Introduction: Elevate your breakfast or brunch experience with the delightful sweetness of Cherry Cream Cheese Danish. This pastry masterpiece combines flaky layers of buttery dough with a luscious cream cheese filling and vibrant cherry topping, creating a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee as you start your day or served as an elegant addition to a brunch spread, Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and inviting aroma. So let’s embark on a journey to pastry perfection and learn how to create this mouthwatering indulgence right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Danish Pastry Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Begin by making the Danish pastry dough. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the sour cream until the dough starts to come together. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water as needed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the rolled-out dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference for the size of your pastries.
- Place a dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling, pressing gently to seal the edges and form a pouch.
- Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- While the pastries are baking, prepare the cherry topping. In a small saucepan, heat the cherry pie filling over medium heat. If desired, you can thicken the filling by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Once the pastries are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Spoon the cherry topping over the cooled pastries, spreading it out evenly.
- Serve the Cherry Cream Cheese Danish warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping with every bite!
Conclusion: With its flaky layers of pastry, creamy cheese filling, and vibrant cherry topping, Cherry Cream Cheese Danish is a breakfast or brunch treat that’s sure to impress. Whether served as a special occasion indulgence or enjoyed as a delightful morning pick-me-up, these pastries are bound to brighten your day with their irresistible flavors and inviting aroma. So why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to the deliciousness of homemade Cherry Cream Cheese Danish today!
