Easy Cherry Danish Delight

This cherry danish brings back memories of Sunday mornings with my family, the sweet aroma filling our kitchen as everyone eagerly waited for breakfast. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and tart cherries creates an irresistible treat that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

When I first made this recipe for a brunch gathering, my friends couldn't believe it wasn't from a professional bakery. Now it's my signature dish whenever we have overnight guests or special celebrations.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, buttery base that makes this danish irresistible. Look for all butter varieties for the best flavor
• Cream cheese: Creates the rich, smooth filling that balances the sweetness. Allow it to fully soften for easier mixing
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without making it overly cloying
• Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the filling
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with warm aromatic notes
• Lemon juice: Brightens the filling with a subtle tang that cuts through the richness
• Salt: Balances all flavors and enhances the sweetness
• Cherry pie filling: Offers convenience and consistent results. Choose high quality brands with visible fruit pieces
• Egg wash: Gives the pastry a beautiful golden shine during baking
• Powdered sugar and milk: Create the simple sweet glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Thaw the Pastry:

Allow frozen puff pastry to thaw at room temperature for exactly 30 minutes until pliable but still cool. Overwarming can make the dough sticky and difficult to work with.

Prepare the Filling:

Combine softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on low speed until completely smooth. Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt, continuing to mix until you achieve a silky consistency without lumps.

Roll the Pastry:

Place the thawed puff pastry on parchment paper dusted with flour. Gently roll it out to increase the surface area slightly while maintaining an even thickness throughout the dough.

Assemble the Danish:

Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the pastry creating a 3inch wide strip. This creates the foundation for your filling. Distribute the drained cherries evenly over the cream cheese layer, allowing some attractive pieces to remain visible.

Create the Braid:

Using a pizza cutter or kitchen scissors, make 1inch wide diagonal cuts on both sides of the pastry, stopping about an inch from the filling. Fold the strips over the filling in an alternating pattern from side to side, creating a beautiful braided appearance.

Apply Egg Wash:

Brush the entire surface of the braided pastry with beaten egg yolk using a pastry brush. This ensures a beautiful golden brown color and adds a subtle shine to the finished danish.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the danish in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for exactly 25 minutes until the pastry puffs up and turns a rich golden brown color. The filling should be set but still slightly soft.

Glaze and Finish:

Allow the danish to cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with the simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This prevents the glaze from melting into the warm pastry.

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The cherries truly make this recipe special in my family. My grandmother always said that cherries represent hospitality and celebration, which is why I serve this danish whenever I want to make guests feel especially welcome in our home. The bright red color peaking through the golden pastry always brings smiles to the table.

Storage Tips

Store your finished cherry danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry stays remarkably crisp when properly stored. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days, though the texture of the pastry will soften slightly. To refresh, warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving to restore some crispness to the pastry.

Easy Variations

This versatile recipe welcomes creative substitutions. Try blueberry or apple pie filling for seasonal variations. For chocolate lovers, spread Nutella instead of cream cheese and top with sliced strawberries. You can also incorporate almond extract into the cream cheese mixture for a more complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with cherries.

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Serving Suggestions

Present your cherry danish on a wooden serving board for rustic charm or a white platter to highlight its beautiful colors. Dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving for an extra special touch. This danish pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea for breakfast, or with vanilla ice cream when served as dessert. For brunch gatherings, slice into individual portions and arrange on a tiered serving stand.

Cultural Background

While danish pastries originated in Denmark, our modern American version has evolved considerably from its European roots. The technique of using puff pastry creates a quicker version of the traditional laminated dough that requires hours of folding and chilling. This recipe represents the perfect blend of European baking tradition with American convenience and abundant fruit fillings that became popular in the mid20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different fruit for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute the cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even Nutella for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I prevent the puff pastry from breaking while thawing?

Thaw the puff pastry on the counter for about 30 minutes, keeping it folded until pliable, as unfolding it prematurely might cause it to crack.

→ What’s the best way to braid the pastry?

Using a pizza cutter or scissors, cut 1-inch strips on the sides of the puff pastry. Alternate folding each strip over the filling to achieve a braided look.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best consumed fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature until serving.

→ What is the purpose of the glaze on the danish?

The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances the overall presentation of the pastry. It’s both decorative and flavorful.