Name: Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (homemade or frozen); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); ⅓ cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; ¾ cup cherry pie filling; 1 large egg (whisked); 2 tablespoons sliced almonds; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 79 reviews

If you have a soft spot for buttery, flaky pastries filled with sweet cream cheese and luscious cherries, then this Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry Recipe will become your new kitchen obsession. Imagine golden, puffed layers enveloping a smooth cream cheese mixture and vibrant cherry pie filling, all finished with a delicate almond glaze and toasted almonds on top. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with morning coffee, impress guests at brunch, or simply indulge whenever a special sweet craving strikes. The way the cherry’s bright tartness balances with the rich cream cheese and the crisp puff pastry is pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a layered dessert being prepared on a piece of pastry dough shaped like an arrow with two side flaps extending outward. The bottom layer is a smooth, white cream spread evenly in a long vertical strip down the center of the dough. On top of the cream is a thick layer of glossy, bright red cherry topping with whole cherries visible throughout, forming a vibrant, textured contrast to the pale cream beneath. The dough rests on a brown parchment paper background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet vital, combining to create a symphony of texture and flavor in every bite. From the flaky puff pastry providing the perfect crunch to the silky cream cheese and juicy cherry filling, every element plays a starring role.

Puff pastry sheet: Provides the crisp, buttery layers that hold everything together perfectly; can be homemade or frozen for convenience.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds luxurious creaminess and a mild tang that complements the cherries beautifully.
Powdered sugar (⅓ cup and 1 cup separate): Sweetens both the cream cheese filling and the glaze for balanced sweetness.
Almond extract (¼ teaspoon twice): Imparts a lovely nutty fragrance, enhancing the flavors without overpowering.
Cherry pie filling (¾ cup): Bursting with sweet and tart cherry goodness that is the star of the show.
Large egg (whisked): Used to brush the pastry for a beautifully golden, shiny finish.
Sliced almonds (2 tablespoons): Adds a delightful crunch and a toasty note on top.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Combined with powdered sugar and almond extract to create the perfect drizzle glaze.

How to Make Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Preparation and Pastry Setup

Start by heating your oven to 400℉ and lining a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Gently roll out your puff pastry into a rectangular shape rather than a perfect square; this gives you better shape and room for folding. Transfer this rectangle to the prepared pan, ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Cutting the Pastry for Braiding

To create the signature braided look, you’ll make precise cuts on the pastry edges. On one short end, cut out two small triangles, leaving a 3-inch center section and two 1-inch strips on each end. On the opposite end, trim the corners to match the pastry’s other side’s center. This shaping sets the foundation for your beautiful Danish braid, a charming touch that feels impressively homemade.

Step 3: Mixing and Spreading the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup powdered sugar, and almond extract until silky smooth and creamy. Spread this creamy filling down the center length of your pastry, creating a thick, luscious layer. Then, carefully spoon the cherry pie filling evenly on top — these sweet jewels will add bursts of color and flavor as the Danish bakes.

Step 4: Slicing and Braiding the Pastry Strips

With a sharp knife, make diagonal slices on each long side of the pastry, about every 1 cm, stopping just before the filling so the strips stay connected. Begin folding these strips over the filling by alternating sides — start from one end and work your way to the other. This weaving not only looks stunning but locks the filling in while baking, helping the Danish puff up beautifully.

Step 5: Finishing Touches Before Baking

Brush the entire surface generously with the whisked egg. This step creates an irresistible golden color and sheen. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly on top to add a toasty crunch and nutty aroma to your Danish.

Step 6: Baking Perfection

Place your Danish in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes until it’s puffed, golden brown, and sending delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes — this resting time lets everything set just right before adding the final glaze.

Step 7: The Sweet Almond Glaze

Mix together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle this lovely glaze over the cooled Danish to provide a glossy, sweet finish that enhances the flavors and looks absolutely gorgeous. Use a sharp knife to cut the Danish into 1-inch pieces, perfect for sharing and enjoying warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry Recipe

The image shows a pastry with three layers: a golden, flaky crust on the bottom, a bright red fruit filling in the middle, and a top layer of flaky crust with a drizzle of white glaze and sprinkled with sliced almonds. The pastry is placed on white parchment paper on a wooden board. One piece is cut and slightly separated, revealing the red filling inside. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with extra red fruit filling and a smaller white container with sliced almonds. The setting includes a green cloth and a white plate with a fork holding another piece of pastry, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or an extra scattering of toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch and a pretty finish. Fresh cherries or a few almond slivers on the side also make for a beautiful touch that’s sure to wow anyone you serve.

Side Dishes

This danish pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, a creamy latte, or even a fresh glass of cold milk. If serving as part of brunch, it complements scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad beautifully, providing that sweet counterpoint to savory dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve individual pieces on decorative plates with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone and a drizzle of warm cherry sauce. You can also arrange slices in a circular pattern on a large platter to create a stunning centerpiece at gatherings or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This ensures it stays fresh without losing its flaky texture or creamy filling.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen danish can last up to a month and still maintain its flavor when properly reheated.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, reheat the danish in a 350℉ oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that desirable crisp-to-soft texture. Microwaving is quicker but can make the pastry a bit soggy, so oven reheating is best for that fresh-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful alternative, but they should be pitted and lightly cooked with sugar to make a jammy filling that won’t make the pastry soggy.

Is almond extract necessary in this recipe?

While optional, almond extract adds a subtle, nutty aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile dramatically. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract can work as a substitute, though the almond flavor is truly special here.

Can this be made vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, use a dairy-free puff pastry, and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or aquafaba for brushing the pastry.

Why should I chill the cream cheese before spreading?

Softened cream cheese is easier to blend smoothly with sugar and extract, ensuring a silky filling texture. Just avoid using it straight from the fridge to prevent lumps.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Properly draining or cooking the cherry filling helps reduce excess moisture. Also, spreading the cream cheese layer first creates a barrier that keeps the pastry flaky instead of soggy.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got every detail to create this irresistible Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry Recipe, I hope you feel inspired to whip up this sweet masterpiece. It’s a truly satisfying recipe that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful everyday treat, once you experience the combination of tender puff pastry, creamy cheese, and vibrant cherry filling, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!