Prepare to elevate your breakfast or brunch experience with our delectable recipe for Cherry Cheese Danish. Made with flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry pie topping, this delightful pastry is sure to become a favorite in your household. Join us as we explore the steps to creating this mouthwatering treat and add a touch of elegance to your morning routine.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄4 cup sugar (organic cane sugar recommended)
- 1 egg yolk from a local farm
- 1 tbsp ricotta cheese (part-skim)
- 1⁄2 tsp almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Zest from 1⁄2 lemon (organic preferred)
- 1 can cherry pie filling (such as Oregon Fruit)
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water for egg wash
- Flour for dusting (whole wheat flour can be used)
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual pastry hearts.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, ricotta cheese, almond extract, sea salt, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Danish: Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each pastry heart. Spread it slightly, leaving a border around the edges.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon cherry pie filling over the cheese filling on each pastry heart, avoiding the edges.
- Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the edges of each pastry heart inward, creating a border around the filling. Press gently to seal the edges.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry heart with the egg wash.
- Bake: Transfer the assembled pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Cherry Cheese Danish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar or additional lemon zest if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fruit Variation: Experiment with different fruit fillings such as blueberry, raspberry, or peach for variety.
- Glaze: Drizzle the pastries with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought? Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry if preferred. Ensure that it is rolled out to a similar thickness and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the Cherry Cheese Danish ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply bake them as directed when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze the pastries? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastries for later use. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
For a keto or low-carb version of Cherry Cheese Danish, use a keto-friendly pastry dough made with almond flour and cream cheese. Sweeten the cheese filling with a keto-approved sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Replace the cherry pie filling with a sugar-free fruit topping or fresh berries.
Cherry Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of cherries, and the flakiness of puff pastry into one irresistible treat. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these heart-shaped pastries are sure to bring joy to any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate the bakery experience right in your own kitchen. So why wait? Treat yourself to the sweet indulgence of Cherry Cheese Danish today and savor every delicious bite!
