Whip Up a Dreamy Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Danish Recipe

Whipping up a delightful cream cheese cherry almond danish brings pure morning magic to your kitchen.

Sweet cherries nestle perfectly between layers of buttery pastry.

Delicate almonds add unexpected crunch and elegance to each bite.

Soft cream cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for fruity treasures.

Pastry lovers will adore this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Crisp edges and tender center promise a delectable experience.

You cannot resist the temptation of these irresistible danish delights.

The Charm of Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Danish

• Stress-Free Baking: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this Danish recipe requires minimal culinary expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like a gourmet bakery creation, ideal for brunches or surprise guests.
• Customizable Delight: Easily swap cherry filling with other fruit preserves or experiment with different nut toppings to match personal preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Breakfast and Dessert Hero: Versatile pastry that works brilliantly as a morning treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert for special occasions like family gatherings or weekend celebrations.

Ingredients to Prepare This Delight

• Puff Pastry: A delicate, flaky foundation that creates the light and airy structure of the danish.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy base for the creamy filling.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cream cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth and fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Offers a classic sweet flavor.
• Almond Extract: Enhances the nutty almond profile of the danish.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a burst of fruity sweetness and color.
• Sliced Almonds: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Egg: Helps create a golden, shiny exterior on the pastry.
• Water: Helps thin the egg wash for even coating.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the glaze flavor.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Danish

Step 1: Wake Up the Puff Pastry

Pull out puff pastry and let it chill at room temperature for half an hour. Fire up the oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Egg yolk

Whip everything together until the mixture looks cloud-like and smooth.

Step 3: Shape Your Pastry Canvas

Gently roll out the puff pastry to flatten any bumpy seams.

Slice the sheet into 6 even rectangles. Using a knife’s back, softly trace a border about a half-inch from the edges without cutting through.

Step 4: Create Your Danish Masterpiece

Dollop the creamy filling right in the center of each pastry piece. Leave a small border around the edges.

Spoon a generous splash of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.

Step 5: Add the Golden Touch

Whisk an egg with a splash of water to create a shiny wash.

Brush the pastry edges with this magical mixture. Sprinkle a handful of sliced almonds across the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the danishes into the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Let them cool down and catch their breath.

Step 7: Finish with a Sweet Drizzle

Mix powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract into a silky glaze.

Drizzle this heavenly sauce over the cooled pastries and get ready to enjoy!

Tips to Make It Even Better

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
• Score the pastry edges lightly and avoid overfilling to keep the base crisp and flaky during baking.
• Toast sliced almonds briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
• Add heavy cream gradually to powdered sugar to achieve the perfect drizzling thickness for an elegant finish.
• Replace cherry pie filling with fresh berries or other fruit preserves for a personalized touch and seasonal twist.

Flavor Twists to Try Out

• Blueberry Lavender Danish: Replace cherry pie filling with fresh blueberries and add a pinch of dried lavender to the cream cheese mixture for a floral, aromatic variation.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Danish: Swap almond extract with hazelnut extract, top with chocolate chips instead of almonds, and use Nutella alongside the cream cheese filling.
• Peach Ginger Danish: Substitute cherry filling with diced fresh peaches, add a small amount of ground ginger to the cream cheese mixture, and sprinkle candied ginger on top before baking.
• Apple Cinnamon Danish: Use diced apples instead of cherries, mix ground cinnamon into the cream cheese filling, and garnish with a cinnamon-sugar crumble before serving.

Foods That Pair Well With Danish

• Brew Rich Espresso Companions: Dark, robust espresso cuts through the Danish's sweetness, highlighting the creamy filling and complementing the almond's nutty undertones. Its bold intensity balances the delicate pastry's richness.
• Select Sweet Wine Harmony: Moscato d'Asti brings light, fruity notes that dance beautifully with the cherry filling. Its subtle effervescence and gentle sweetness enhance the Danish's delicate texture and cherry-almond profile.
• Create Morning Tea Elegance: Earl Grey tea offers bergamot's citrusy essence, which beautifully contrasts the Danish's creamy filling. Its subtle floral notes harmonize with the almond and cherry flavors, creating a sophisticated breakfast experience.

Storing Your Danish the Right Way

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Wrap individual danishes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality or taste.

Preheat oven to 325F. Place danishes on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent pastry from becoming soggy.

Reheat for 15-20 seconds on low power. Check temperature and texture to ensure the pastry remains crisp and filling stays creamy.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Danish pastry?

The key ingredients are puff pastry, cream cheese, cherry pie filling, sliced almonds, and a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and heavy cream.

• Can I use different fruit fillings?

Yes, you can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or apricot preserves to create variety in your Danish pastries.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make these Danishes?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly. As long as you follow the steps carefully and handle the puff pastry gently, you can successfully create these delicious pastries.

Cream Cheese Cherry Almond Danish Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade cream cheese cherry almond danish brings European bakery charm right into your kitchen, blending sweet cherries with creamy cheese and delicate pastry. Delightful layers of buttery dough and rich filling promise a breakfast treat that welcomes morning celebrations with delicious elegance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package puff pastry, thawed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for 30 minutes, ensuring it’s pliable but still cold. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Create a luscious filling by whisking cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg yolk until silky and light.
3. Gently unfold the pastry and smooth out any creases. Slice into 6 equal rectangles. Delicately trace a inner border using a knife’s back, without piercing through the dough.
4. Dollop the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry rectangle, maintaining a narrow margin around the edges. Crown each danish with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling.
5. Craft an egg wash by blending an egg with a touch of water. Meticulously brush the pastry edges, then scatter sliced almonds across the surface.
6. Transfer the danishes to a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pastries transform into a rich, golden brown.
7. Allow the danishes to cool completely. Whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract into a smooth glaze. Elegantly drizzle over the cooled pastries before serving.

Notes

• Let puff pastry sit at room temperature for exactly 30 minutes to ensure it’s pliable without becoming too soft.
• Whip filling ingredients at room temperature for a silky, lump-free mixture that spreads beautifully.
• Use a light touch when scoring pastry, creating a delicate border that helps the edges rise and creates a stunning presentation.
• Swap sliced almonds with chopped pistachios or toasted coconut for a unique twist on the classic danish.
• Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 316 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 114 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg