Cherry Danish
Flaky puff pastry or crescent dough cradles sweetened cream cheese and glossy cherry pie filling, baked golden for bakery-style pastries perfect for brunch in just 20 minutes using simple store-bought shortcuts.
Ingredients
Core (4 ingredients)
- 1 sheet puff pastry OR 1 can (8 oz) crescent rolls
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3-4 tbsp powdered sugar
- ⅔-1 cup cherry pie filling
Optional Finish
- 1 egg (egg wash)
- Sliced almonds
- Vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Method 1: Crescent Roll Version
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2: Keep crescent roll tube intact as log. Slice into 8 ½-inch rounds.
Step 3: Press centers of each round to flatten, keeping edges raised.
Step 4: Mix cream cheese + powdered sugar. Spoon 1 tbsp into each center. Top with 1 tbsp cherry filling.
Step 5: Bake 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.
Method 2: Puff Pastry Version
Step 1: Thaw puff pastry. Cut into 9 squares.
Step 2: Score ½-inch border on each square. Brush borders with egg wash.
Step 3: Spread cream cheese mix in centers. Add cherries.
Step 4: Bake 375°F 15-18 minutes. Drizzle glaze.
Expert Tips
- Room-temp cream cheese blends smoothly, no lumps.
- Don’t overfill—cherries bubble during baking.
- Egg wash gives professional golden shine.
- Parchment prevents sticking AND simplifies cleanup.
- Warm serving maximizes flaky contrast.
Variations & Substitutions
Blueberry: Swap cherry pie filling.
Lemon: Cream cheese + lemon curd.
Peach: Peach pie filling + pecans.
Savory: Skip sweet cream cheese; use ricotta + spinach.
Nutella: Chocolate-hazelnut spread + fresh cherries.
Storage
Room temp: 1 day covered.
Fridge: 3 days. Microwave 10 seconds.
Freeze baked: 1 month.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect with:
- Coffee/tea service
- Fruit salad
- Bacon or sausage
- Mimosa bar
Brunch MVP or dessert star.
FAQs
Filling leaks?
Raise pastry edges higher; bake on silpat.
Cream cheese lumps?
Soften fully or microwave 10 seconds.
Dough soggy?
Bake immediately after filling.
Glaze needed?
½ cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk.
Make ahead?
Assemble, refrigerate overnight, bake fresh.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Danish delivers patisserie elegance with grocery store ease—flaky, creamy, tart-sweet perfection every time.
Call to Action
Brunch hero ready, bake sale gold, crescent rolls or puff pastry preference?
4 Ingredient Cherry Danish
A delightful pastry with flaky layers, tangy cherry filling, and cream cheese, made with just four basic ingredients. Perfect for any occasion and skill level.
Ingredients
- 2 puff pastry sheets
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 6 equal squares.
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In a bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth.
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Place a spoonful of cream cheese in the center of each puff pastry square.
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Top the cream cheese with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
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Fold the corners of each square towards the center, creating a pinwheel shape. Press to seal the edges.
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Brush the pastries with egg wash for a golden finish.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Nice recipe