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Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry Recipe

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3.8 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

This Cream Cheese Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry is a delightful dessert perfect for breakfast or brunch. Featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and juicy cherry pie filling, topped with a simple almond glaze and sliced almonds for crunch. The braided design of the pastry adds an elegant touch, baking to a golden brown finish that’s irresistible.

Ingredients

Pastry and Filling

  • 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

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400℉ and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry slightly to form more of a rectangular shape instead of a square, then transfer it carefully onto the prepared sheet pan.
  3. Cut Pastry Strips: Cut two small triangles out of one short end of the pastry, leaving a 3-inch section in the middle and two 1-inch sections on each end. On the opposite short end, cut off the corners to mirror the center of the other side, creating a braided effect when folded.
  4. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly down the center length of the pastry.
  5. Add Cherry Filling: Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly.
  6. Cut Side Strips: Starting on one long side of the pastry, make slightly diagonal cuts about 1cm apart, cutting almost to the filling but not through it. Repeat on the other long side, creating strips for folding.
  7. Braid Pastry: Fold the bottom strip over the filling, then fold the opposite side’s strip over it. Continue alternating folding strips from each side up the length of the pastry to create a braided pattern.
  8. Egg Wash and Almonds: Brush the entire braided pastry with the whisked egg to give a glossy finish, then sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Once done, remove and let it cool on the pan for 15 minutes.
  10. Prepare Glaze: While cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
  11. Glaze Danish: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastry evenly for a delicious finishing touch.
  12. Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the Danish into 1-inch pieces and serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and smooth texture.
  • If puff pastry is frozen, thaw it according to package instructions before use.
  • Adjust baking time based on your oven; watch for a golden brown puffed crust.
  • This Danish can be made ahead of time and glazed just before serving for best texture.
  • Use cold milk for the glaze to control consistency and ensure smooth pouring.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/cream-cheese-cherry-danish-with-puff-pastry-recipe/