Description
Delightful Cherry Cheese Danish featuring a creamy cheese filling topped with vibrant cherry pie filling, all encased in flaky, golden puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat.
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
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (1 box), thawed
- Flour (for dusting)
Topping and Finishing
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (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. Mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly dust a work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth the edges. Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares, totaling 18 squares.
- Assemble the Danishes: Place puff pastry squares on prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly. Press the center of each square slightly to create an indentation for the filling. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into each center, then top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.
- Add the Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each danish with the beaten egg and water mixture to ensure a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake the Danishes: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is risen and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- For best results, keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use to ensure flakiness.
- Almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut puff pastry squares for clean edges.
- Allow danishes to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set.
- These danishes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
