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 breakfast or dessert table. The flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry envelop a luscious cream cheese filling, topped with sweet, tangy cherries. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, making Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries a favorite in my home. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, they are sure to create sweet memories.
What is Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries?
Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries are a delightful treat that hails from 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 filling, a creamy blend of softened cream cheese and sweet cherry pie filling, adds a rich and tangy contrast to the buttery pastry. This combination not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also showcases the global influence of Danish baking traditions, making it a beloved choice for breakfast or dessert around the world.
Why You’ll Love This Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries
- **Convenient**: Quick to prepare with store-bought puff pastry, perfect for busy mornings.
- **Delicious Taste**: The sweet and tangy filling pairs beautifully with the flaky pastry.
- **Family-Friendly**: A hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings.
- **Versatile**: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert.
Who It’s For
This recipe is perfect for busy families looking for a quick yet impressive treat, health-conscious cooks who appreciate the balance of flavors, and food lovers eager to explore globally inspired recipes. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, these pastries will delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones.
When to Cook It
Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries are versatile enough for any occasion. They make a wonderful addition to weekend brunches, festive celebrations, or even as a sweet surprise for a weeknight dinner. Serve them warm for breakfast or as a delightful dessert after a family meal, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed) – provides the flaky base; can substitute with homemade pastry if desired.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – creates a rich, creamy filling; use ricotta for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – sweetens the cream cheese; can replace with erythritol for a low-sugar version.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds depth of flavor; almond extract can be used for a different twist.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling – offers a sweet and tangy topping; fresh or frozen cherries can be used instead.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash) – gives a golden finish; can substitute with a plant-based milk for a vegan option.
- 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 lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch, then cut it into 3-inch squares.
- Prepare the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the pastries by placing a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Add the cherry filling on top of the cream cheese, ensuring not to overfill to prevent spills.
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares towards the center and pinch to seal them tightly, creating a little pocket.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stevia – a natural sweetener with zero calories; use sparingly as it is much sweeter than sugar.
- Monk fruit – another natural option that has no calories and a similar sweetness to sugar.
- Allulose – a low-calorie sugar that behaves like sugar in recipes; great for baking.
- Note: Avoid using honey or maple syrup as they can spike blood sugar levels significantly.
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- Spatula
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé emphasizes the importance of using cold ingredients, especially butter, to achieve the flakiest puff pastry.
- Don’t Overfill: Chef Ina Garten advises to avoid overfilling your pastries. A little filling goes a long way, ensuring they bake evenly without spilling.
- Use a Silpat or Parchment Paper: Baking expert Julia Child recommends lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Experiment with Flavors: Pastry chef Dominique Ansel encourages creativity. Try adding lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a unique twist.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Chef Thomas Keller suggests brushing the pastries with egg wash before baking for a beautiful, glossy finish that enhances presentation.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Danish pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag 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: For a quick option, microwave for 15-20 seconds, but note that this may result in a softer texture.
- Serving Warm: Enjoy pastries warm for the best flavor and texture; they taste best fresh out of the oven!
- Not Thawing Puff Pastry Properly: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling it out. If it’s too cold, it won’t roll out smoothly, leading to uneven pastries.
- Overfilling the Pastries: Avoid adding too much filling, as this can cause the pastries to burst open while baking. A spoonful of each filling is usually sufficient.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: Brushing the tops with egg wash is essential for achieving that golden, glossy finish. Skipping this step can result in pale pastries.
- Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Baking at too low a temperature can lead to soggy pastries.
- Not Letting Them Cool: Allow your pastries to cool slightly before serving. This helps the filling set and enhances the overall flavor experience.
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling for Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and slice them, then mix with a bit of sugar to enhance their sweetness.
Q: Are Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries suitable for freezing?
Yes, these pastries can be frozen before baking. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Q: Can I make Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries ahead of time?
It depends. You can prepare the filling and assemble the pastries in advance, then bake them fresh when ready to serve.
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.
Q: Do Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries need to be served warm?
Yes, serving them warm enhances the flavors and texture, making them even more delightful!
In conclusion, Danish pastries with cream cheese and cherries are a delightful treat that can elevate any meal or occasion. Their flaky texture and sweet filling make them irresistible, and I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts in the comments below or share it with your friends and family. Happy baking!
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Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Danish pastries filled with cream cheese and cherries, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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 lightly 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.
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Notes
- For a sweeter filling, adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste.
- These pastries can be frozen before baking for later use.
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- 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