Nothing beats the comfort of baked goods, especially when they are as delicious as Easy Cherry Danish Pastry. This delightful pastry combines flaky puff pastry with a smooth and creamy filling, topped with vibrant cherry pie filling. The contrasting textures of the crispy outer layer and the rich, creamy center create a mouth-watering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these pastries are bound to please anyone who tastes them.
What makes this Easy Cherry Danish Pastry so appealing is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, including thawed puff pastry and cream cheese, you can whip together a batch that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery. The use of canned cherry pie filling not only saves time but also ensures that you can enjoy this recipe year-round, no matter the season. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, making this a practical choice for anyone looking to impress their family or guests without the fuss.
Moreover, these pastries are highly versatile. You can easily substitute the cherry filling with your favorite fruits, making them perfect for those who may prefer a different flavor profile. Additionally, drizzling some icing on top adds a touch of elegance to your creation, allowing you to personalize these pastries to your liking. Once you try making this recipe, you’ll want to keep it as a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Danish Pastry
- Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to prepare these pastries in under an hour, making it super convenient for busy bakers.
- Deliciously Decadent: The combination of cream cheese and cherry creates a rich flavor that will delight your taste buds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a gathering with friends, or a simple family dessert, these pastries fit right in.
- Customizable: Easily swap out the cherry filling for other fruits or flavored fillings based on your preference.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing to make these Easy Cherry Danish Pastries requires a bit of organization in the kitchen. Start by gathering your ingredients: thawed puff pastry, cream cheese, granulated sugar, cherry pie filling, and a few pantry staples. Make sure your cream cheese is softened, as this will make mixing much easier and promote a smoother filling.
For tools, you’ll need a mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a rolling pin if you choose to roll out the pastry sheets. A pastry brush is also essential to apply the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Having everything within reach will make the process seamless and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 17.3 oz thawed puff pastry (1 pack)
- 21 oz canned cherry pie filling (1 can)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp water
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp whole milk
Instructions
Step 1: Thaw and Prepare Pastry
Start by removing the puff pastry from the freezer if it’s still frozen, allowing it to thaw at room temperature. It’s crucial to ensure that it’s pliable so you can work with it easily.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. This rich filling will provide the delightful contrast to the fruit topping.
Step 3: Prepping the Puff Pastry
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking. Unfold one sheet of the thawed puff pastry and roll it out slightly into a rectangle measuring around 9×11 inches. You can skip the rolling if you prefer smaller pastries. Cut this sheet into 6 equal-sized triangles, and repeat this process with the second pastry sheet.
Step 4: Score and Poke Pastry
Using a sharp knife, gently score a 1/4-inch border around the edges of each triangle, taking care not to cut through the pastry. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the center of each triangle. This technique allows the edges to rise beautifully while the center remains soft, ensuring an aesthetic and delicious outcome.
Step 5: Assemble the Pastries
Transfer your 12 pastry triangles to the assorted baking sheets. Distributing the cream cheese mixture evenly, spoon about 2 tablespoons of this mixture into the center of each triangle. Following that, top off each with roughly 2 tablespoons of canned cherry pie filling.
Step 6: Chill and Preheat Oven
Once assembled, place the pastries in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Chilling them before baking aids in achieving a puffier and more visually appealing finish. While they chill, preheat your oven to 400℉, ensuring it’s hot when you place the pastries inside.
Step 7: Egg Wash for Golden Finish
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until it’s well combined. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the outer borders of each pastry with this egg wash. This step is key for achieving that golden, glistening finish once baked.
Step 8: Baking
Place the pastries in the preheated oven and bake them for approximately 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. When done, take them out and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, providing a bit of time for the filling to set.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
Once cooled, dust the pastries with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. For those craving an added sweetness, consider drizzling a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the top. Serve your pastries warm or chilled, and enjoy every delightful bite!
Variations
- Protein: Add a touch of cooked bacon or ham into the filling for a sweet and savory mix.
- Vegetables: Swap in fruit fillings for fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries based on your taste preferences.
- Spices: Introduce some cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry remains cold until you’re ready to handle it, as warmer pastry can become difficult to work with.
- If using fresh cherries, make sure they are pitted and chopped before mixing them into the cream cheese to avoid large chunks.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these pastries with a light fruit salad for a refreshing touch.
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
Tips
- To make cleanup easier, use parchment paper on the baking sheets.
- Experiment with different extracts such as almond or lemon for unique twists on the filling.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 220 per pastry
- Protein: 3.5g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, if you prefer making your own puff pastry, it can definitely enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of cherry filling?
You can substitute any fruit filling of your choice, such as raspberry, blueberry, or even a custard for a different flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze the pastries?
Absolutely! Unbaked pastries can be frozen. Just ensure to place them between parchment paper layers and wrap them well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Easy Cherry Danish Pastry is a remarkable recipe that brings together simple ingredients for an extraordinary taste. With its tender puff pastry and creamy filling, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Not only is it delightful on its own, but its versatility allows for variations that can cater to any palate. We encourage you to try this recipe and explore the many possibilities it provides. Whether you opt for the classic cherry, switch up the fruit, or add your own twists, we hope you enjoy every moment spent baking and sharing these delicious pastries. Don’t forget to comment below with your favorite variations or let us know how yours turned out!
Print
Easy Cherry Danish Pastry
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries 1x
Description
Nothing beats the comfort of baked goods, especially when they are as delicious as Easy Cherry Danish Pastry. This delightful pastry combines flaky puff pastry with a smooth and creamy filling, topped with vibrant cherry pie filling.
Ingredients
- 17.3 oz thawed puff pastry (1 pack)
- 21 oz canned cherry pie filling (1 can)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp water
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp whole milk
Instructions
- Start by removing the puff pastry from the freezer if it's still frozen, allowing it to thaw at room temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Using a sharp knife, gently score a 1/4-inch border around the edges of each triangle.
- Transfer your 12 pastry triangles to the assorted baking sheets.
- Once assembled, place the pastries in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until it’s well combined.
- Place the pastries in the preheated oven and bake them for approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Once cooled, dust the pastries with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Notes
Ensure the puff pastry remains cold until you're ready to handle it, as warmer pastry can become difficult to work with.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 220 per pastry
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 3.5 g