As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a quaint café in Copenhagen. These delightful pastries are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors and textures that bring joy to any gathering. The flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry envelop a rich, creamy filling, topped with sweet, tart cherries that burst with flavor. Each bite is a reminder of the warmth of family gatherings and the simple pleasures of life. Join me as we explore how to create these irresistible Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries in your own home!
What is Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries?
Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries are a delightful treat that originated in Denmark, where baking is an art form. These pastries are made from flaky puff pastry, which is layered and rolled to create a light, airy texture. The creamy filling, made from softened cream cheese and sweetened with powdered sugar, pairs perfectly with the tartness of cherry pie filling. This combination not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also showcases the global influence of Danish baking traditions, making it a beloved dessert in many cultures.
Why You’ll Love This Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries
- **Convenience**: Quick to prepare with store-bought puff pastry, perfect for busy schedules.
- **Taste**: A harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and tart flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- **Health Benefits**: Offers a delightful treat without excessive sugar, especially with easy substitutions.
- **Family Appeal**: A fun baking project that kids can help with, making it a great family activity.
Who It’s For
This recipe is ideal for busy families looking for a quick dessert, health-conscious cooks who want to indulge without guilt, and food lovers eager to explore globally inspired flavors. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, these pastries are approachable and rewarding.
When to Cook It
Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries are perfect for various occasions, including weeknight dinners when you want to impress your family, celebrations like birthdays or holidays, and casual gatherings with friends. They also make a delightful addition to brunch spreads or coffee breaks, bringing a touch of elegance to any moment.
- **1 package of puff pastry (thawed)**: This is the base of your pastries, providing that flaky texture.
- **8 oz cream cheese (softened)**: Adds a rich, creamy filling that balances the sweetness.
- **1/2 cup powdered sugar**: Sweetens the cream cheese; adjust to taste for desired sweetness.
- **1 tsp vanilla extract**: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
- **1 cup cherry pie filling**: Provides a burst of tartness; can be swapped with other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry.
- **1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)**: Gives the pastries a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pastries bake evenly and become golden brown.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut it into squares, about 4×4 inches, to create the base for your pastries.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
- Assemble the pastries: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Top it with a spoonful of cherry pie filling, allowing the vibrant red cherries to peek through.
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares towards the center and pinch to seal, creating a lovely pocket for the filling.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg, giving them a shiny finish that will make them irresistible.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. The smell of baking pastries will fill your home, making it hard to wait!
- Let cool before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making each bite a delightful experience.
- **Stevia**: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
- **Monk fruit**: Another great alternative that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
- **Allulose**: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but has minimal impact on blood glucose.
It’s best to avoid honey or maple syrup, as they can spike blood sugar levels despite being natural sweeteners.
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Pastry brush
- **Use Cold Ingredients**: Renowned pastry chefs emphasize the importance of using cold cream cheese and puff pastry. This helps achieve that flaky texture we all love.
- **Don’t Overfill**: Chef Julia Child once advised to avoid overfilling pastries. A little filling goes a long way, ensuring they bake evenly and don’t burst open.
- **Chill Before Baking**: Many chefs recommend chilling the assembled pastries for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and enhances the flakiness.
- **Experiment with Flavors**: Celebrity chef Ina Garten suggests trying different fruit fillings or adding spices like cinnamon to the cream cheese for a unique twist.
- **Brush with Egg Wash**: For that perfect golden finish, don’t skip the egg wash! Chef Thomas Keller swears by it for a beautiful sheen on baked goods.
- **Refrigeration**: Store leftover Danish pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- **Freezing**: For longer storage, freeze the pastries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- **Reheating**: To reheat, place pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
- **Microwave Option**: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave a pastry for 15-20 seconds, but this may result in a softer texture.
- **Avoid Refrigerating Before Baking**: If you plan to freeze unbaked pastries, do so before applying the egg wash to ensure the best texture when baked later.
- **Using Warm Ingredients**: Warm cream cheese or puff pastry can lead to a soggy texture. Always use cold ingredients for the best results.
- **Overfilling the Pastries**: Adding too much filling can cause the pastries to burst during baking. Stick to a spoonful of each filling for perfect pastries.
- **Skipping the Egg Wash**: Not brushing the tops with egg wash can result in pale pastries. The egg wash gives them a beautiful golden color and shine.
- **Not Preheating the Oven**: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking and a crispy finish.
- **Ignoring Cooling Time**: Cutting into the pastries too soon can make the filling ooze out. Allow them to cool slightly for the best texture and presentation.
Q: Can I use different fruit fillings for Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries?
Yes, you can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even apple for a delicious twist.
Q: Are Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients, making it a great option for vegetarians.
Q: Can I make Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries ahead of time?
It depends on how you plan to store them. You can prepare the pastries and freeze them unbaked, then bake them fresh when ready to serve.
Q: Do Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries need to be refrigerated?
No, they can be stored at room temperature for a day, but for longer freshness, it’s best to refrigerate them in an airtight container.
Q: Is it possible to make Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry as a substitute to make these pastries gluten-free while still enjoying the same delicious flavors.
Creating Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries is not just about baking; it’s about sharing joy and deliciousness with loved ones. I hope you find as much pleasure in making and enjoying these pastries as I do. If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me on social media. Happy baking!
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Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Danish pastries filled with creamy cheese and topped with cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into squares.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares towards the center and pinch to seal.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter pastry, adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste.
- Can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries