cheese filling—it’s rich, slightly tangy, and flavored with a hint of almond or vanilla extract and a touch of lemon zest for brightness. Top that with juicy cherry pie filling, and suddenly you’ve got a bakery-style dessert cooling on your countertop.

This recipe became a favorite in our home after I made it on a whim one snowy February morning. My kids were still in their pajamas, the kitchen smelled like buttery pastry, and I remember thinking, this is what comfort tastes like. Since then, it’s become a go-to treat, especially when I want something sweet that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

So, if you’re craving something beautiful, easy, and downright delicious, these Cherry Cheese Danishes are calling your name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this danish recipe.

First, it’s beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never worked with puff pastry before, you’ll find this recipe incredibly approachable. The instructions are straightforward, and the results are absolutely stunning.

Second, the flavor and texture are perfectly balanced. You get the light, crispy layers of the puff pastry contrasting with the creamy, slightly tangy cheese filling. The cherry topping adds a sweet and fruity finish that makes every bite feel indulgent.

Third, it’s versatile. You can prepare these ahead of time and bake them fresh in the morning, or you can even bake them the night before and reheat. That makes them ideal for special breakfasts, brunch parties, or even gifting.

Lastly, they’re beautiful. Those heart shapes puff up in the oven and turn a golden brown, and the vibrant red cherry topping peeking through the middle makes them feel festive without any extra decorating effort.

Whether you’re baking them for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe offers maximum payoff for minimal work.

Health Benefits

While Cherry Cheese Danishes aren’t exactly health food, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them mindfully. Let’s break down a few of the health-conscious elements that make this treat a little more balanced.

First, portion control comes naturally with this recipe. Each danish is a single serving, so you can enjoy a sweet treat without going overboard.

Second, the recipe includes lemon zest, which adds flavor without adding sugar or fat. It brings a bright note to the cream cheese filling and pairs well with the cherries.

Third, using ricotta cheese along with cream cheese lightens the filling slightly and adds protein. Ricotta is a good source of calcium and provides a smoother texture, making the filling more satisfying with less sugar.

Finally, if you want to go a bit healthier, you can opt for a reduced-fat cream cheese and a no-sugar-added cherry pie filling, which still tastes amazing.

As with any dessert, moderation is key. Enjoying a Cherry Cheese Danish alongside a cup of tea or coffee can be part of a joyful, balanced lifestyle.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 35-45 minutes (including prep and bake time)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15-20 minutes
Chill Time (optional but recommended): 15 minutes
Servings: 8 danishes

Nutrition per serving (approximate):
Calories: 260
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 1g

Ingredients List

To make these delightful Cherry Cheese Danishes, here’s what you’ll need:

Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets puff pastry (one standard box), thawed according to package instructions
  This is the buttery, flaky base of the danish and gives it that signature layered texture.

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
  This rich and creamy filling is slightly sweet with a subtle tang, perfect for balancing the sweet cherry topping.

Topping

• 1 can cherry pie filling (or about 1 cup homemade cherry compote)
  Each danish will be topped with about 4-5 cherries for a burst of fruit flavor and beautiful color.

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
  Brushed on the edges for a shiny, golden finish.

Additional Supplies

• Flour for dusting
• Rolling pin
• 5-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter
• 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Start by thawing the puff pastry sheets as directed on the package. It’s important that they’re still cold but pliable when you work with them.
• Lightly flour your work surface and roll each sheet into a 10×10-inch square. This helps even out the dough and gives you more space to cut your hearts.
• Using a 5-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the pastry. You should get 4 hearts per sheet.
• Transfer the hearts to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
• Use a fork to gently prick the center of each heart, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge unpricked. This helps the middle stay flat while the edges puff up.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Add the egg yolk, ricotta cheese, vanilla or almond extract, salt, and lemon zest. Beat until fully combined and silky smooth.
• Cover and refrigerate the filling until ready to use. This keeps it firm and easier to scoop.

3. Assemble the Danishes

• Place a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each heart-shaped puff pastry.
• Spoon about a tablespoon of cherry pie filling over the cheese mixture—about 4 to 5 cherries per danish is perfect.
• In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water to make your egg wash.
• Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish when baked.

4. Chill the Danishes

• Place the assembled danishes in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry keep its shape and prevents the filling from spilling over too much.

5. Bake

• While the danishes are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the pastries for 15–20 minutes or until the edges are puffed and golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve

These danishes are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Here are some lovely ways to enjoy them:

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of elegance.
• Serve with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy brunch.
• Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if you like an extra-sweet touch.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your brunch or breakfast table, consider serving your Cherry Cheese Danishes with:

• A fresh fruit salad with mint and citrus
• Turkey or beef bacon for a savory contrast
• Soft scrambled eggs for protein
• Herbal tea or a strong black coffee to balance the sweetness
• A dairy-free smoothie for a refreshing sip alongside your treat

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked danishes after assembly. Just place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To reheat, place danishes in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the pastry’s crispness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the danishes: Too much filling can cause spillage and soggy bottoms. Stick to about 1 tablespoon of each filling.
• Skipping the chill step: This step helps the pastry puff properly and prevents filling from melting out too soon.
• Letting the pastry get too warm: Puff pastry needs to be cold when it hits the oven to rise correctly.
• Using too much egg wash: A light touch is all you need. Too much can weigh down the pastry or cook unevenly.
• Not pricking the centers: Skipping this step can result in puffed centers that push the filling off.

Pro Tips

• Always keep puff pastry cold while working. If it gets too warm, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before cutting or shaping.
• Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges.
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Add a bit of lemon juice to the cherry filling for extra tartness if using homemade cherries.
• Double the filling and freeze it for next time—it works great in other pastries too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different shape instead of hearts?
Absolutely! Use round or square cutters if that’s what you have. The taste remains the same—only the shape changes.

Can I make these with a different fruit?
Yes, you can use blueberry, raspberry, or peach pie filling for a fun twist.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less creamy. Full-fat gives the best flavor and consistency.

What if I don’t have ricotta?
You can skip it, or substitute with a bit of Greek yogurt for a slight tang.

Can I make this without a cookie cutter?
Yes, just cut the pastry into squares or circles with a knife or glass.

How far in advance can I prep these?
You can assemble them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, parchment paper works best and prevents sticking.

Can I add a glaze on top?
Definitely. A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze is a lovely finishing touch.

Can I make these dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and skip the ricotta. Results may vary slightly.

Why did my filling leak out?
This usually happens if you overfill or skip the chilling step. Stick to the recommended amounts and be sure to chill before baking.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Cherry Cheese Danishes are proof that you don’t need a bakery trip—or hours in the kitchen—to enjoy something special and sweet. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and bright cherry topping, they’re a picture-perfect treat that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re making these for a festive holiday, a brunch with friends, or just a slow morning at home, they’re sure to impress. I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as we do.

If you make these, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below, or tag me in your delicious danish photos. Happy baking!

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