Easy Cherry Cheese Danish

Easy Cherry Cheese Danish was something I whipped up on a whim one quiet Sunday morning when I was craving something bakery-worthy but didn’t want to leave the house. I had a sheet of puff pastry, some leftover cream cheese, and a can of cherry pie filling. From the moment I pulled them out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had stumbled on a keeper.

Since that day, I’ve made these little pastries for everything from brunch spreads to midweek treats. I love how effortlessly they come together and how impressive they look despite how easy they are. The flaky layers, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping make these danishes a go-to in my recipe rotation.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Puff pastry – The buttery, flaky base for each danish
• Cream cheese – Adds creamy richness to the filling
• Sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese mixture
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the filling
• Lemon juice – Adds brightness and balances the sweetness
• Cherry pie filling – Juicy, glossy topping packed with fruit flavor
• Egg – Brushed on top for a golden finish

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – For baking the danishes evenly
• Parchment paper – Keeps them from sticking to the pan
• Electric mixer or whisk – To cream the filling smoothly
• Knife or pizza cutter – To cut the puff pastry
• Pastry brush – For applying the egg wash
• Spoon – To dollop filling and cherries

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the pastry

I start by thawing the puff pastry according to the package directions. Once it’s soft but still cold, I unfold it and cut it into squares usually 6 to 9 depending on how large I want them.

Step 2: Make the cream cheese filling

In a bowl, I mix the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and a splash of lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the danishes

I place the pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In the center of each square, I spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and then top it with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Step 4: Fold the corners (optional)

Sometimes I like to fold the corners slightly inward to create a bakery-style shape, or I leave them flat for more topping space.

Step 5: Add egg wash

I beat one egg and brush it lightly around the edges of each danish to give them that beautiful golden finish.

Step 6: Bake

I bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Step 7: Cool and enjoy

I let them cool slightly before serving, though they’re incredible warm too!

Tips

If I want to switch things up, I use blueberry or raspberry pie filling instead of cherry. I also sometimes drizzle a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top once they’ve cooled for an extra sweet finish.

Ways to Serve

Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea

A sweet addition to a brunch table

Wrapped up in parchment as a cute edible gift

Paired with fresh fruit for an easy dessert plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easy Cherry Cheese Danish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and assemble them ahead, then refrigerate and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze Easy Cherry Cheese Danish?

Absolutely. Bake them fully, cool, and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I use homemade cherry filling?

Definitely! If you have time, homemade cherry compote is a delicious upgrade.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these Easy Cherry Cheese Danishes a try! They’re flaky, fruity, and full of charm and they never last long around here. I’d love to hear what you think or how you make them your own!

Happy Cooking!

Print