After spending $6 per pastry at our local bakery, I decided to create my own cherry cheese Danish recipe that rivals the professional version but costs a fraction of the price! This surprisingly simple method transforms store-bought puff pastry into bakery-quality Danish pastries with a rich cream cheese filling and vibrant cherry topping. While traditional Danish pastry requires complicated lamination techniques, this streamlined approach delivers that same flaky texture and decadent flavor in just 30 minutes of active time.
Why You'll Love These Cherry Cheese Danish
After bringing these cherry cheese Danish pastries to numerous brunches and breakfast gatherings, I've discovered exactly why everyone asks for the recipe immediately after their first bite. These pastries create that perfect combination of ease and elegance that makes home baking so rewarding.
What makes these Cherry Cheese Danish truly special is how they deliver that authentic bakery flavor and texture without requiring professional skills or equipment. The flaky layers of pastry puff beautifully during baking, creating that distinctive Danish texture, while the cream cheese filling bakes into a cheesecake-like center that perfectly balances the sweet-tart cherry topping.
I particularly love how versatile this Cherry Cheese Danish is for entertaining. You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking, making these perfect for holiday breakfasts or weekend brunches with guests. They look impressively intricate despite being remarkably straightforward to make—the kind of recipe that elevates your reputation as a baker with minimal effort!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Cherry Cheese Danish
- Cherry Cheese Danish Ingredients
- How To Make Cherry Cheese Danish
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment For Cherry Cheese Danish
- Storing Your Cherry Cheese Danish
- Top Tip
- What to Serve with Cherry Cheese Danish
- FAQ
- Bakery-Quality Danish Pastries in Your Own Kitchen!
- Related
- Pairing
- Cherry Cheese Danish
Cherry Cheese Danish Ingredients
The Pastry Base:
- Puff pastry sheets
- Egg wash
The Cream Cheese Filling:
- Full-fat cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Pure vanilla extract
- Lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
The Cherry Topping:
- Cherry pie filling
- Fresh lemon juice
- Almond extract
The Finishing Touch:
- Powdered sugar glaze
- Sliced almonds
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Cherry Cheese Danish
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat room temperature cream cheese with sugar until fluffy
- Mix in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt
- Stir until completely smooth with no lumps
- Set aside while working with pastry
Shape and Prepare Pastry
- Unfold thawed puff pastry and cut into squares
- Score a ½-inch border around each square (not cutting all the way through)
- Prick center area with fork to prevent excessive puffing
- Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets
Assemble and Bake
- Spoon cream cheese filling into center of each square
- Create slight indentation in filling for cherry topping
- Add cherry pie filling to each indentation
- Brush pastry edges with egg wash
- Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and puffed
Glaze and Finish
- Allow pastries to cool slightly
- Mix powdered sugar with small amount of milk and vanilla
- Drizzle glaze over warm Danish
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired
- Let set before serving
Substitutions
Having made these cherry cheese Danish for various occasions and dietary needs, I've discovered these substitutions work beautifully:
Pastry Options:
- Puff pastry → Crescent roll dough
- Store-bought → Homemade puff pastry
- Regular → Gluten-free puff pastry
- Square shape → Round shape with pinched edges for variety
Filling Alternatives:
- Regular cream cheese → Neufchâtel for lower fat content
- Standard → Mascarpone for extra richness
- Plain cream cheese → Flavored cream cheese (vanilla bean is excellent)
- Traditional → Dairy-free cream cheese alternative for vegan version
Fruit Variations:
- Cherry pie filling → Blueberry, strawberry, or apple pie filling
- Canned filling → Fresh cherry compote
- Sweet cherries → Tart cherries for more contrast
- Single fruit → Mixed berry combination
Flavor Enhancers:
- Vanilla extract → Almond extract in the filling
- Plain glaze → Cream cheese glaze for extra richness
- White glaze → Pink glaze
- No nuts → Toasted sliced almonds or chopped pistachios for texture
Variations
After experimenting with this cherry cheese Danish recipe for countless weekend brunches, these creative variations have become our favorites:
Chocolate Cherry Delight:
- Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling
- Drizzle with chocolate glaze instead of vanilla
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings after baking
- Creates a black forest cake-inspired pastry
Almond Cherry Perfection:
- Add almond extract to both filling and glaze
- Mix in finely ground almonds to cream cheese filling
- Sprinkle sliced almonds around the border before baking
- Finish with toasted almonds and powdered sugar
- The almond-cherry combination is wonderfully sophisticated
Lemon Cherry Cheesecake Danish:
- Add lemon zest and juice to the cream cheese filling
- Swirl lemon curd with the cherry topping
- Create a lemon glaze with fresh juice and zest
- Garnish with candied lemon peel
- Bright, refreshing twist on the classic
Individual Cherry Cheese Tarts:
- Cut pastry into circles using large cookie cutter
- Press into muffin tins to create little tart shells
- Fill with cream cheese mixture and cherry topping
- Bake as directed (may need slightly less time)
- Perfect for brunch buffets or dessert platters
Equipment For Cherry Cheese Danish
Basic Necessities:
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Fork
- Small bowl for egg wash
- Pastry brush
Helpful Extras:
- Offset spatula
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped
- Small cookie scoop
- Kitchen ruler
- Microplane zester
Storing Your Cherry Cheese Danish
Counter Storage (1-2 days):
- Allow pastries to cool completely
- Store in airtight container at room temperature
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking
- Best eaten within 24-48 hours for optimal freshness
- The glaze will remain intact at room temperature
Refrigerator Storage (3-5 days):
- Store in sealed container in single layer if possible
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture
- Cream cheese filling stays food-safe for up to 5 days when refrigerated
- Pastry will soften slightly but remains delicious
Freezer Options (up to 1 month):
- Freeze baked and cooled pastries before adding glaze
- Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bring to room temperature
- Warm slightly in 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh
- Add fresh glaze after warming for best presentation
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare cream cheese filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate
- Cut puff pastry squares and refrigerate (separated by parchment) for up to 24 hours
- Assemble completely and freeze unbaked for up to 1 month
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time
Top Tip
After making these cherry cheese Danish pastries dozens of times for family brunches and holiday breakfasts, I discovered one game-changing technique that transforms them from good to professional-quality: the double-chill method!
Most recipes have you assemble and bake the Danish immediately, but professional bakers know that temperature control is crucial for perfect laminated pastries. Here's my foolproof approach: after assembling your Danish with cream cheese filling and cherry topping, place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking.
This brief chilling time works magic in two ways. First, it allows the butter in the puff pastry to firm up again, which creates more dramatic, distinct layers during baking. Second, it gives the cream cheese filling time to set slightly, which prevents it from spreading too much in the oven.
What to Serve with Cherry Cheese Danish
These cherry cheese Danish pastries shine brightest when paired with complementary accompaniments that balance their sweet, buttery richness. A strong cup of freshly brewed coffee provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweet pastry, with its slight bitterness creating balance in each bite. For a more substantial breakfast or brunch spread, consider adding savory elements like crispy bacon or a simple egg casserole to offset the sweetness. Fresh fruit makes an excellent side dish—the bright acidity of berries or citrus helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich Danish.
For a special occasion brunch, a glass of mimosa or sparkling water with fresh lemon adds a festive touch that elevates the entire experience. When serving these pastries to guests, warming them slightly just before serving brings out their aroma and enhances the flaky texture of the pastry. Max insists that a small glass of cold milk is the ultimate pairing for kids, creating what he calls "the perfect dunking opportunity" for any stray pieces of flaky crust.
FAQ
How to make a cherry danish pastry?
Making cherry cheese Danish involves four key steps: First, prepare a cream cheese filling by beating together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Next, cut puff pastry into squares and score a border around each. Then, add a dollop of cream cheese filling to the center of each pastry and create a small well for the cherry topping. Finally, bake until golden and puffed, then finish with a simple glaze. The three-temperature method (cold pastry, room temperature filling, warm topping) creates professional-quality results.
What kind of cheese is in a Starbucks cheese danish?
Starbucks uses Neufchâtel cheese in their famous cheese Danish. This cheese is similar to cream cheese but has a slightly lower fat content (about 33% compared to cream cheese's 40%) and a somewhat tangier flavor profile. For homemade cherry cheese Danish that mimics this style, you can substitute Neufchâtel for regular cream cheese in equal amounts, though traditional recipes typically use full-fat cream cheese for richer flavor and creamier texture.
What is cherry Danish?
Cherry Danish is a pastry made from laminated dough (with multiple layers of butter folded into the dough) filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with cherry filling. True Danish pastry uses a specialized yeast dough with butter folded in, creating a distinct texture between croissants and puff pastry. Our simplified version uses ready-made puff pastry to achieve similar flaky layers while making the recipe accessible for home bakers. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and sweet-tart cherries creates a beloved breakfast or dessert pastry.
What is cheese danish filling made of?
Traditional cheese Danish filling contains cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract beaten until smooth and creamy. Some recipes add a touch of lemon zest or juice for brightness, while others incorporate a small amount of flour to stabilize the filling during baking. The egg yolk is crucial for creating that signature cheesecake-like texture, while the vanilla enhances the flavor without overwhelming the delicate cheese. This simple mixture creates the perfect creamy contrast to the flaky pastry and sweet fruit topping.
Bakery-Quality Danish Pastries in Your Own Kitchen!
Now you have all the secrets to create perfect cherry cheese Danish pastries that rival expensive bakery versions! From the three-temperature method to the ideal balance of cream cheese filling and cherry topping, these delightful pastries prove that impressive breakfast treats don't require professional training or expensive equipment. Whether you're hosting a special brunch, creating weekend memories with your children, or simply treating yourself to something special with your morning coffee.
Looking for more impressive yet easy pastries? Try our Easy Strawberry Puff Pastry Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dessert perfect for spring gatherings. For a taste of Swiss perfection, our Easy Gipfeli Recipe creates those distinctive crescent-shaped rolls with buttery, flaky layers that make breakfast feel special. And when you're craving something tropical, our Easy Guava Cheese Pastry in 20 Minutes brings vibrant flavor to your table with minimal effort!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cherry Cheese Danish
Cherry Cheese Danish
Equipment
- Baking sheets (Lined with parchment or silicone mats)
- Electric mixer (Hand or stand mixer)
- Mixing bowls (Separate bowls for filling and glaze)
- Pastry brush (For applying egg wash)
- Knife or pizza cutter (For cutting puff pastry squares)
- Fork (For docking pastry centers)
- Small bowl (For egg wash)
- Cooling rack (For setting glaze and cooling pastries)
Ingredients
- 1 box Puff pastry sheets Thawed - Thawed (usually contains 2 sheets)
- 1 Egg - Beaten (for egg wash)
- 8 oz Cream cheese - Full-fat, softened
- ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest - Optional, adds brightness
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 cup Cherry pie filling - Or fresh compote
- 1 teaspoon Almond extract - Optional, enhances cherry flavor
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice - Mixed with cherry topping (optional)
- ½ cup Powdered sugar - For glaze
- 1–2 teaspoon Milk - Adjust to desired glaze consistency
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract - For glaze
- ¼ cup Sliced almonds - Optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare cream cheese filling
- Cut and score puff pastry squares
- Add filling, cherry topping, and egg wash
- Chill pastries before baking (optional)
- Bake until golden and puffed
- Make glaze and top with almonds
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