Cherry Danish pastries are flaky, buttery pastries filled with a luscious cherry filling and topped with a sweet glaze. Made with either homemade or store-bought puff pastry, these delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Their golden, crisp layers combined with the tart sweetness of cherries make them an irresistible indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and Buttery Texture – Made with puff pastry for a light, crisp bite.
- Sweet and Tart Cherry Filling – A perfect balance of flavors.
- Easy to Make – Can be made with store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Elegant and Impressive – Looks bakery-worthy but is simple to prepare.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pastry:
- Puff pastry sheets (homemade or store-bought)
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
For the Cherry Filling:
- Fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
For the Glaze (Optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Cherry Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Simmer until the cherries release their juices and soften.
- Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water, then stir into the cherry mixture.
- Cook until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let the filling cool completely before using.
2. Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares or circles.
- Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of each pastry.
3. Shape the Pastries
- Fold or twist the pastry into your desired shape (turnovers, pinwheels, or braids).
- Brush the edges with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.
4. Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool on a wire rack before glazing.
5. Add the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled pastries before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 pastries
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Cream Cheese Cherry Danish – Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese under the cherry filling.
- Almond Cherry Danish – Add almond extract to the cherry filling and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Chocolate Cherry Danish – Add chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Lattice-Style Pastries – Cut strips in the pastry dough and braid over the filling for a decorative touch.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free puff pastry.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries and bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling?
Yes, but homemade filling provides better flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the cherry filling is cooled before placing it on the dough, and avoid overfilling.
Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pastries and refrigerate them overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
What’s the best way to seal the edges?
Use a fork to press the edges or fold and crimp them for a decorative finish.
Can I use fresh instead of frozen cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries work great, but make sure to pit them first.
Do I need to thaw frozen puff pastry before using?
Yes, let it thaw according to package instructions, usually 30–40 minutes.
Can I make mini cherry Danishes?
Yes, cut the pastry into smaller pieces and adjust the baking time accordingly.
What’s the best way to get a glossy finish?
Brushing the pastries with egg wash before baking creates a golden, shiny finish.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, use dairy-free puff pastry and almond or oat milk in the glaze.
Do I have to use a glaze?
No, the pastries are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness.
Conclusion
Cherry Danish pastries are a delicious, bakery-style treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With a flaky crust, sweet cherry filling, and optional glaze, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, they’re sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and texture.
Print
These Cherry Danish Pastries are made with flaky, buttery puff pastry, filled with sweet cream cheese and cherry filling, and baked to golden perfection. A delightful breakfast or dessert treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup cherries (fresh or canned, pitted)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry filling: In a saucepan, cook cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over medium heat until thickened. Let cool.
- Make the cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the pastry: Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares or heart shapes. Place on a baking sheet.
- Assemble the pastries: Spread a small amount of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry, add a spoonful of cherry filling, and fold or shape as desired.
- Brush & bake: Mix the egg with water and brush over the pastry edges. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use store-bought cherry pie filling for a quicker version.
- Add a drizzle of icing for extra sweetness.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist!