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Shortcut Cherry Danish

Shortcut Cherry Danish

This Shortcut Cherry Danish recipe offers a quick and easy way to create bakery-quality flaky pastries filled with creamy cheesecake and tangy cherry pie filling. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous dessert cravings, delivering delicious, golden, flaky layers topped with a sweet glaze.

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 Danish pastries 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry and Dough

  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed)

Filling

  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for cream cheese filling)
  • 2 tablespoons canned cherry pie filling (per Danish)

Glaze and Finishing

  • 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or water (to thin glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions until they are pliable but still cold. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. This provides a creamy layer that balances the tartness of the cherry filling and helps prevent sogginess.
  3. Cut and Assemble the Danish: Cut the puff pastry sheet into approximately 4×4 inch squares. Gently press down the centers of each square to form a shallow well. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture into the center, then top with a generous tablespoon of cherry pie filling.
  4. Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to promote a golden, shiny crust. Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  5. Glaze and Cool: While the Danish cools, whisk powdered sugar with milk or water until smooth to form a glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the warm pastries for a glossy, sweet finish.

Notes

  • Keep puff pastry cold until just before baking to maximize flakiness.
  • Do not overload the cherry filling to avoid soggy or leaking pastry.
  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy spreading and smooth texture.
  • Watch the Danish closely during baking as puff pastry can brown quickly.
  • Try folding edges or shaping pastries differently for visual variety.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Danish
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Shortcut Cherry Danish, puff pastry, cherry pastry, quick dessert, breakfast pastry, cream cheese Danish