Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries

Name: Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 115 grams cream cheese, softened (4 ounces); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 140 grams frozen cherries (thawed and drained, 1 cup); 1 egg (beaten (for egg wash)); 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for garnish)

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Author:

Tina Bevk

These flaky and buttery Danish pastries are filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and juicy cherries, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and easy, so you can enjoy bakery-style pastries at home in no time!

A sliced piece of pastry on a plate, showing its flaky layers with a creamy and fruity filling.

Golden-brown cherry cream cheese pastries cooling on a tray, dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients

Pastry Base:

Puff pastry sheet – Buttery, flaky layers for the perfect Danish.
Egg (beaten) – Adds a golden shine to the pastry.

Filling:

Cream cheese (softened) – Creates a smooth, creamy filling.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
Frozen cherries (thawed & drained) – Adds a juicy, tart contrast to the creamy filling.

Garnish:

Powdered sugar – A light dusting adds a beautiful finishing touch.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries

Cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract mixed in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Dough on a floured surface with three square cuts, on a wooden board.

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to even out the edges. Cut into 8 equal squares. Set aside the remaining puff pastry to create decorative leaves if you're feeling fancy.

Dough on a floured surface with three square cuts, topped with cream cheese, on a wooden board.

Spoon a portion of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square.

Dough on a floured surface with three square cuts, topped with cream cheese and berries, on a wooden board.

Top each with a few cherries.

Fold the corners of the pastry towards the center, slightly overlapping, to form a pinwheel or diamond shape. Gently press to seal. Alternatively, you can shape leaves from the extra pastry and place them on each piece.

Folded pastry edges on a plate, with a brush and a bowl of egg mixture beside it.

Brush the beaten egg over the edges of the pastry for a golden finish.

Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.

Let them cool for 5 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Serve and enjoy!

Hint: If you're short on time, you can skip the egg wash and still get a golden pastry—just bake a couple of minutes longer!

Substitutions & Variations

Fruit Swap – Use raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries instead of cherries.
Jam Filling – Instead of fresh fruit, try fruit preserves or jam.
Chocolate Version – Add a few chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese.
Almond Flavor – Mix in ½ teaspoon almond extract for a subtle nutty taste.
Nut Topping – Sprinkle sliced almonds over the pastries before baking for extra crunch.

💭Crucial Success Tips

Keep the puff pastry cold – If the pastry warms up too much, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to keep it flaky.

FAQ

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Yes! Just pit and halve fresh cherries, then toss them with 1 teaspoon sugar before using.

Can I make these pastries ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.

What’s the best way to reheat these pastries?

For best results, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.