Description
This Shortcut Cherry Danish recipe delivers flaky, buttery layers with tangy cherry filling using simple ingredients and quick assembly. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it cut downs traditional prep time without sacrificing flavor or texture, making an elegant and delicious pastry with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Dough
- Frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed according to package instructions)
Filling
- Cherry pie filling (about 1 cup)
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened)
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons)
Toppings & Finishes
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg)
- Powdered sugar glaze (optional: powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or lemon juice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by thawing the frozen puff pastry sheets as directed on the package. Lightly flour your workspace and gently roll out each sheet just enough to smooth out creases while keeping the size roughly the same.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, providing a rich base beneath the cherry topping.
- Assemble the Danishes: Cut the puff pastry into squares approximately 4×4 inches. Spread about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, leaving a small border. Top each with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the corners of each square toward the center, or create a pinwheel shape by folding alternating corners. Press gently to seal and keep the filling contained. Brush the tops carefully with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the prepared danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once baked, allow the danishes to cool slightly. Optionally, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry well chilled before baking to promote puffiness and flaky layers.
- Use a modest amount of cherry filling to prevent leaks during baking.
- Cut puff pastry with a sharp knife for clean edges and easier folding.
- Avoid brushing egg wash on the filling to prevent burning or uneven browning.
- Allow danishes to cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off immediately, but serve while still slightly warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Shortcut Cherry Danish, puff pastry dessert, cherry pastry, easy danish recipe, flaky danish, quick sweet pastry
