Description
This Cherry Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese and ricotta mixture, topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, these danishes combine creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors baked to a golden brown finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
Pastry and Topping
- 2 sheets puff pastry (1 box), thawed
- Flour (for dusting)
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth. Add the egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond or vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth the edges. Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares, making 18 squares total.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets, spaced evenly. Press the center of each square gently with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an indentation for the filling. Add about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture to the center, then top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Add the Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each puff pastry square with the beaten egg wash to help achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake the Danishes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the puff pastry is fully puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier blending and smooth texture.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract according to your preference.
- Use a light dusting of flour to prevent the puff pastry from sticking when rolling out.
- Be careful not to overfill the danishes to avoid leakage during baking.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
