Easy Cherry Cream Danish

This Easy Cherry Danish is my foolproof treat for weekend brunches or any day I crave something sweet and buttery but do not want to fuss. Puff pastry keeps it simple and the rich cherry cream cheese center feels bakery-worthy right from your own oven.

I baked these for a holiday breakfast and everyone went back for seconds before gifts were even opened. The crisp pastry and creamy cherry center made it a new family tradition.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Eight ounces softened to room temperature for smooth blending. I like to use full fat for best flavor and richness
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the cheese just enough. Opt for organic if possible
• Vanilla extract: Brings fragrant warmth to the filling. Choose real vanilla for the richest flavor
• Almond extract: Accents the cherry filling beautifully. A quality almond extract gives a pronounced aroma without tasting artificial
• Puff pastry: Two sheets thawed but still cold for easy handling. Look for brands with real butter for a flakier result
• Cherry fruit filling: I use Lucky Leaf brand for its thick consistency and bright cherry taste. Choose a filling with whole cherries for best texture
• Sliced almonds: Sprinkle on top for crunch and a toasted nutty fragrance
• Heavy cream: Brushed on the edges for a glossy golden finish. Fresh cream yields the nicest shine

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Filling:

Start by setting your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment or a silicone liner. This prevents the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a small bowl combine the cream cheese sugar vanilla extract and almond extract. Beat until perfectly smooth and creamy which will create the soft base of your danish

Prep and Cut Puff Pastry:

Lightly flour your work surface. Unfold a sheet of puff pastry and cut it in half lengthwise. Slice each strip into three even rectangles so you have six pieces in total. Repeat with the second sheet. This ensures even baking and perfect serving sizes

Score and Dock the Pastry:

Take a sharp paring knife and carefully score a half inch border around each pastry rectangle. Go gently so you do not cut all the way through. With a fork prick the center of each piece a few times. The scoring creates a raised edge and docking prevents the center from puffing up leaving space for the filling

Fill and Top Each Danish:

Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the pastries placing it only in the center portion you just scored. Spread it as evenly as possible without crossing over the edge border. Next spoon a generous layer of cherry fruit filling over the cream cheese. Add as many sliced almonds as you like for crunch and extra flavor. Finish by brushing the edges with heavy cream to help them turn golden and shiny once baked

Bake to Perfection:

Transfer the assembled pastries to your prepared baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for about fifteen minutes. Check that the pastry edges are puffed high and deep golden while the middle looks set. This quick bake ensures everything stays crisp and the filling is luscious

Optional Glaze:

For a bakery style finish whisk together one cup powdered sugar with two tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle over cooled danishes for extra sweetness and sheen. You can also add a hint of almond or vanilla for more flavor

I always reach for almond extract in these danishes because it makes the cherry flavor sing. My kids now associate the smell of almond baking with special family mornings when these treats warm up our kitchen.

Storage Tips

Let the danish cool completely before moving to an airtight container. This keeps the pastry from getting soggy in the fridge. They will stay fresh for three days. Reheat briefly in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If cherries are not in season or not your favorite try blueberry lemon or apricot fruit filling. You can swap the sliced almonds for chopped pecans or skip the nuts altogether. For lactose intolerant guests try a plant based cream cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm right from the oven for breakfast with strong coffee or tea. You can also slice them up small for dessert platters or potlucks. A dusting of powdered sugar or the sweet glaze makes them extra festive.

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Danishes have roots in Scandinavian baking where fruit and cream cheese pastries show up at celebrations. This version simplifies tradition using easy frozen pastry and fruit filling making it accessible for busy modern cooks. Cherry and almond are classic combinations especially loved through spring and summer.

These cherry danishes come together in minutes but feel special every time. Try different fillings or glazes to make them your own.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different fruit filling?

Yes, you can substitute cherry with blueberry, apple, or any preferred fruit for a different flavor experience.

→ How do I keep the pastry crisp?

Bake the danish until golden and fully puffed. Allow it to cool on a wire rack to maintain crisp layers.

→ Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?

You can assemble the danish in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake fresh for best results.

→ What type of cream cheese works best?

Use full-fat block cream cheese for the creamiest texture and rich flavor in the filling.

→ Does this treat need to be refrigerated?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese filling, and reheat gently before serving.